PREMIERE: Aina More - 10 Questions & Destiny (Single)
South London artist and producer Aina More could easily be described as one of UK rap’s best kept secrets, or perhaps one of the UK’s best new and emerging rap artists, and having already been championed by taste-makers such as BBC Radio 1, The FADER, MTV and BBC 1Xtra, among others, and with The BRIT Awards featuring her on their BRITs compilation album a few years ago, the British Nigerian native should firmly be on your radar. On the off chance that she isn’t, Aina More is back in the frame to make sure of it!
She closes out 2020 with a fiery new track titled ‘DESTINY’ and an equally fierce music video to go with it. Co-produced by Aina More herself and long-time collaborator Musiek Mambu, the track opens with an attention-grabbing sample of the Seun Kuti afrobeat classic ‘Bad Man Lighter’, before Aina More gets in her bag for two minutes straight, as she waxes lyrical in braggadocios fashion, about everything from her superior rap skills to decrying false prophets to the excellence of black women.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My love for music was sparked from my love for performing spoken word, that's how I started off writing lyrics and the minute I got my personal rhythm and started recording to music that was the beginning of my love for it. It became a sacred space for me to say everything I want to say and also let my ego breathe.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Kendrick Lamar has been fundamental in my influence right from the start and until today. In the future I'd love to work with Dave, Wretch 32, Robert Glasper and Dr. Dre.
3. Your new single is about to drop, what are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the project during the coronavirus pandemic?
To be honest nothing was and nothing will stop me from creating or releasing music right now and I kinda alluded to that in the lyrics. I'm not joking when I say I ain't been sleeping back to back. I feel like the pandemic gave me more space to think clearly and drive to some remote spaces to record without the hassle of traffic. To be honest it's worked out for me and i'm VERY grateful for that. The pandemic fueled my frustration and my hunger. I feel like this is the time for real artists to explore and shine.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Hip hop fusion.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
The most recent I'd say is my song featuring on the BRIT album. I wrote the song a couple of weeks after my dad died and it featured within the month. It was like a gift to him and I'm grateful it was released on a project that's outside of my supporter base.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I don't know if anyone should take advice from me cos i'm still figuring it out myself. One thing I would say is follow your own madness (stay authentic) because everyone is MAD I promise you! Don't fear anything.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Tems, her songwriting is insane and she's fresh.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Wizkid's 'Made in Lagos'
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I'm not making music I'm thinking about making music. It's a gift and a curse that it's always on my mind. I like connecting with people a lot and I try to do my best to contribute to the advancement of my (African) people, I'm doing work behind the scenes as it were.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water, Rizla and my phone (for recording ideas and writing).
Words - Ed Lindsay