SGaWD - Tha GaWD – Side A (EP) + 10 Questions
Tha GaWD – Side A is the audacious new EP from Miami-based Nigerian rap sensation SGaWD, serving as the highly anticipated follow-up to her seminal debut project Savage Bitch Juice. This new EP is a defiant sonic exploration that sees SGaWD melding rap, house, electronica, and afropop into an intoxicating mix that is as innovative as it is inviting. Tha GaWD – Side A highlights SGaWD’s remarkable versatility as a rapper and singer, which enables her to effortlessly traverse genres with melodic flows that transcend musical boundaries, and a captivating vocal range that complements her lyrical prowess. The 7-track EP reflects SGaWD's growth as an artist and a woman navigating the complexities of the music industry, embodying her journey of self-discovery and artistic freedom.
As an artist that has been pushing the boundaries of international rap music ever since she released her ground-breaking debut EP Savage Bitch Juice in 2021, the inspiration behind her new work Tha GaWD – Side A is as multifaceted as SGaWD herself. From the empowering 'Money Prayer' to the liberating 'Dump All Your Worries On The Dance Floor', and the introspective 'Talking Too Much', each track offers a glimpse into SGaWD's world, her thoughts, and her artistic evolution. Collaborations with talents like Moliy and GRAMMY nominated producer GMK add further layers to the EP, showcasing SGaWD's ability to create new sounds that resonate with listeners globally. As SGaWD puts it, "I want my listeners to feel alive! This project is for trying new things that sound great, evoke emotion, and stick.”
The EP kicks off with ‘Money Prayer,’ a soul-stirring anthem that encapsulates SGaWD's resilience and faith, followed by the infectious ‘Dump All Your Worries On The Dance Floor’ calling listeners to embrace joy and freedom amidst life's challenges. SGaWD's bold lyrics about seduction and empowerment shine through on ‘BoyToy’, followed by the sultry ‘Juicebox’ with Ghanaian sensation Moliy. ‘Cool’ delves into the subtleties of love set against dreamy house beats, while SGaWD reflects on the pitfalls of empty promises on ‘Talking Too Much’. ‘Fav Gurl’ offers up a unique R&B sound paying homage to alté and mara music. All in all, Tha GaWD - Side A is an immersive experience that showcases SGaWD's growth as an artist and her fearless exploration of new sonic territories.
Crafted over the past two years across the vibrant landscapes of Lagos, London, and Miami, where she currently resides, this new project is a testament to SGaWD’s artistic evolution and the first fruits of the Nigerian rap sensation diving into her era of exploration and experimentation. Her intentions with Tha GaWD – Side A are to let listeners into her world, sharing personal stories of love, introspection, and escapism, while uncovering the intricacies of navigating the music industry as a woman with ambitions that eclipse the conventional rapper's scope. This EP is a testament to SGaWD's hard work, her willingness to learn and evolve, and her unwavering faith in her path, making Tha GaWD - Side A an essential listen for anyone eager to experience the future of international rap music.
SGaWD 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 always been amazing for me. Even as a consumer, I just always enjoyed music. I remember being young in the children’s choir. I remember watching channel O and MTV Base. I remember so many times in my life that music either helped me articulate my feelings or helped me be at peace with myself, and one day, I just decided to try.
I had already been trying my hands at performing in high school when I was performing for award shows and I was part of the music club, but my first time in the studio was with my friends. As you know, most people's experiences are. That was amazing because it just showed me that there was no harm in trying, and that making original music wasn’t very far off.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I am heavily influenced by women! Both Nigerian and international artists, current and present like Sasha P, Lauryn Hill, Kelis, Queen Latifah, Beyoncé, Little Simz, and Doja Cat to name a few, and I would love to work with everyone on this list! I have some special special people I would love to collab with like Beyoncé, Raye, Little Simz, Rema, Baby Tate, Yseult, I can keep going on and on tbh.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My self-titled EP called 'Tha GaWD - Side A' just dropped worldwide, and I’m super excited. I already pre-released three singles from the projects, BOYTOY, Dump All Your Worries and now Juicebox featuring Moliy. It’s a 7-track compilation of feel good moments with nostalgic production and electrifying vocals!
4. How would you describe your sound?
Feel Good Music! That’s what this is. Think about the sound like your fav meal, no matter how it’s served. In a ceramic plate, in a paper plate, in a takeout pack, it’s still your fav meal. That’s what this project is. It’s Feel Good Music, whether it's house, hip-hop or afrobeats, it's guaranteed to make you feel good!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Being able to create amazing work and getting recognised for it by bodies like The Recording Academy.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Walk with God and no one else, stay humble keep your ears to the ground and never let anyone stop you.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I really like Vontee The Singer! I was just in NY performing and I’m really liking the sexy drill sound! I might just try something!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Seyi Vibez - Nahamciaga
SGaWD - Savage Bitch Juice
Beyoncé - Renaissance
Future - HNDRXX
I also listen to a lot of Ogba / Mara mixes!
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Sleep, cook, shop and eat great food and cuddle! I love cuddling with my cat Roman.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
I need my lemon for my tea, yeah, I need the studio at a good temp, I hate being cold in the studio 🤣🤣, I love having my Ringlight incase I wanna go on live cause it can get pretty dark in the studio! And my hard drive because I will export those vocals before I leave the session 😭😭. I ALWAYS take my stems with me when I leave!