Meet The Dynamic Afropop Artist Shirazee
Shirazee is a rising talent that’s ready for international stardom.
Since making his debut in 2016, Shirazee has had one central goal and that was to help elevate and amplify African and Black voices. With over 25 million global streams and recognitions from Spotify and Apple Music’s most popular playlists, Shirazee has proven that his influence and unique musicality is boundless.
2020 has been a year full of confusion, heartbreak and fear, but the singer-songwriter isn’t letting this year’s events get him down. Dropping an array of tracks since February , Shirazee has released music with diverse themes while also touching on important topics like the Black Lives Matter movement.
With his upcoming EP LOST set for an October release and his brand new track ‘Right Thang’ with Busiswa making the rounds, the emerging star is proving to be an unstoppable force in the music world.
We were able to chat with Shirazee about everything from his diverse upbringing, the Black Lives Matter movement, his brand new track ‘Right Thang’ and more. Read the full interview below…
You’re Benin born but have lived all over the world, including Ghana, Paris, South Africa, Atlanta and New York City. How did growing up in these culturally rich places influence your music consumption?
Growing up in these places didn’t always feel like a blessing, especially at the time. Some of these places were places of residences strictly out of necessity as I worked on the next phase or step of my life. Music has always been the escape for me in all these places, whether it’s highlife in Ghana, Agbadja in Benin and Togo, French hip hop in Paris to everything I have been influenced by from the USA. It’s all sipped into my subconscious somehow and it’s evident when I start to sing but isn’t something I realized until I started making music professionally. I’d be in the studio and people would say “man how did you come up with such a country melody” or some other genre that I should have no business knowing about being from Cotonou.
Was there a specific moment in your life that pushed you to pursue music? What was your strategy once you decided to do this full time?
I heard an Andre 3000 verse and lost my mind. I wanted to put words together like that. Wasn’t the best rapper (haha) but when I sang I found my identity so I wrote for others and “paid my dues” to get in the business as a professional songwriter… and now here we are.
Is there a specific record or track that has inspired your sound?
Come on! Toooooo many. This might be the hardest question ever, it’s up there with “What’s your favourite type of food or pastry, Shirazee?” Nope, I plead the fifth.
Are there any artists or genres of music that people might be surprised to hear you listen to, that play a role in your Afropop fusion sound?
Oh boy!!! Okay, this time I’ll name a few… Jacques Brel, George Brassens, Otis Redding, or even Serge Gainsbourg are some artists I inherited from my mother growing up ’cause that’s all she listened to and now I find myself listening to them to escape the “industry” and just zone out. Some peak artistic freedom and inevitably affect what I, in turn, create whether I’d like to admit it or not.
Since dropping your first release in 2016, how has your path evolved and changed?
It’s been a path full of ups and downs, high highs and low lows. I have, however, found my voice and that’s something I wish for every artist creating and in turn that’s led to a kind of bliss that money can’t buy. I find myself creating for a purpose greater than myself. It’s satisfying to put your country and continent on your back and represent it all with pride and be recognized for it, however sowing the seed for the next generation after us to dream bigger and break more boundaries is the dream. Every release brings me a step closer to fulfilling this purpose.
This year has been challenging for everyone. From the ongoing pandemic to the Black Lives Matter movement, the need for change and justice is ever-present. How have these past 7 months been for you artistically and personally?
The pandemic was already scary and when the world started to burn in protest – as a black man, an artist and African In New York, a city where the protests definitely were intense – I was faced with the dilemma of being in the streets to burn the city, risking arrest, and deportation or using my voice to fight back with something that will stand the test of time. I opted for the latter and wrote and sang “Tired” which was released so we could donate all the funds from it to organizations against racial injustice.
You’ve been on a releasing spree, dropping four fantastic tracks in 2020, including the new single ‘Right Thang’ which features Busiswa. Tell us about the new song and this exciting collaboration!
This one is special for many reasons, Sout Africa is in my DNA as well as one of the places that raised me so to come back and record with a superstar like Busiswa is pretty dope. It was effortless and you can hear it. I am hoping when you press play we provide you with even half the joy and fun we had creating it. Issa viiiibe haha
What has been your creative process for this new batch of music?
Quite simply my life. If I don’t live it or experience it in a way or through someone close to me, I can’t write it, let alone sing it for you to feel it.
Will we be getting a visual for your newest single ‘Right Thang’ soon?
Please don’t tell a soul, you promise? If yes, then YES the video is being edited right now 🙂
With these four tracks making the rounds, what can fans expect from your Lost EP?
A continuation of what I have offered ’til now but seasoned with some growth and other motherland spices I can’t divulge yet.
With only a few more months left in 2020, what plans or goals do you want to achieve before the year ends?
Just for my music to be heard by the world, as much of the world as I can reach, and be healthy doing it.
And any final messages you want to share with readers?
Stay hydrated, mind your business, and listen to Shirazee on repeat. Benin to the world! Much love.
Make sure to listen to Shirazee and Busiswa brand new track ‘Right Thang’ below and here.
