Charmaine - 10 Questions + Hood Avant-Garde (EP)
With barely a moment to catch your breath, the indomitable Charmaine follows up singles ‘BOLD’ and ‘WOO!’ with her Hood Avant-Garde EP. Blending rap, hip-hop and grime, the Canadian-Zimbabwean artist puts her own stamp on these genres with the bustling and bossy energy of this track. Her flow is impressive and she effortlessly drills out her self-assured lyrics, letting you all know that she simply does not care what others have to say or think about her.
Charmaine 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?
My love for music began when I was about 8 years old. My dad would play gospel music on the keyboard in the house all the time. I was so intrigued and fascinated by it. I would watch him them one day I started playing by ear.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I would say no arguments, Missy Elliot. She is a LEGEND. Avant garde at its finest and who she is as a woman and an artist inspires me on the daily. The way she’s so free with herself and her artistry. The visuals?! It’s the EVERYTHING for me!!
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
Honesty,I have no complaints. At first, I thought being unable to do live shows/appearances would affect my music, but it’s actually been amazing. People have no choice but to focus on the craft right now and with the response I’ve received? It’s been working out beyond well.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Multidimensional, Playful, Boasty and Fresh!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment thus far has been being named the ONLY Canadian chosen for Soundcloud’s First on Soundcloud campaign. That on its on is MIND BLOWING!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Just be YOU. It’s cheesy and cliché but it’s the real secret. Be unapologetically yourself. Stand proud in your strengths and flaws. Do not fall victim to the fear of failure and always understand that your future and success is up to YOU!
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
So far, I’ve been loving Aya Nakamura, Tone Stith and Bolu Ajibade.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I have been listening to Tone Stith’s “Can We Talk”, Queen Naija’s “Misunderstood” and Missy Elliot’s “Under Construction”.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love binge watching Netflix shows/movies, eating Captain’s Boil and sipping wine HAHA!
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
I can’t live without food, good vibes and a lil’ sum to toke on LMAO.