M.anifest - Madina To The Universe (MTTU) (Album) + 10 Questions
Award-winning Ghanaian rap artist and musician M.ANIFEST is finally set to release his highly anticipated fifth studio album Madina To The Universe (MTTU) on November 18, bolstered by a series of lead singles unveiled over the summer, including ‘Scorpio Flow’, ‘La Vida’, the Juls-produced ‘Confusion’ and ‘No Fear’ featuring Vic Mensa, that have seen the Ghanaian star garner further international acclaim from the likes of Complex, Earmilk, Crack Magazine, The Native, Flaunt Magazine, OkayAfrica, Nataal and PAM Magazine, among others.
With frequent collaborators such as MikeMillzOn’Em (Busta Rhymes, Sarkodie, DarkoVibes), Drvmroll (Burna Boy, Frisco, Sway DaSafo) and Rvdical The Kid (Tems, Amaarae, Kojey Radical) handling majority of the production on the album, and guest appearances from the likes of Adekunle Gold, LADIPOE, Tiggs Da Author, Patoranking and Vic Mensa, Madina To The Universe (MTTU) simply reveals M.anifest at his very best. Driven by captivating lyricism and rich global sounds, the album is bold, transformative, and makes for his most creative and expansive body of work yet.
M.anifest sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I was surrounded by music as a child. Some of my earliest and fondest memories involved music. It’s been a thing for me for a very long time.
2. Who are some artists that have influenced your new album 'MTTU' and that you want to work with in the future?
Any artist creating freely with original ideas always provides some kind of inspiration for me. From the likes of Stromae, flying lotus, J hus to John Coltrane.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing your new album during the coronavirus pandemic?
The uncertainty of the times had little adverse effect on my creativity but it definitely affected the business decisions. The possibilities of when and how to release it were challenging too especially with no clear prospects of touring at the time.
4. How would you describe the sound on your new album?
Genre-blending. It manages to be Hip Hop and African popular music at the same time.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I have had quite a few moments but I’m wary of dwelling in the past. Currently putting together this project in a difficult time is a proud moment.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Always remember who you are. Stay on vision and keep growing.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
There are quite a lot but most recently I’ve been bumping Samthing Soweto, Vagabon, Mayra Andrade, Pa Salieu, and a bunch of random songs from some next gen artists from Ghana who I am really excited for.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I like Juls “Sounds of my world” album. Sarz and obongjayar ep is a bop as well. M3nsa’s Bondzie, Tems “If orange was a place”.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Binge watching different shows on Netflix, chopping it up with family and friends, and figuring out how to do handstands and rap at the same time.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water. Extension Cable. Voice Note app on my Phone.