The Streets’s music writer Simi catches up with Ezi Emela. The beautiful singer is fast rising in the afrobeats scene, find out what she had to say below.
Amor: What are your fondest musical memories?
Ezi: My fondest musical memories would have to be being in a girl group with my sister and cousin when i was around 13 and writing all these songs ourselves that we used to go around and sing in churches and events.. I loved it. Haha another great memory was the release of my first single’ catch my heart’ in 2012.
Amor: Which famous musicians/artists have you learned from?
Ezi: Growing up I was obsessed with artists such as Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Missy Elliot, Eve, and most recently artists such as Jhene Aiko, Beyonce, Tuface, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage. I feel that I have taken something from all of these artists and many more!
Amor: Do you ever get nervous before a performance? If so how do you over come it?
Ezi: I get super nervous before every show! Seriously the sweating is immense (laughs)! I overcome the nerves by firstly praying, secondly doing warm ups and thirdly some Dutch courage, (laughs).. no seriously
Amor: How did you come up with the concept of your latest hit ‘Confam It?’
Ezi: Confam It was such a fun song to make.. Funny enough it was also quite a quick song to make!! Most of that song just flowed from my mouth as soon as I stepped into the booth, with help and guidance from my wonderful producer Omeiza. I must have been feeling some type of way about certain people and situations so i decided to voice my thoughts on the track but in a more fun, catchy kind of way. ELENU OO CONFAM IT!
Amor: What other female artist in the industry would you love to collaborate with?
Ezi: Jhene Aiko would be right at the top of that list as I feel like the soulfulness in our voices would blend very well, but there are so many I would like to work with.
Amor: The end of the year is near, what can we be expecting from you before it ends? Any major moves planned for 2015?
Ezi: Well before the end of the year you can expect another video which I am super excited about and my EP will then be dropping early 2015!
Amor: What advice would you give to beginners wanting to break into the Afro-pop industry?
Ezi: Firstly evaluate if you really ready to enter into the industry as it is not easy. Be confident in yourself, know who you are and the type of musical direction you would like to go in. Also do Afro-pop because you LOVE it and not just because other people are doing it. Have good people around you that have your best interests at heart and lastly have some dope original music.
