Nina Hagen

Nina Hagen, hailed by the British music magazine Melody Maker as "Germany's most important contribution to pop culture since Brecht," is a multifaceted artist known for her musical talent and spiritual journey.

Born in 1955 in East Berlin, she completed her vocal training with distinction and achieved early success in the GDR with hits like "Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen." In 1976, she followed her stepfather Wolf Biermann to the West, where she formed the Nina Hagen Band. With her unique voice and stunning stage presence, she became a major success, oscillating between punk and provocation, establishing herself as the most flamboyant pop star in Germany and a rock singer of international repute.

Hagen is an enigmatic personality, often described as a punk icon, a provocative vamp and a societal rebel. Growing up in an atheist environment, she encountered God early on, finding him both forbidden and fascinating.

Her album Personal Jesus reflects this spiritual devotion, featuring a mix of rock, gospel, and traditional songs. Nina’s unique voice and authentic style shine through in tracks like the bluesy "Nobody's Fault But Mine" and the rock-infused cover of Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus," which became the album's lead single. Her smoky voice brings a distinct Hagen touch to the song, making it clear that she lives and loves this music.

She also tackles political themes in "All You Fascists Bound to Lose," a song based on Woody Guthrie's unpublished lyrics, set to music by Billy Bragg for his album Mermaid Avenue. This blend of past and present elements gives the album a timeless feel.