Tag: Afrobeat

Echezona – Ride [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Limitless, heartwarming, eventful.

Ride is a blend of afrobeat and chill R&b. What is story behind it?

Ride was inspired by two records, mainstream and local, with the goal of channeling my inner warrior – knowing my worth and standing on it, even if it means having to let go of someone I love.

What first got you into music?

My introduction to music came from my upbringing being filled with listening to traditional Nigerian gospel and highlife music, as well as being a part of my church choir at the early age of

What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

I enjoy both of them to the max, honestly. But there’s such an excitement I get in writing songs that I’m in so enthusiastic about it. Plus, these days, I write songs envisioning how they’re gonna be performed on stage. The writing ultimately sets the tone for how big those crowds will be. With that being said, I’m gonna go with writing the songs.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I honestly don’t even know. Spotify is a platform that can’t be neglected as the music industry progresses. A good amount of my friends use it, and I have an account myself, so I’m sure there are incentives that come with that privilege.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stay disciplined and never get comfortable.

When was the last time you danced?

I dance almost everyday, so it honestly might have been a couple hours ago.

Thank you!

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Manny Loveankh – Summer Girl (Feat Pupa Tee) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I could use plenty of words to describe my sound, but I’d say Expressive, Classic and Unpredictable. It is expressive because I have agency, Classic because I don’t try to create a particular sound just because it’s trending, and Unpredictable due to my versatility as a multi-genre and multi-lingual artist.

Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?

Summer Girl is a catchy summer vibe that’s bound to have you humming the melody. Some might describe it as a cross between Afrobeat, Reggae and ‘Unforgettable’ by French Montana Feat Swae Lee, but subjectivity is what makes music interesting.

The song was inspired by a girl I once met while on holiday and saw a few times after that. We were almost inseparable whenever I visited the country but barely spoke each time I returned to the UK. So when I say “Summer Girl”, it could mean anything from a summer fling to an extraordinary person that melts your heart or keeps you warm when the weather is cold.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

That would be a line from the chorus “She’s my summer girl if you take her from me, you better love her well”. Let’s be real; when you have that special person who isn’t officially your girlfriend, you have to accept that they might be spending time with other people when you’re not around. She might even be in a relationship by the time you see her next summer, and if, like me, a long-distance relationship isn’t your thing, all you can do is wish her the very best and hope that whoever she ends up with treats her right.

Favourite album of the past decade?

‘Good Kid, M.A.A.d City’ by Kendrick Lamar

What would be your dream performance venue?

UK- Glastonbury and US- Madison Square Garden

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Follow your dreams and don’t allow anyone to tell you that your passion isn’t a “real job”.

When was the last time you danced?

This morning! Am a terrible dancer but hey, anything to embarrass my little sisters *Laughs*

Thank you!

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JSB – Good Time Lib [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Lyrical, smooth, Bassy

Tell us a few things about your new single “Good Time Lib”

Good Time LIB is a song that talks about how despite the economic downtown in Liberia, there is still a lot that is good about Liberia. Liberia is on the coast has a lot of beaches and nice tourist attractions, so this song was about highlighting all that is good about my country.

You grew up in London and you returned to Monrovia in 2018. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

I love the hustle and fast pace movement of London. It taught me to always think on my feet, and always have 2 to 3 options on my next move. London made me who I am today, taught me how to hustle and grind anywhere I go. Although it has evolved my one critique about London was the lack of opportunities for my type of music, i love music with meaning and lyrical content and at the time music with a more simple sound was popular. And also the weather, don’t miss that lol

Can you describe the vibe of Liberian street parties using just one word?

Vibrant

Favorite Afrobeat song ever?

I don’t have an all time favourite but one song i never get tired hearing is Amorawa by Wande Coal Ft Burna Boy

What would you change in the music industry?

I feel the industry now is built on what’s hot now rather than music that will stand the test of time. When I look at the UK Charts or Billboard Top 100, I think how many of these songs will still be relevant 5 years from now. I might sound old lol but there are so many albums from the 90’s and 00’s I still go back and listen to now. There are also albums from this generation that will still be played 5 to 10 years from now. But I think we need to praise the body of work and quality over what’s hot now.

Best film you watched during the last year?

Bad Boys For Life & Judas & The Black Messiah

Future plans?

I am working on my EP. It is more Afrocentric. Moving to Liberia has opened me to new sounds and experiences and this will tell in my music. I also still have songs that speak to the music that first inspired me, which is Hip Hop. I worked with many different Liberian artists in order to showcase the talent Liberia has to offer.

Thank you!

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