Features

AAPRC Weekly: Nekesa Moody

Nekesa Mumbi Moody
Music Writer
Associated Press
NYC


Whether it's an exposé on Britney Spears' latest antics, an interview with Prince, or a feature on trends in rap music, if it's about music and if you read it from The Associated Press wire service, Nekesa has probably had a hand in it. In her position on the AP's national desk, Moody directs music coverage and writes everything from major features to reviews to breaking news to industry trend stories. Her days usually include conversations with the biggest names in music––among them Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, 50 Cent, Norah Jones, D'Angelo, Willie Nelson, Barbra Streisand and Linkin Park.

"I love music. It's a lot of fun, and it's always different," says Moody.

A New York native and a graduate of Barnard College, Moody started as an intern at the AP's Albany bureau in 1992. She was hired as a permanent staffer later that year. During her six years at the state capitol, Moody covered the legislature and sports; she served as night broadcast editor, day supervisor and general reporter. She also started contributing
features and CD reviews to the AP's entertainment report––an interview with Brandy was her first major story.

In 1998 she was promoted to the national desk in New York City where, as an editor, she shaped stories from around the country for the national wire. She continued writing for the entertainment report, adding movie reviews to her repertoire, and carefully negotiated the AP's competitive landscape.

"There was a lot waiting for the right opportunity, the right moment," says Moody. "People who are in these positions are in them for a long time. The person before me had this job for 40 years. It was hard for me to break in and a lot of times I was wondering well, is this going to happen?"

In 2000, after a lot of patience, Moody was named music writer.

"I think every year I'm in the business more and more people know me, there's more people I can reach out to," says Moody. "I want to delve more into the business side and show how something affects our lives."

Moody's work has earned her recognition from all corners. In 2003, she won a USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Fellowship, which gave a select group of arts journalists across the country a chance to explore the arts culture of Los Angeles. She's was also recognized that same year by the New York Association of Black Journalists for her article "Big Pimpin'," about the allure of pimps in rap culture.

As an entertainment writer Moody, of course, sees her share of A-list parties, but the these days, that thrill is gone. The Brooklynite spends her off-hours at home with her boyfriend and two dogs or visiting her family who lives in Albany. "I think when I first got this job I would go to a lot of parties, a lot of premieres," Moody recalls. "But now, it's like, you see the same people. It's work now. You get tired."

What does a typical day look like for you?

I have no typical day! Every day is pretty different. For example, on Mondays, part of my responsibilities includes editing our music review column, which feature the week's key albums. Or I may be writing a feature. Today, I was finishing up two features: Avril Lavigne and Ludacris. Last week, I interviewed Avril Lavigne and Lenny Kravitz on the same day. Some days I'm doing phoners. It all depends. It makes it interesting.

One would assume that as a music writer you're also a music lover. Who are your musical heroes?

I am a music lover. I don't have any heroes, but I definitely have people whose music I love. I am a complete Jacksonphile, I love Prince's music, I think R. Kelly--musically speaking--is an amazing artist. Being a music writer, I get exposed to a lot of different music as well. I love Fela, enjoy Aimee Mann, Dolly Parton--anyone who's truly great. Right now I'm listening to a Roy Ayers CD, Hil. St. Soul, and Usher's latest.

Are there any artists you haven't had the chance to interview who are on your "must do" list?

Of course there are icons--Michael Jackson and Madonna--who I'd love to talk to. R. Kelly would be a great "get" now. I just interviewed Prince--it was a great interview, and he was very warm and insightful. But I've talked to so many people that there's very few that I haven't talked to.

Are there any artists or trends in music that you feel deserve more attention?

I really think more articles need to focus on the effect music is having on our youth. I think there is a direct correlation between the way we treat each other and the images coming out of our speakers into our homes. I like to listen to freaky-deaky songs as much as anyone--but I don't have any kids who would be repeating those lyrics. As far as artists, I think Dead Prez deserves more attention, along with the Roots, and a lot of African stars and reggae artists.

The demand for celebrity news is increasing exponentially, and with the rise of the Internet and cable there is always room for more content. As a journalist who writes about the entertainment industry, how does this trend impact you?

Being that I write for AP, my stories go not only to thousands of newspapers, but are on the Internet almost instantly. Members are demanding even more music copy, and being the only official music writer (though I do get help from other AP writers and occasionally freelancers), I feel as if I'm doing even more.

One imagines your position calls for a lot of interaction with publicists. For ou, what are the elements of a successful encounter with publicity staffers? What are your pet peeves?

I'm pretty friendly with publicists (and count two as very dear friends)! I try and be as honest and cordial as possible, and treat them all with respect--after all, the artist who may be nothing today might be Beyonce tomorrow, or you might need to go to them for a trend story. And why be rude anyway? I get a lot of phone calls, and I prefer people to email me the key details--what they're looking for, and I'm pretty honest about whether I can meet their requests. My pet peeves are publicists who are not honest with you about what they can deliver, but I find most are pretty fair. My worst peeve is when people leave me long pitches via voicemail, and, obviously, when they out and out lie. I also prefer to do interviews with a subject alone.

Before becoming a music writer, you covered sports and politics for AP, what motivated you to make the transition?

I've always loved music--I was reading Billboard when I was a kid and following other forms of entertainment as well. I got into music at the AP because I felt urban music was really taking over at the time and we rarely covered these artists--I felt I was filling a void. And I enjoy it tremendously. But if I didn't follow that path, it might have been sports. I can't play whatsoever, but follow just about every sport--except NASCAR and golf!

Do you have a journalistic idol? Is there anyone after whom you model yourself?

I don't have a journalistic idol, but I certainly admire a lot of my peers.

In terms of your career, what are you most proud of?

I'm proud that I've been able to shine a light on a lot of diverse artists that might not have gotten attention otherwise, and I'm proud that as a young black woman, I have a big role in music media and I'm not relegated to doing the "black story"--people call me whether it's Eric Clapton or Prince or Beyonce or even Dolly Parton. I love that variety and I feel privileged to have that opportunity.

Tell us one thing people might be surprised to know about you.

I love Barry Manilow and Air Supply––have I lost all credibility now???

Message Nekesa Mumbi Moody and the AAPRC and tell them what you think


AAPRC's Mission
The African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC) is an assemblage of professionals who provide communication conduits among clients, journalists, media and our communities. We come together as a collective because we recognize the importance of building those same conduits amongst ourselves.

A great deal of what we do is professional development––updating our skills, keeping pace with technology, refining and streamlining processes, providing a forum to tackle the issues that impact our work environment––but we believe our professional lives benefit most from the forging of effective alliances. Connected to one another, we possess the power of a nationwide body of committed, knowledgeable practitioners with an eye on the future.

As we move into the 21st century at lightning speed, mass media and its potent messages occupy an ever-larger part of our daily lives and our collective psyche. The AAPRC is focused on helping our members gain a deeper understanding of media's force and supporting their growth as powerful participants in the global communications network.

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