Every artist has a defining origin story. A spark that ignites a passion for music and sets them on a creative odyssey. For Litovibes, that spark wasn’t a rockstar or a pop icon, but a song called “Celebrate” by WACOMZI.
In this interview, we go behind the scenes with the rising star, discussing his come ups, from early bedroom recording sessions to the electrifying energy of his first live performance.
This interview has been slightly edited.
What was the first reggae/dancehall/Afrobeats song that resonated with you? How did it influence you? Were you a huge fan of The Mandators?
Honestly, I was more into the vibes of Celebrate by WACOMZI. It was like the anthem of my youth, you know? It made me realize that music wasn’t just sound, it was a story waiting to be told.
Who were the artists or producers you looked up to when you started making music?
Joe Cole for the chill vibes, totally. I mean, the dude’s a legend. And Kendrick Lamar? His lyrics are like a rollercoaster of emotions. I’d love to pick his brain on how he crafts those stories.
Let’s talk about your first instrument. Did you ever dream of rocking out like Jimi Hendrix, or were you more of a gentle acoustic soul?
Guitar was my weapon of choice. But let’s just say my Hendrix days are on hold. I need to dust off those strings and unleash my inner rockstar.
Everyone’s got a cringe-worthy first song. Care to share yours? Was it a love ballad, a break-up anthem, or something totally unexpected?
Yeah, I wrote this love song back in 2017. It’s still in the vault, gathering dust. Maybe one day I’ll revisit it and see if it’s a hidden gem.
Your first recording session? Spill the tea! Was it a glamorous studio, or did you DIY it in your bedroom?
It was intense! Like, studio vibes, but I was a newbie trying to find my footing. I learned that controlling my breath and feeling the beat is everything.
Collaborations are like musical marriages. Tell us about your first one. Was it love at first sight, or did it take some time to find your groove?
It was cool! Teaming up with Kemuel for “Baecation” was like finding the missing puzzle piece. You realize two minds are better than one when you’re creating magic.
So, you started with reggae and dancehall, but did you ever dabble in other genres? Like, were there any secret boy band auditions or anything?
Rap was my first love. It was a way to express myself without holding back.
Every artist has that one “OMG” moment when they meet an industry figure. Who was yours?
Meeting Patrick Elis was a game-changer. He’s more than just an industry figure; he’s a mentor. I’m lucky to have his support.
Your first live performance? Nerves of steel or shutdown?
Total anxiety until the music started. Then it was like an out-of-body experience. The crowd’s energy fueled me.
We all want to know: what’s the fan interaction that truly touched you?
It was when I released emotion, I got a DM from a young guy saying I got soul in my music and he felt chills listening to Emotion. It resonated with him and what he was dealing with at the time. It was heartwarming, you know that joy of fulfilment that my music had a direct effect on someone.
Let’s talk about “My Way.” What was the vibe when you first heard the beat? Did you immediately know it was a hit?
The first thing that came to my mind when I heard the beat for “My Way” was Party! and the excitement yielded that line “See we started from the streets, No surrender no retreat.”
Patoranking’s verse on “My Way” was fire! Did you expect that level of heat? What was your first reaction when you heard patoranking’s verse on “My way”?
It was like a Jamaican hurricane hit the studio! I was blown away.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to network and build a team. The music industry is a team effort.
Millennials across Africa and in the diaspora have the same picture of what the world should look like. We are documenting it in the coolest ways 🤘
