South African hitmaker Senzo Afrika has steadily made a name for himself in the world of local arts and music and his newest album, Valley of 1000 waves is testament to that. Blending modern Amapiano sounds with older, tried and tested smooth soul samples, the hitmakers has offered an album for the ages and for all ages too.
We sat down with Senzo for a brief conversation in which he took us back to his early influences while also revealing the things that made it possible for him to be the artist he is today.
We are thrilled to be jamming to your new album A Valley of 1000 Hills. How do you feel about the way it’s been received so far?
I am happy with the response so far, many are happy with the entire content in the album which makes me happy.
A lot of people usually associate KZN sounds with Gqom, but you’ve managed to branch into the Amapiano genre. How did you decide to go in this direction?
For me I have no limitations to what kind of music I sing, so last year I came to Johannesburg and was introduced to Amapiano. I challenged myself to try it, I did it, loved it and it went well.
Yet you still manage to bring authentic and homely sounds to your music. Is this an important aspect of your art?
Yes its, home is where the heart and i believe a lot of South Africans can relate with me and therefore which is why almost the entire album is what we experience in our everyday life and its another way of reminding people that you are not alone in what ever situation you are going through.
The album features some of the hottest tastemakers in the country right now. How did you choose the selection of artists you ended up collaborating with?
Some of the artists we would be in studio chilling, then we would cook up the beautiful melodies that you find in the album.
I read an interview where you said you regard yourself as an old soul – I’m curious, where did this influence come from?
Like i have mentioned in one of my answers, i make sure my music touches your soul, by singing about music that all ages will relate to, whether young or old. This are the common events that almost everyone relate too.
Amapiano is seen as a “young” people’s genre – how do you ensure that your music appeals to people of all ages?
I was influenced by my late father, he was a lover of music, almost all old school and soulful music he listened to I was there and that is how i fell inlove with soul music.
How has it felt to be an artist during 2020, and how are you navigating the challenges presented by the pandemic?
Truly and honestly speaking it wasn’t easy, unfortunately due to lockdown and policies put in place it made it hard to go out and work, which means no work, no pay. Its really hasn’t been easy.
Where do you want to see yourself if we do this same interview in exactly one year?
I would love to see my music to reach as far as the entire Africa, getting more gig and having my music played in all radio stations especially in South Africa and big screens.
What are your predictions for authentically SA genres like amapiano, gqom, maskandi, balobedu house etc?
I believe South Africans, especially young citizens have finally found their ground, of who they and are choosing to be true to the South African culture, which therefore my predictions are we should expect more beautiful beats from this artists.
