Recently we had the beautiful experience to chat with actress and singer, Miriam Nyarko, about her aspirations and her singing and acting career.
For those of people who don’t know who you are, could you please explain a bit about yourself?
My name is Miriam Nyarko and I am an 18 year old singer/songwriter, actress & dancer form London. I started performing professionally at the age of 10 years old when I booked my first job in the west end as Young Nala in The Lion King. Since then I continued in musical theatre starring in three more west end productions and even though I love theatre, at the moment I’m know for my role as “Miri” in CBBC’s Almost Never.
So we know that you have a career in performing arts such as acting, singing and dancing, which is amazing, but first, let’s talk about your acting career. When did you realise you wanted to become an actress?
Acting has always been a big part of me but not as big as singing and dancing. It wasn’t until I started getting older, doing workshops and booking “Almost Never” my passion for acting grew. I realised how strong my love for acting was especially when I did ‘Our Town’ at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Being around such inspiring and successful actors 24/7 inspired me to do more than just perform on stage but also pursue a career in TV & film.
So you have starred in one of our favourite TV Shows ‘Almost Never‘ and many other musicals, what was your experience like in Almost Never?
Almost Never will always be a massive part of my growth, in my career but also my day to day life. Working on set means I learn something new everyday and I love seeing the outcome on screen knowing how hard we work behind the scene.
Was there any highlights about the filming you enjoyed?
Most my highlights are from spending time off set with the cast a crew. We’re such a big family and the atmosphere is irreplaceable. If I were to mention a highlight from the show I’d have to pick filming the music for “Only Come Out At Night” by GHF.
Was this your first big TV role or was there any other big opportunities like this that you had done in the past before the TV show?
My TV debut was performing on Blue Peter in 2016 with the cast of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. My next TV appearance was The Voice Kids, however Almost Never is the first huge TV appearance I’ve made.
When acting in Almost Never, would you say you relate to your character Miriam or no?
I always get asked this question and I always give the same answer. Since my character “Miri” is younger than me in real life, in the show I’d find a few things funnier than they actually are so I guess that’s one difference. She’s also away with fairies more often than not and I’m a bit more focused than she is which is why she’s so much fun to play! We are similar in the sense that we both giggle a lot and I say a few random things from time to time.
Now moving onto singing and performing arts, you were incredible at singing in Almost Never, was this something you were always passionate about or did singing spring upon you when you first joined the CBBC show?
Singing has always been apart of my life. Singing was the thing to even get me into the performing arts. I started singing at the age of 4 in church and then started getting singing lessons when I turned 7. Soon after I started joining performing arts clubs and Saturday schools, gaining experience in acting and dancing also.
When did you become interesting in singing?
There was no set time when singing and music just clicked it’s all I’ve known and all I can remember. I’ve been in a musical environment since I was born so I guess it was just part of me.
Is there any artists who influence your music today?
So many artists influence me it’s hard to pick just a few. But my top favourites have to be; Tori Kelly, H.E.R., Etta James, Nina Simone, John Legend, Daniel Caesar and so many more.
We have noticed that you post a lot of singing covers on Instagram which is beautiful and you even have released your single called ‘Step By Step‘, how did this opportunity come about?
I’ve been planning to release music for a long time now but just never had the chance. I have so many songs recorded and step by step was one of my favourites so I thought why not start the year in a high. Hopefully I’ll be releasing more music soon so keep a look out!
What was the experience like releasing your very own music?
It was an amazing feeling. It felt like all my hard work had finally paid off and although it was the end of preparing step by step, it was the beginning of me as an artist.
Did you write the music yourself?
Yes, Step By Step is an original! The music was produced by my friend Anthony Trueman he’s so amazing and I hope I get to work with him again.
What was the process like in writing ‘Step By Step‘?
I was feeling really inspired after workshopping a film for Netflix. Being around everyone at lunch as they spoke about our industry and how much we go through and how life goes so quickly you just have to take it ‘Step By Step’. I sat in my bedroom and began to write.
Are you planning to write more songs to release out there?
Yes. So much goes into recording and I’m a VERY indecisive person but also a perfectionist so it can take a lot to release music but hopefully a new release is just around the corner.
Speaking of music and society, how was the lockdown and being stuck indoors for you? Was this a great time to work on your music and did you feel more motivated or less motivated during the coronavirus pandemic?
I had so many different emotions during lockdown. At the beginning I was feeling really motivated, I wrote an EP and didn’t want to waste any of my time perfecting my craft . However as time went on, life felt like it was slowing down and I had no motivation. It was hard getting myself back up but I did it and ending up writing another EP and learning guitar!
We believe you also are 18 years old, so you must be a college student? Did being in the lockdown affect how you studied and did you receive any results on your education? It was a very stressful time for students so we would love to hear how you coped during it.
I am 18 years old so life at the moment is just auditioning and creating music, networking etc.
Now with performing arts, you have been in various musicals, could you list what musicals you have been in? And was there any highlights during any of your musical’s that you loved?
The west End Musicals I’ve been in are: The Lion King, Matilda, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and The Boy In The Dress. I know I’ve said this before but the cast you meet become your family and they create all my highlights. I love the thrill of running on stage for a bow or getting ready to sing a solo!
What was the experience like to star in some of the biggest musicals?
Starring in these Musicals made me the person I am today and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve learnt so much in every show and every performance.
Young performers like yourself, can sometimes feel anxious when performing, so what would you say to those who are trying to cope with the negative feelings they get about when performing?
Coping with nerves is hard and even though I’ve been in many situations where I’ve had to handle my nerves they never completely disappear. But you do find a way to use them to fuel your performance. I find focusing on what brings me peace helps and knowing that as long I try my best that’s all that matters.
Out of all the musicals you have been in, do you have any favourites and if so why?
I can’t chose my favourite musical, they are all so special in their own way!
Now we have got to know, will there be a season 3 of Almost Never and if there is could you possibly give us any hints as to what will happen in season 3?
Yes there will be a season three of Almost Never. No spoilers aloud!
Finally what advice would you give to people who want to enter the career of music, acting or singing?
Always love what you do. Passion makes working towards your goal so much more rewarding but also gives you a drive and determination no one can knock down. Take every opportunity that comes and know that what is meant for you will always be for you.
Thank you Miriam Nyarko for having a lovely interview with us, we enjoyed speaking to you, and we cannot wait until you deliver more music to us very soon!
Why not follow Miriam on Instagram and Twitter? Also why not check out her music on Spotify and YouTube?