Music today feels more personal than ever since it is in our headphones, our feeds and our identities. From viral TikTok hits to artists breaking rules and blending genres, this century’s sound is fast, bold and constantly evolving. I had a chat with Zawadi Mukami, a musician who is defying the odds in this musical journey in the new age.
Zawadi describes herself as the greatest writer alive in this century, so she believes. She went ahead to let me know that her music is ahead of its time (she laughs), need I say it is infectious when you get to meet her. She does pop, Afro-pop and pop-infused R&B music. She is one of the six artists selected for the Base to BillBoardz platform powered by Tusker and spearheaded by celebrated musician Bien that is aimed at bridging the often-missing gap between early success and true mainstream stardom.
What is your story; How did music find you and how did you find your sound?
I believe music is everywhere, even to the subtleties of noise, you can find musicality within. The only issue would now be how to place yourself within that musicality or that noise. I grew up in a house where music was played 24-7 and my mom was also a singer so that added as a connection to music. We would sing together and that is how music found me. I found my sound through trial and error as well as listening to Beyonce.
How would you describe your artistry to someone hearing you for the first time?
It is an honest depiction of me living through life in the chaos, and happiness in what I try to find. I like to draw from honest experiences in most of the songs I write.
At what point did you realize that music could be more than just a passion?
Since I had the first good song that really resonated with me. I knew that this is an act I would like to keep attaching myself to. Good music should evoke something from you.
What does being part of Base to Billboardz mean to you at this stage of your career?
It is helping me firm my foundation in terms of knowledge. Not just the knowledge of the business but also studio etiquette which are things you would not be taught. It is also giving me an opportunity to showcase myself. I like that it is bringing different parts that I am excited to do. For instance, I know I would want to dance but I do not know how to merge singing and dancing as one package. From within, I am like, I am just a singer, but they are making me really have to think about this thing as a whole and how to make it work for me and even the people I am collaborating with.
What gaps in the music industry do you hope programs like these will close?
From my perspective, since I have not been in the industry that long, I would say is how to accumulate all these assets that you have around you.
Zawadi Mukami Building A Legacy Through Music
What challenges do emerging artists still face despite such initiatives?
I feel like the recognition of new artists takes a lot of time before people really think you are worth it and can actually do this. For example, I have always known since like I was in class three music is something I am going to do but I am only getting to do this now. I would not blame it on any other person because it needed to take the time it took. Another challenge is structures for creatives to really get their own creativity going. I think we need more structures that really care for, not the money, the bank or who is making what at the end of the week but the artist.
What legacy do you want to build through your music?
I do not want people to feel alone in their struggles or partying. We are all having a human experience which might differ. I want my art to touch people and not necessarily everyone but atleast five people. To those five people, this is for you and I hope my writing captivates you in whatever you are going through.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
The one that Kanye West performed at (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles). I just saw it and how Kanye did it, my God! That is why you should pay that much amount for a ticket.
What do you want young people who want to get into music and grow in it, encourage them with?
Do not stop. If you see yourself within this space, do not stop. Listen to your intuition, if it is telling you I want to run then run. If you want to sing and be the greatest singer no one has ever seen, who cares if no one has done it before, maybe it’s been put within you for you to be the pioneer, so do not stop. Do not listen to people who have no experience in whatever your intuition is telling you.
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