Global four-member girl group BLACKSWAN is known not only for their fierce stage presence and multicultural identity, but also for their heartfelt connection with fans. As one of the only K-pop groups with members of entirely different nationalities, BLACKSWAN consists of Senegalese-Belgian leader Fatou, American member NVee, Brazilian-German member Gabi, and Indian member Sriya.
Their diverse backgrounds are reflected not just in their image but also in their music and inspirations. Almost a year after their mini-album ‘Roll Up’, BLACKSWAN made a vibrant return on May 21 with their single album ‘I Like It Hot’. In an exclusive conversation with Namaste Hallyu, the members opened up about the little things that keep them going, from music and movies to fans, and of course, each other.
Reflecting the group’s global outlook, ‘I Like It Hot’ was shot in various picturesque locations across Dubai, including a yacht and the desert. With its bold visuals and high-energy sound, the track feels like it could easily fit into a Bollywood movie or a K-drama soundtrack, an idea the members themselves fully support. Sriya shared, “The Bollywood movie called ‘Batla House’. This song will fit into that movie well.” Fatou made a K-drama connection, linking it to ‘Descendants of the Sun’, known in Korean as ‘Taeyangeui Huye’, explaining, “Because Taeyang means sun, so I’m thinking sun—‘I Like It Hot’.”
Clearly, the members draw inspiration from different genres and sources, but it all ties back to the fiery essence of the track, a reflection of their own drive and passion as artists.
That same passion, however, is not without its challenges. Making music in an industry as rigorous as K-pop demands constant effort, resilience, and emotional strength. Staying motivated under such intense circumstances, let alone living in the spotlight, can be tough, and it’s something the members are candid about. Fortunately, they lean on each other for support, encouraging one another in both small, everyday moments and bigger, more difficult ones.
That support often comes through in the simplest yet most meaningful ways. For Fatou, it’s about motivating herself and her members with a simple reminder, “We can do it.” NVee agrees, adding that their support depends on each person’s needs. “Same thing as what Fatou said. Depending on the person… if someone needs a little more confidence or support, then a little more active motivation—but it depends on the member,” she shared.
Gabi added her own perspective, highlighting how their understanding of each other has grown over time, sharing, “Nowadays we’ve learned how to give space and when we need to say something supportive… Sometimes it’s not just being beside someone saying ‘you can do it.’ Sometimes that person needs a little space to think, and then we come back like, ‘No, you can do it. Let’s do it together.’”
Sriya echoed that sentiment, explaining how she finds confidence through the bond they share.
For me, I think I go to the members to take some advice and try my best to get back the confidence from them.
– Sriya
Equally important is how each member re-charges on their own. BLACKSWAN hypes themselves up in true idol fashion: by turning to music.
Their personal playlists are as diverse as their backgrounds. For Gabi, DAY6’s ‘days gone by’ brings a sense of calm and grounding, whereas Sriya finds herself gravitating toward EXO, with one of her go-to songs being ‘Love Shot’. Fatou chooses powerful hip-hop to get herself pumped, turning to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DNA’—but she also hypes herself up with her own group’s track, ‘I Like It Hot’. NVee turns to BTS’ Jimin, saying, “I always listen to Jimin’s ‘Swimming’ and ‘Set Me Free.’ And I’ll go out on a run.”
As they reflected on what lifts them up personally, the conversation naturally shifted to the people who lift them up emotionally—LUMINA, their fans. The mood turned heartfelt as the members recalled some of the most touching messages they’ve received over the years.
For Fatou, the most moving moments are simple but deeply personal. “It’s whenever they give us handmade stuff or like letters, and when they tell us face to face how they think about us, the motivation we give them… that’s probably [the most touching].”
Gabi echoed the sentiment, recalling a recent experience that left a lasting impression: “While we were in Uzbekistan, each of us received a package with a few letters from LUMINAs all over the world. I’m not going to say what was in the letters, but it was really, really, really touching.”
Sriya agreed, highlighting how meaningful it is to connect with fans in person. “It’s always whenever we meet LUMINA and whenever they give their love and support to us and their amazing words—that’s where we get touched, literally,” she shared.
NVee also shared a memory close to her heart—a video message project created by fans.
Our whole LUMINA took the time to send in video messages, and it was just a really, really memorable, heartwarming moment because it really shows the love between LUMINA and BLACKSWAN and just how much time they put into it.
– NVee
These moments, big and small, are reminders of the bond they share with their fans. Whether it’s through shared struggles, favorite songs, or meaningful interactions with their global fandom, BLACKSWAN continues to prove they are a sisterhood built on sincerity, resilience, and deep emotional connection. With new projects ahead and fans behind them, BLACKSWAN’s journey shows no signs of slowing down.
Watch the full Get to Know BLACKSWAN here:
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