Tanzanian Afro-fusion star HEVI joined Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about her single, “My Rider.” She also discussed her self-titled EP, her biggest inspirations, and how she aims to represent Tanzania.

Here’s how the interview went down!

HEVI Tells Apple Music How Church Inspired Her Approach to Music

HEVI: I started doing music when I was eight at church, doing concerts, and church taught me how to sing deeply from the heart. That has shaped me up to now! When I write my songs, I still write deeply from my heart.

HEVI Tells Apple Music About Her Track, “My Rider”

HEVI: When I listen to that song, I feel calmly connected, and I wanted to experience this emotion with everyone. The songs is about love between two people. It’s like you are finding a rider for you and for your life. It’s the right person. I wanted to write a good song about that person who drives me crazy.

HEVI Tells Apple Music About Her Fusion of Different Genres

HEVI: My biggest influence is Doja Cat, and Doja always blends rap, pop, hip-hop and R&B to create her unique sound. I also wanted to blend different genres of music—Bongo Flava, amapiano, Afrobeats and Rumba. It felt crazy but I wanted to do something unique. I want my music to be shared with so many different types of people.

HEVI Tells Apple Music About Her Track, “Jam”

HEVI: This song is an anthem for life. It’s a motivational song! It’s like you are [stuck in a] traffic jam, but you know you will get where you are going. I put some Swahili into the song, and it means, “There may be a jam, but we are alive no matter what comes on our way!”

HEVI Tells Apple Music About Being Chosen as Apple Music’s Up Next Artist for East Africa

HEVI: I didn’t expect to be selected—I was very shocked! I was like ‘Am I dreaming?” I’m so excited to be part of this because I know it’s going to be huge. I’m planning with my team to collaborate with many different artists who are bringing fresh energy in our industry. I know my music’s going to be shared with so many people because Apple Music is a major platform. This is big, huge milestone for me.

HEVI Tells Apple Music About the Importance of Representing Tanzania

HEVI: Always I’m proud to carry my flag with me from here in Tanzania. I want to show the world what an artist from Tanzania can do. We want to show the world our genre of music, Bongo Flava, so I’m here for that. I’m here to represent them.

Source(s): Interview supplied