Belgian-Ghanaian multi-instrumentalist Esinam Dogbatse a.k.a ESINAM, releases her new single ‘New Dawn’ featuring Nadeem Din-Gabisi tomorrow (30th April), this is the first single taken from her highly anticipated debut album ‘Shapes in Twilights of Inifinity’, released later this year.

ESINAM 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?

Music has been in my life since a very long time. I ask my mother to go to music school when I was 5, she was surprised but listened to my wish. Thanks to her support, then I've learned to play the piano for a decade. I used to listen to classical music for hours among Bob Marley and Tracy Chapman. The passion, the learning, the hours of practice and the art of listening were there.

During those years of study of classical piano, I was playing percussions, and other instruments. I loved jamming. At the age of 18, I went away for a long travel, I started to play the flute, important to have an instrument that I could carry with me. I didn't really know how to start a musical career, I didn't have a mentor or example to follow.

But I wanted to give a try, and I loved the instrument and improvisation. I started to play with some band as a flutist and percussionist, discovering the live shows and tour life. And then, create my musical world and my own project.

Since forever, I can’t imagine myself doing anything but music. It's my passion and my life. I’ve always admired the power of music, when you're going through a difficult moment, music has, deeply, this ability to take all of one's pain or sadness. It helps a lot. Music makes you happy.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Too many names, and I have a lot of different influences. So it is a questions that emulates responses in all directions. Hard to choose a few…

Some contemporary influences or inspirations like Björk, Tobe Nwingue, Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, Floating Points, Natureboy Flako, Yussef Dayes, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Makaya, Shabaka and the Ancestors, Moses Sumney, or M.anifest, Wanlov in Ghana... and many more.

To be inspired by other artists is a flexible thing: it can be for the music, the message, for their energy, originality and vision, or for live performances etc... The list of who I want to work with is too long.

Also, if an artist is inspiring, it can lead to all kind of artistic collaboration in music and art. I've already work with theatre and dance, I would love to collaborate with painter, movie maker or fashion in the future. I've made a music for a museum recently, I enjoyed it a lot. For me, I think the main point is keep being inspired and open with your art and making Music without boundaries. I like the idea of limitless possibilities.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

Live performances were everything to me, and help developing my project. The cancellation of a lot of shows was hard: I remember March 2020 very well, when my whole tour disappeared. I was completely lost for a moment and couldn't create music for a while. It is hard to create a momentum for an album release when you're not sure if all the confirmed shows will happen... but let's hope so!

4. How would you describe your sound?

Shapes in Twilights of Infinity.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Few years ago, I had amazing moments, touring and playing in great international festivals as a side musician, but what makes me more proud, is when I've played solo for the first time on a big stage, I mean, a huuuuge stage. For me, playing solo is different than when you play with a band. I love both. You're alone facing and sharing it with the audience. I was proud to have stepped far outside my comfort zone, and that day, that show was something. When you realise that you have the courage to leap without a net, you realise that everything is possible.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Keep going, try, try, try and try. Trust your intuition. Ask advice. Surround yourself with good people. Be patient and step by step you'll get where you want to be. Be honest and free in your art.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Yes: Nadeem Din-Gabisi, from London, he is featured on this song. I also love Sibusele Xaba, from South Africa.

In Belgium, there is a lot of great musicians as well. The Belgian scene deserves to be discovered. Some names of fellows musicians are Kangling, Yokai, ECHT!, Tom Bourgeois – Murmures, De Beren Gieren, STUFF., Charlotte Adigéry... that you should check out!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I love "Promises" by Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders, that music brings me peace. I like to discover new things every week. And, listen audio books and feminist podcasts.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Travelling, but now it is complicated, so I like to go in the woods for a run, I like to draw, it is a kind of meditation for me. I love take care of my plants, my home is like a Jungle now, and I love to invite my friends to have a drink on my rooftop.

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My flute, my instruments; then my ginger tea (with looooot’s of fresh ginger, so it is very spicy!), then maybe an extra pair of socks in case the studio temperature is not warm enough, hahaha! So I can be comfortable and feel like i’m at home and have great inspiration.