Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with an artist whose debut album ‘Leigh Boston’ has been turning heads and breaking boundaries.
Known for infusing a captivating mix of Afro Pop, trap, RnB, Zulu, and English, this artist hailing from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, brings a unique sound inspired by a love for the multifaceted world of model and actor Leigh Boston. We’re excited to delve into the creative journey and musical influences that have shaped this artist’s dynamic approach to music.
Join us as we explore the impact of South African roots, the profound influence of a late friend, and the evolution of sound from a debut single in 2014 to a full album in 2024. With insights into the collaborative spirit behind the scenes, and a sneak peek into the upcoming album ‘West Wap (Till2434),’ our guest promises an engaging conversation about music, inspiration, and the ever-evolving landscape of Hip Hop. Without further ado, let’s welcome our guest as we embark on this insightful journey into the world of a rising star in the South African music scene.
You’ve mentioned that there’s never a dull moment in your debut album ‘Leigh Boston,’ with new sounds and instruments introduced in each track. Can you share a bit about the musical influences that inspired this diverse and dynamic approach?
I guess in the essence of it all it stems from a place of love and appreciation for the model and actor Leigh Boston. The album is a mixture of Afro Pop with a fusion of trap, RnB, Zulu, English, and a huge influence of the Nigerian and American sound.
Coming from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and having roots in Pinetown and Kwandengezi, how have your South African roots influenced your music and the stories you tell in your songs?
I grew up in the streets of Kwandengezi, my music is always an immediate expression of my feelings depending on my surroundings and situation. I fail to do music when I’m sad hence the fast paced Club Trap music I love to make. I only make music when I have a smile on my face.
Your journey in music began in 2006, inspired by the memory of your late friend Mthobisi Mpanza. How does his influence continue to shape your music, and how do you pay tribute to his memory through your art?
I always felt Thobi was going to be the one although when he influenced me to write music in 2007, he stopped entirely. I miss our encounters as he encouraged me to record music and persisted. I handed him my CD but God took his life in 2009 and it’s 2024 and I’m still telling his story.
Your debut album ‘Leigh Boston’ introduces a variety of new sounds and instruments with each track. Can you tell us about the creative process behind incorporating these elements and the significance they hold for you?
Well to sum it up, it starts with me infatuated and ends with me finishing a story alone wondering, “why did I put so much effort in this Art?”. ProdBy_CAT was so amazing with instrumentals and complimented what I had to say about the situation.
As an artist who has transitioned from a debut single in 2014 to releasing a full album in 2024, how do you approach the evolution of your sound and style over the years?
Sound for me has always been a frequency I tap into to express myself, I feel a very particular change I’ve noticed is how poised and precise I am with the sound. I was very loud and energetic.
Beyond the musical aspect, you’ve also delved into collaborations with producers like Chris Dare and Prodbycat. How do you foster a collaborative spirit, and what kind of energy do you look for when working with other creatives in the industry?
I’ve always been fortunate to find producers who share the same passion as I do for music, and both those producers were at some point artists as well so I feel they make things easy for me,. I keep perfecting and creating while they create my beats.
As an artist on the rise, what advice do you have for emerging talents in the South African music scene who are looking to make their mark and carve out their own unique sound?
I guess I would say it’s important to understand the mechanics of how things operate, the young artists seem to focus more on the music than the business.
With your career clearly on the rise, what goals and aspirations do you have for the future, and how do you envision your impact on the broader Hip Hop space?
I’m finalizing my album ‘West Wap (Till2434)’ to be the only Drop for 2024 which features Musiholiq, Sazified Onetime, and Forever him on some tracks. It’s a 12 Track album which is a fusion of RnB, Club Trap, Zulu, English music heavily influenced by an American sound. It is produced by K187Records, Prodby_CAT, and Chris Dare (Shwazy).
