CRISP. Talks : Safiyyah

CRISP. caught up with Safiyyah, a 22-year-old up-and-coming artist from West London who has recently branched into music and has an exciting year ahead.

Of Moroccan and Portuguese descent, Safiyyah has recently signed to Polarface to progress her music and branch into production. Her music straddles the neo-soul, low-fi, contemporary R&B and she takes particular artistic inspiration from Frida Kahlo and Nina Simone.

Expect to be taken on a journey when you listen to her music.

Who are your musical influences growing up?

Prince , Nina Simone , Amy Winehouse , Sade, Tupac & Lauren hill

What else do you take influence from?

Books, politics, news, everyday life.

How has your heritage influenced your music?

Being half and half I always felt I didn’t have an exact belonging this influenced me however I’ve used both cultures to influence my style. Embracing my roots.

What was the first gig you went to?

Not gonna lie it was probably Justin Bieber or something like that. But my earliest memorable artist was Maverick Sabre.

How would you describe your musical style?

I would say R&B, Soul & Jazz.

At what point did you want to take music from a hobby and passion and turn it into a career?

I’ve always wanted to be a singer since I was little but I only realised I could a few years ago. It has become more accessible to young people with platforms like Soundcloud and Spotify. It always seemed like a faraway dream but I’m now living it

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kQqQcFHU-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

What current artists are you listening to and what tunes you have on rotation?

SiR, biig piig, Snoh Aalegra, Arlo parks, collard, brkhampton, Brad stank and my tune at the moment has to be Greentea Peng – “Sane”.

Where will you be touring which venue would you want to perform?

It’s all in plans for the new year, stay tuned. I would love to perform at Glastonbury, the O2 Arena, and the Roundhouse

What are your thoughts on performing live vs in the studio?

Performing live is a whole different experience, you have the crowd there and you have to connect with the audience. There’s a lot of adrenaline. In the studio, it’s more comfortable, cozy but I prefer to sing live. It’s for the people after all.

Who would you love to collab with past /present

Past : Tupac, Biggie, MJ, and Prince

Present : SiR, Earthgang, Choker and Jelani Areyah

Anything I learned the hard way in the music industry?

I’m still a newbie still always learning. My advice is to know your stuff. acknowledge not just the music and instruments but the business side as well. Never defer from your own vision and beliefs.