EDWEEZY

EDWEEZY IS A 22 YEAR OLD ARTIST HAILING FROM EAST LONDON AND A GHANAIAN BACKGROUND. WITH A CURRENT MUSICAL FOCUS ON AFRO-SWING AND THE INSPIRATIONS OF DAILY LIFE, EDWEEZY IS SOMEONE YOU WANT TO GET TO KNOW.

Photography/Creative Direction: @kizzykalu

Production/Interview: @arhantikarebello

Talk to us a bit about your music! 

I'm a very versatile guy but I would say, right now, the genre I am focused on is Afro-Swing. Growing up listening to Grime, Hip-Hop/Rap, Afro-beats etc, inspired me to not only grow into a young man with love for music, but also an individual with confidence to endeavour as a creator of music. Listening to all these genres made me want to make music adding elements from where I grew up in Newham (East London) and also incorporate my roots from back home in Ghana, bringing it all together in the form of Afro-Swing. Developing passion for the art, to date, holds strong influence in myself as a creative, as I demonstrate through my music catalogue.

“Growing up listening to Grime, Hip-Hop/Rap, Afro-beats etc, inspired me to not only grow into a young man with love for music, but also an individual with confidence to endeavour as a creator of music.”



How did your journey with music begin?

I started off at the age of 11, being inspired by people who were around me at the time, releasing songs on Soundcloud and YouTube. It was never too serious; I didn't think I would take music any further. But I always really enjoyed it. I bought recording equipment off of my friend Rimey, who used to shoot my music videos back in the day and I just started recording at home all the time. A few years later I decided to start producing because I didn't want to have to keep relying on YouTube or anyone else for beats. And, to be honest, starting to make my own beats was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. This is how I applied commitment towards the development of my talents as an artist and record producer. I also started playing drums in church in my early teenage days, which is how I learnt how to play the instrument. Obviously, that has helped me improve my understanding of music and overall just elevated my capacity to create.

Do you remember a specific moment or experience that made you realise ‘yeah this is what I want to do with my life’?

Ah yeah! Many times, but this day specifically: 19th May 2017. I was included in a competition called “Alter Ego” at Hackney Empire Performing in front of roughly 1000 people. The crowd went crazy when I was on stage and it made me feel like I was meant for this. That day there were special acts such as Yxng Bane, Big Tobz and Cadet (R.I.P). When the crowd sang their lyrics, it inspired me so much, like I want this for me one day. Also, performing alongside artists that were in their prime. It was a feeling I can’t find the words to describe. I told myself, this is what I want to do. MUSIC.

What are your biggest influences and inspirations when it comes to creating music?

Life is my inspiration when it comes to music. I just speak about my life, what’s around me and what I've been through. It's a way to open up without caring what others think. Also, my family is a huge inspiration for me, because as much as I enjoy the creative process of making music, I want to make it a living so I can look after them without worry.

Out of all the music you’ve released so far, what are you most proud of? Why?

I think I am most proud of my latest release, “Flex Like This”. This is because it’s had the best feedback, most views and streams I have received, and on top of that, I produced the song myself. So, it just makes me feel proud that my work is somehow getting better and better each time. People from all over have DM’d me about it and shown me love (Mostly Europe). And I can only thank god for that.

Where do you hope to see yourself end up with your music?

I hope to see myself selling out headline shows, doing festivals and winning awards. Not only as an artist but as a producer as well. I want to change people’s lives for the better and help them understand there is more to life than just the ends. I've been thinking I might want to get into acting at some point too, I think it would suit me well haha.

What part do you feel music has to play in the world today?

Music is very powerful, it’s a way to speak freely. I believe it influences, inspires and encourages people in many different ways, depending on the message of the music being delivered. There is music for every type of mood. However, my type of music is for everyone to listen to and enjoy, especially for people who can relate to me and my lyrics.

“Music is very powerful, it’s a way to speak freely. I believe it influences, inspires and encourages people in many different ways, depending on the message of the music being delivered.”

What advice do you have for other young up and coming artists?

As cliché as this sounds, just never stop and keep going. Also, it’s essential to start networking as much as you can, whether it's going to events and meeting new people, or on social media. In today's environment, social media is a very powerful tool. Releasing content on there can be done regularly, building yourself as an artist. And one last piece of advice is just be you, don’t try and be nobody else, be YOU because being unique is key.