1 – What are you listening to right now?
It really depends on the day and my mood. Generally, my playlists are very eclectic. There are still a few artists I’ve been listening to more than others lately, such as Tiffany Gouché, Lola Wolf, Raphael Saadiq, Nina Simone, and Denzel Curry. As you can see, it’s very diverse — I always have different styles in my ears. But I do have my rituals: in the morning I wake up with blues, and during the day I dive into contemporary music.
2 – Your pre-stage ritual?
I always take a ginger juice shot — it’s systematic. Then I isolate myself, visualize myself on stage, and focus on my breathing. In those moments, I don’t really like to be disturbed.
3 – The album that impacted you the most?
If I had to pick just one from recent years, the first album of Denzel Curry, Nostalgic 64, immediately comes to mind. I remember discovering it and being instantly drawn in. For several reasons: I’ve been a Hip-Hop fan since my teenage years, but in recent years I felt disconnected from it. When I heard Denzel Curry, it reconciled me with rap. There’s a blend of genres in this album that I find ingenious. He is a contemporary artist, yet he also reminds me of 90s sonorities.
4 – Which artist would you dream of collaborating with and why?
There are so many. I don’t have just one in mind. From my Hip-Hop side, I would say Denzel Curry, for the reasons mentioned earlier. On the “alternative electronic” side, I think of artists like James Blake — his creativity is stunning, his voice pure. There are also many African artists I would love to work with, as a nod to my roots and because I think it would bring something very original to my projects. I could mention Baaba Maal or Ismaël Lo, whom I grew up listening to.
5 – How would you describe your music?
As I always say, I let everyone name it as they feel. I create without thinking about genres. It doesn’t even cross my mind. I grew up with different sounds: African music first, then Hip-Hop, then what is called “alternative music.” I think all these influences are present in my music, even unconsciously.
6 – What was the first song you ever wrote about?
I wrote my first lyrics around the age of 15. I did it in secret. I recently re-read them, and it felt strange — I realized I’ve kept them with me all this time. In the first ones, I think I was rebelling against injustice. There were also many songs about Africa, and more personal subjects like my twin sister moving abroad.
7 – What did you learn back then that you still use today?
It’s not the same process at all anymore — not the same inspiration, nor the same maturity. Back then I wrote much less, mostly as a hobby. Today I write almost every day, I go deeper, I challenge myself. What I learned back then is that I could actually do it, and that I was passionate about it.
8 – To whom or what would you say “Fuck”?
To myself first — my fears, my doubts, my occasional lack of confidence.
9 – To whom or what would you say “Thank you”?
To all those who will recognize themselves.
10 – Three artists you would recommend us to follow?
– Tiffany Gouché
– Mafikizolo
– Denzel Curry
They are all artists with a strong identity and style, while blending multiple musical colors — and that’s what I find inspiring.
And there’s also Tennin… 😉 So follow here here :
