“Wavy,” which was released in November, is a completely different vibe from “Lights.” The beat for the song was sent to me by a producer in Canada and as soon as I heard it, I was in love with it. My friend described it as a “hazy party anthem.” It’s a little different from what I usually do – very groovy and danceable. 

I hear a lot of different genres woven throughout your music. Tell me about your musical background.

I started playing guitar when I was 15 years old. I was mostly self-taught until I had an amazing guitarist that took me under his wing. I started off playing Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix off the bat. It wasn’t until I was around 17 or 18 that I really started singing, as in, singing in front of people. I never really thought I had the voice for it, to this day I’m still not sure (laughs). I remember I was singing in the shower one day when I was younger and my sister heard it. She asked “WHAT WAS THAT?” I mean, in a good way (laughs). She had no idea where my voice came from. From there, I started thinking, "oh…maybe I can sing?"

I'm so glad you went with that! Who are some of your musical influences? 

Guitar-wise, I would definitely say growing up it was a lot of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin.  Also, Rage Against the Machine and John Frusciante from Red Hot Chili Peppers were huge influences on my playing.

Currently, the guitarist I listen to the most would be Tom Misch. His style of playing is just beautiful, something that really resonates with how I play when it comes to jazz and soul. I'm trying to get on his level!

As far as artists and songwriters, some of my greatest influences are Erykah Badu, Janelle Monáe, Mac Miller and I hope I don't get cancelled for this one but...Kanye West. 

You won't get cancelled (laughs), honesty is the best! So how long have you lived in DC and how has the local scene influenced you?

I was born in West Africa but I moved to Maryland when I was very young so I’ve lived in Maryland for a good chunk of my life other than when I lived in Brooklyn after I graduated from college. The DC music scene is transformative. Without a doubt, we have some of the most talented instrumentalists and singers here. The jazz influence in this city is so strong. We also have an amazing indie scene here. I’ve been influenced by Go-go music, punk rock and jazz living here. Such a variety – you don’t really get that everywhere. The DMV is a very special place because of that. 

I couldn't agree with you more and love how you said that. If there was anything about the music industry you could change, what would that be?

I wish the music industry was more transparent about things. To be honest there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors, not just in the music industry but in the entertainment industry. Folks are so focused on being a “brand” or an “influencer” that they lose touch with their authentic identity. Social media skews so much about what it is to be an artist. With COVID though, some of those illusions have been shown for what they are. I’d love to see more real connections between artist and audience.  

And it's been so much harder to achieve that this past year with the pandemic. Tell me about how COVID has affected your music and your life. And what are you doing to take care of yourself these days?

I feel blessed that being locked in the house has been an asset for me creatively. I have a hard time focusing on one thing or one project but with the fact that I’ve been forced to stay at home – it feels like I have no other choice but to focus on something. I’ve been producing more music this year then I have in probably the last 3-4 years. Music has been my self-care. 

Of course, the pandemic has been extremely emotionally draining but I’ve been able to get into a sort of tunnel vision focus. Using those emotions to channel creating. 

To take care of myself, I really make sure I stay connected to the people I love. I make sure to check up on them and check up on myself. There’s a huge urge to keep staying busy and proceed with life the way it was before COVID but the fact is, our whole world has changed. I’m trying to embrace this new normal, where nothing is certain.

How do you think the music scene will change once things get back to a “new normal”?

With so many venues closed, the musical landscape will definitely be different. Although livestreams may slow down, now that so many musicians have adjusted to that type of experience, I think it will still be at the forefront of the musical experience. Musicians will begin adapting to new platforms and new ways of performing a live experience outside of the traditional venue. I think it will actually enhance the music industry moving forward.

I didn't know you that are also a filmmaker. That explains a lot about the amazing vibe in your videos!

What’s coming up for you in 2021?

It’s so hard to really say what I’ll be doing next, because who knows what tomorrow is going to bring. Of course, we’ve never known, but these days there’s a wrench thrown in everyone’s plans. Ideally, I would love to tour overseas, specifically in Europe, when COVID is over of course. 

Currently, I’m producing guitar compositions on a few artist’s tracks that I’m really excited to share. In January, I have a new single called “Slow Down”, featuring some of the horn musicians from the band, Aztec Sun.

At the top of my list, is collaborating with more artists, I want to play guitar on everything!