Creative of the Week: Delasi

Delasi (@delasimusic) is a Ghanaian artiste based in Kenya. His album Thought Journey has spurred interest across continents. Those who experienced his live performance at the HIFA festival in Zimbabwe and the Kwani Lit Fest in Nairobi, not to mention the #Thoughtjourney listening parties in Berlin, Accra and Nairobi, enjoyed the Soul & Hip-hop and Ghanaian traditionally influenced rhythms fused with Jazz undertones. Delasi believes that music can change the world, and to support this he engages youth through music, through University lectures, workshops and music projects, such as the ‘Unheard Voices’.

1. Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?

Somewhat. I’ve had other interests such as illustration and acting (I even thought I’d become a lawyer or an actor!) and still do although I always felt I’d do music. My attraction to the art made me beatbox and mumble melodies and then string my own lyrics to make them come to life when I was much younger. I took it more seriously with time.

2.What is your creative process like?

I make sketches for a piece of literature I am writing, I record either on paper an observation that strikes me as interesting or in the mind later to be produced as lyrics for a song or a plot for a story I’m working on. I then pair it with melodies I come up with or with help from a producer. Lately, I’ve been very drawn to the technical side of the arts and have been editing photographs, co-directing my videos, co-producing the music and learning from organizations and individuals willing to share knowledge.

3. How much do your life experiences influence your work?

Well, that depends on how you see life experiences. All my music is influenced by something I experience, but maybe just as an observer. It is a very minimal part of my music that is based on personal life events, but my music develops with me and what goes on around me.

4. You’re a Ghanaian making music in Kenya. How did that happen? What has the experience been like?

I had an opportunity to test my music and skills in Kenya, and I had to take it. I have to say, Kenyans really sized me up before they opened up to my music and let me become part of the scene. It wasn’t easy but I think they now appreciate what I have to offer. I recently left Kenya again, and I must say, it was not easy. I really fell in love with the country and I do consider it my second home.

5. What are your thoughts on music on the African continent especially in Kenya and how do you think we can improve on the craft?

Music on the continent is buzzing and more attention is on innovative artists, the ones with an extra edge. I believe Kenya is already doing a fantastic job. I’ve been impressed by the quality events I’ve attended and the orderliness to the organizations/productions. For the younger musicians, I’d advise them to get closer to their roots and let their rich traditions inspire their art.

6. What challenges have you faced as a musician in Kenya?

I think the major challenge in the beginning was being a foreign musician. The Kenyan music scene protects their own, and as I mentioned earlier, getting through took me a while. I think people also wanted to know I was serious, and that is a good thing. We need serious musicians who want to achieve something with their arts. It was just hard for me. But in the end, in terms of music it went well and I’ve met some really cool people who believed in me, and wanted to work with me.

7. You have your first album out – Thought Journey. The music is quite conscious. Is there a particular reason for this?

I’m always of the notion that my music needs to make sense! Throughout that album I was just channeling my thoughts, my experiences, my observations and emotions if that sums me up as a conscious person then cool.

8. What advice would you give an aspiring musician that you wish you had gotten when you were starting out?

Work, learn, don’t cheat. The music is hard, you have to want it and do the work and learn, and reward doesn’t come easy or soon. It takes dedication to your dreams and staying true to yourself.

9. What work/project are you most proud of?

The Unheard Voices and Thought Journey. The Unheard Voices had me learning more about children and how to share knowledge with them. It made me morph into some form of parent and I valued the lessons of patience and collaboration I learned on the project. The Thought Journey album is still getting me buzz worldwide and I keep getting good feedback. I can’t choose one over the other but I’ll say I’m happy at the growth experienced in between execution of these projects and the opportunities they have brought me thus far. I’m excited about future projects.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself transcending the boundaries that sometimes keep an artist from being able to express themselves freely. I see myself leaving meaningful marks on people’s lives through my art. I should be in a state of mind that allows me to freely share my talents and experience and resources without constraints.

Bonus Question

11. If you could collaborate with any artiste, who would it be and why?

Ultimate collaboration would be Frank Ocean. I feel he’d be able to let me delve deeper and be more introspective in my music. Though I’ve done a little collabo of sorts with her, I would also like to do something major with Jojo Abot.  She’s hardworking and bridging the gap in all the fields of her art form, music mixed with fashion and photography/performance. I admire her will and drive to succeed and all her cutting edge ideas. Plus she’s very charismatic.

Thought Journey is available to buy now on Bandcamp. You can also listen to Delasi’s music on Soundcloud.