Music And Moments With Kold Af☔️ {November Edition}
Design: Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu (@agozieee_)
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry, and how did your journey begin?
A. I’ll start by saying I had always dreamed of being a star since I was little. I had always been involved with music and singing one way or the other. However, I had an early taste of how hard life could be and I was scared of the countless uncertainties music held. So it remained just that, a dream.
It all started to shift when I realized only music and creativity in general could inspire genuine passion in me. Meeting my now close friend and musician, Aisosa, who encouraged me to go for my dream also fueled me into coming into my decision to damn it all and start the chase for my dream.
Q. Your recent work has gained a lot of attention. Can you tell us about the creative process behind your latest project?
A. Last year, I was introduced to this amazing French producer, BGRZ and he liked my sound. He’s worked so many major names at home and abroad and I was very excited when the idea of the joint E.P was presented. We had created ‘Tension’ first at a session earlier in the year and had a camp in the middle of the year. During the camp, BGRZ would produce first then I write and we record it. The other 5 songs were made in this camp. We wanted something that people could relate to in many aspects.
A collision of emotions and experiences, that’s what our 6-track E.P represents. Naturally, humans exist having to encounter and deal with multiple emotions and circumstances at the same time. Love, pain, heartbreak, sexual escapades & hope for the future in all our endeavors; we can all relate to those feelings as they make hallmarks in our lives at different stages of them. This is what we were capturing, although concisely.
Q. In a competitive industry, what do you think sets your music apart and resonates with your audience?
A. I believe I’m not walking a path that is orthodox. I fuse the genres I love and create an interesting sound. With time, I’ll unravel and I will be more than just a ‘singer’, my brand will transcend the boundaries of music and permeate other industries like fashion. But speaking of the present, the uniqueness of my voice, versatility, my sound, my lyrics, my message and delivery are what set me apart and will eventually pierce through and get to the world in due time.
Q. How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also adapting to industry trends?
A. Most times, when I make music, I do what flows and goes at the moment. But once in a while, I recognize the trends and note what I’m willing to include or infuse into what I’m creating. My manager, Excel Joab, who’s also an excellent A&R and helps navigate these things as well.
Nonetheless, my sound takes the PRIORITY, because the plan is to eventually create the trends and not follow them through all of my career.
Q. Can you share a memorable moment or experience that has shaped your growth as an artist?
A. The debut of my first 2-track E.P, ‘Kold Szn’. Prior to its release, I had been developing for some time and seeing my growth and improvement all-round but the time had come to test the waters. We needed to see the reception of people, if they’d like what I had become.
And they more than did. The E.P surpassed all our expectations and I got to perform in places I didn’t think I would just yet.
Q. As a female artist, do you face unique challenges in the industry, and how do you navigate them?
A. At first, it was quite hard to get pitched to labels, investors or distribution companies based on the fact that I am female. They couldn’t accommodate multiple women at a time or any at all while that’s as not the case for our male counterparts. I was never sad or hurt by this though, I know who I am and i knew that value is what would turn their heads regardless.
However, there’s recently been a surge and change in this status-quo.
It’s been opening up gradually and I believe now is the time for women in the game to come out and come up.
Also, I think initially, I experienced some subtle prejudices in many ways. One being the concluded lowered expectations people would have before I even speak or sing. But I didn’t mind this either, I love to burst people’s heads.
Q. Collaboration is key in the music world. Is there a dream collaboration you have in mind, and why?
A. I have a list of collabs I’d love to have. It’s not just the one artist for me because I think they all have diverse styles that will blend differently with me. If I had to name a few, I’d say Burna boy, Beyonce, Wizkid, Rihanna, Yebba, Drake, Haile WSTRN amongst others.
Q. How do you connect with your fans, and what role do they play in your creative process?
A. The best way so far is through content, shows and my growing my community on platforms like Telegram. Shows so far, have been the most intimate for me though. I get to sing to them, interact with them and speak to them before, during or after my performances. I get to hear from the horses mouths; what they feel about my music, their favorite tracks, their reasons, what they like visually/aesthetically about me and much more.
Q. What advice do you have for aspiring female artists looking to make their mark in the music industry?
A. I’d say to expect everything, learn a lot, find your people, stay humble, work hard and hold onto God. You’re nothing without Him.
Q. What's next for you in terms of upcoming projects and future goals?
I have more jams in the vault that I hope to let out next year. Announcements will be made on all my socials, @sheiskold, in due course. As for goals, i pray for grace so you’ll see them happen as they come.
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