‘BEEN A MINUTE’ IS OUT NOW
We had the pleasure of sitting down with ThatKid_AfricanFanta, the talented artist behind the captivating song “Been A Minute.” In this insightful interview, ThatKid_AfricanFanta shares their inspirations, writing process, and the unique sound of their music. She delves into the messages conveyed in her lyrics and the importance of giving a voice to taboo subjects and sensitive emotions. Drawing from her cultural background and upbringing, ThatKid_AfricanFanta discusses how her heritage influences her artistic style. She also sheds light on the significance of their name and the challenges of expressing herself while navigating different cultural influences. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of ThatKid_AfricanFanta and discover the passion and creativity behind her music.
What inspired you to create ‘Been A Minute’? How did you come up with the concept for the song?
Honestly I had no concept I just trusted my songwriting skills to come up with something to the beat. I closed my eyes, cleared my mind, and played the instrumental.
The inspiration was that It was already sounding different to the melodic type beats I gravitate towards so that alone was a creative challenge and motivated me to create something different.
Could you tell us more about the unique sound of ‘Been A Minute’ and how it differs from your previous work?
In terms of wordplay and structure there’s not much difference I make analogies and comparisons In almost every song I make.
The instrumental is what set the tone and my lyrics make it sound light and catchy.
What was the writing process like for ‘Been A Minute’? Did you face any challenges or breakthrough moments during its creation?
I like beats that I can just have a conversation over and it flows nicely with my emotion on top of it and this beat did that, I was able to write to it in couple hours.
In ‘Been A Minute,’ you mention the line “if I was chasing I’d be further I would’ve done the most.” What does this line mean to you, and what message were you trying to convey through it?
This is funny because I know who I am. sometimes when you work so hard you can get anxious and start to be in a state of want & it stresses you out. That line means that if I was desperate and didn’t care about the quality of my craft I could not be true to myself and gain attraction based of the false persona I could put out there.
Your music often tackles taboo subjects and sensitive emotions. How do you navigate addressing these themes, and why is it important for you to give a voice to those who face similar struggles?
I feel like everyone has something they are good at and mine is expressing myself through paper and pen.
Not many people can stand up for themselves and not everyone knows how to, so if I’ve been given that strength I should use it.
When I was younger I didn’t have a voice I didn’t know how to articulate myself. In my culture things are swept under the rug a lot so I would just sit with my trauma and firm it but it was damaging my state of mind.
If I can stop someone from feeling alone on the inside through my music then imma do that.
Can you share how your cultural background and upbringing have influenced your music and artistic style?
I’m half Congolese and Half Kenyan and music is definitely a big part of both of those cultures. Regardless if it’s a week day or a weekend I’d hear music in my household.
I definitely discovered my love for music at a young age because of it being played at home.
I didn’t like loud music as a result of it being blasted out loud during my favourite programs but I did love music, seeing music videos on MTV, 106 & park and other stations definitely fuelled who I am today.
What does the name “ThatKid_AfricanFanta” represent to you, and how does it reflect your diverse heritage and identity?
My cultures are incorporated in my name I am ThatKid_AfricanFanta. I could have been “AfricanFanta” or simply “ThatKid”. I could’ve put a spotlight on one of my Cultures, however I am all of them, I represent multiple places. I am a third culture kid, and that comes with me wherever I go, that makes me, ThatKid_AfricanFanta.
As a first-generation UK-born artist, what challenges have you faced in expressing yourself and balancing different cultural influences in your music?
It’s definitely hard at times and sometimes people don’t understand why I say what I say in the moment but soon after they get it.
With my African culture to be heard I have to be more assertive and stand my ground but in British culture they would say I’m too forward and I can come across too direct and impolite. Growing up I’ve just understood that those that want to genuinely know me as a person & understand me will stick around and do so, those with another motive will do the opposite. Im learning to be okay with that. I’m also aware that I can’t let people’s opinions become who I am because opinions will change.
What can we expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
You can expect growth because I want to evolve I think staying the same is boring. I would like to try other writing styles, genres and do it well. I love drip & fashion as-well as music so I am definitely exploring how I can fuse the two together.
It’s gonna be a volcano and you’ll definitely be hearing my name again.
I have a song I’m currently working on it’s so beautiful and I wanna take my time with it because it’s got a lot of potential and a deep message. I’d name drop the song title but I don’t want to stunt it’s creative process.
Support Thatkid_AfricanFanta on Social Media
Rishma
Latest posts by Rishma (see all)
- REVIEW | ‘WHATEVER IT IS’ BY TONY BONES THE PRODUCER, JACKSON B, AND AKS CHANNELS NOSTALGIA WITH A FRESH TWIST — November 11, 2024
- RICH MIX AND KAMANI RECORDS CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF JUNGLE AND THE CONGO NATTY LEGACY — October 24, 2024
- INTERVIEW | LI-LIKEISAID DISCUSSES HIS NEW TRACK ‘MISSED CALLS’ — October 21, 2024