Medy Lema - Fresh'n'Nu (Single) + 10 Questions
From street performing to X-Factor to your ears! Manchester-based, funk-infused RnB star Medy Lema will have your feet moving with his latest single Fresh’n’Nu.
A dance track with a funky house influence, Fresh’n’Nu perfectly characterises Medy Lema’s infectious feel-good personality. A champion of the Northern music scene, Medy is a firm believer in the healing power of a good track. “I was in a difficult period of my life a few years ago but it was with the help of a few friends and the will of rising up that brought me this far because I’m not a quitter. Most of my songs are autobiographical in a way.”
It comes as no surprise that Medy Lema is the creative powerhouse he is. Born to a father of well-known Congolese based band/orchestra TP OK JAZZ and with a backup dancer sister, Medy has got creativity running through his veins! Performing in front of crowds age 3, the artist has immersed himself in a life of entertainment. Wowing audiences on screen, stage, and working behind acts such as Conor Maynard at the BRIT awards and worked behind Stormzy, Lisa Stansfield, IAMDDB, and Olly Alexander.
Medy 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?
It truly isn’t something I can explain because music has been inside of me since birth. My uncle told me I had a love for music and dance since age 2 and my family tells me I been entertaining folks and crowds by age 3, So I truly can’t explain it.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Unfortunately, most artists that made me become who I am aren’t alive anymore but for the ones that still are, I’d say Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, TLC, Usher, Beyonce and Bruno Mars. As for the current artists, I’d add Kaytranada, Chloe x Halle, Normani, Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Anderson Paak, Drake, Rihanna, Doja Cat and Justin Bieber.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
The one thing I faced the most is the lack of engagement on my music. There was no budget due to financial cuts and that hurt the release of my last album. My single ‘Say To Me’ got cut short very fast due to the pandemic taking over so the entire album was just shelved after that.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is different from what’s out there for sure. I love to mix and mingle different genres together that no one would ever think of and still make it a banger. My entire life and personality is based on being a human cocktail. I’ve always mixed everything from food to music to friendship groups to sex to language. Unfortunately, it cost me not to have many friends in school growing up.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My only proudest moment as an artist is that I’m still standing after all these years.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Before you get into anything you need to love yourself completely. If you don’t, you won’t survive. Also, you need to know your worth as well as know yourself as an artist. Also know your business.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I tend to watch out for fellow Manchester artists such as Sarah Angel, Femme Fatene, Yxngliv, Maxi Zee, Mab Schola, Ace Cxbain and plenty more. Most of them are gonna make an appearance on my brand new album coming out next year.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I’m a bit of a time recluse and mostly listen to old school Pop and R&B music. But I do sometimes find myself looking out for the new stuff such as Tems, Koffee, Brent Faiyaz, Troye Sivan and Kaytranada who I love dearly.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
People truly don’t believe me when I tell them there’s no other things I do outside of anything music related. If I’m not recording, I dance and if I don’t dance, I write music and etc.
But I will say that on my spare time I try and find the time to communicate with friends and family by taking them to dinner or go out on adventures.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
I’m gonna need more than three. Pfff.
Anyway, That would be a mic set, a pc and good food.