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At the crossroads of two cultures there is a voice, an artist. Rafiya (I had already talked about here last January here) has just released her first album Amazing. Rafiya, has launched her first album Amazing, filled with Afro Soul. The album was composed and recorded in Paris, Philadelphia, New York and Maputo over a period of 2 years and each city played a key role in its making. These songs and the voice of Rafiya reflect a variety of styles with a strong preference for tones of acoustic guitar and vocal inflections of R & B and Soul. The musical diversity of this album is a testament to the cultural influences of Rafiya and is the proof that music is definitely a universal language.
INTERVIEW
All You Need Is Soul: Hello Rafiya can you tell us more about yourself?
Rafiya: I am a Afro Soul singer of Congolese origin and I live in Philadelphia. I just released my first album entitled Amazing.
AYNIS: On your album we could hear a remake of the song by Musiq Soulchild « So Beautiful » as well as the classic African music » Mario « of Luambo Makiadi. How do you succeed in combining these different cultures in your music?
Rafiya: I express who I am through my music. Having traveled a lot and rub shoulders with different cultures it is inevitable to find my character versatile in my album. You will find songs in English, French and Lingala (as my rendition of Franco’s « Mario »)
AYNIS: What are the artists which inspire you? the ones you admire?
Rafiya: Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston are the two artists who really inspired me to sing when I was little. I admired them a lot and I would like to sing like them in front of a huge audience etc. … Otherwise, I love Lokua Kanza, Youssou N’dour, Angelique Kidjo, Musiq of course … They are artists with whom I would love to collaborate.
« So Beautiful remix »
AYNIS: You also write the songs on the album. What inspired you ? What are the messages?
rafiyamusic: The main theme of my album is love. Love in all its forms. We find love in God, family, friends,in self love, in life. I am inspired by what I see around me and I realized that love is indeed everywhere even when it seems to hide. I wish to convey a message of love, hope, encouragement, etc. … I make music to touch people. It is important to me.
AYNIS: So what do you think about the way music has evolved over recent years?
Rafiya: I think the music today is not as organic as it was before. The computer has replaced the magic of the interaction between musician and the instruments (the live). It is nevertheless very innovative!
AYNIS: What are your favorite recent albums?
Rafiya: The album of Nas and Damiean Marley Distant Relatives and the last one of Chrisette Michele ( Epiphany)
AYNIS: What are your plans for the future ? A tour? maybe a performance in Paris?
Rafiya: I would love to come to Paris! Right now I’m promoting the album so I have many shows primarily in Philadelphia, New York and Washington. I still find the time to create and work with local artists and international. The video of a duet I did with Marllen (superstar of Mozambique) is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
AYNIS: Is there any artists from the French Soul scene with which you would love to collaborate ?
Rafiya: Absolutely! Cornelius, Singuila and Marc Antoine come to my mind and of course Ben L’oncle Soul!
AYNIS: I’d love to hear it. Your first album Amazing is available on legal download platforms. Is a physical release planned?
Rafiya: The album is available in some CD stores in Philadelphia only for the moment but we hope this will change very soon!
AYNIS: I thank you for your time. What would you like to tell to the readers of All You Need Is Soul?
Rafiya: I’d like to thank you for taking the time to know more about me and encourage them to buy my album « Amazing » is available on itunes and is a true delight! They’ll tell me about it ! lol Thank you also for your time!
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