http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/bwoywonder/negash-ali-african-dream-ep_b_4819379.html?ir=UK+Entertainment
Negash Ali - 'The African Dream EP'
Posted: 21/02/2014 10:56
*Negash Ali**, a name fresh on the music scene released his EP 'The African
Dream' this month. The 23 year old Eritrean born/Scandinavian raised artist
may have already released his debut album 5 years ago, but after bagging a
publishing deal with Warner/Chappell he plans to unleash his fury upon the
UK in 2014.*
*How were you first introduced to music?*
My mother was a big fan of Madonna, Roxette and Michael Jackson so I used
to listen to alot of that growing up. Also there was always Eritrean music
bumping in the household, which is kind of unique; Mostly like heavy
uptempo drums featuring a traditional instrument called Kraar. My cousin
put me on to Tupac when I was like 9 or 10 and I was hooked on hiphop from
that point. I got introduced to the more conscious hiphop; BlackStar,
Common, Lauryn Hill and that made a lasting impact on me cause there was
always a message in their songs.
Their music inspired me to be more personal in my music, tell my story and
find a channel for my emotions.
I think the title track from the EP *"The African Dream"* is a great
example of all these different inspirations.
*You've co-written music for Jadakiss ft Chris Brown. How did that come
about? *
I was writing the intro for an album of mine and the producers asked me if
they could send over the song to their manager in New York. I was like why
not and a few weeks after I got a call confirming Chris Brown was singing
the hook. I was ecstatic. Pretty much went down like that.
*You've worked with some major names in the music game behind the scenes
what made you want to step into the limelight*?
Well you know I put out 3 studio albums before I really got into the
songwriting so my artistry has always been my 1st priority. I came to
London to do my thing on the artist end because there's such a broad
acceptance of genres and there's alot of space for niche here. I am
inspired by the London scene and came here to be a part of it.
*You also show alot of love toward Africa any plans to spread your music to
the motherland*?
There's so many great & unique scenes in Africa that I'd love to be a part
of. I've performed in Egypt a few times and I'm looking to go back for some
performances this year. "The African Dream" concept is all about being this
rootless guy; Coming from a African home, being raised in Scandinavia and
being inspired by the US and the guy that makes you become. I essentially
feel like I belong nowhere and everywhere at the same damn time.
*Who else do you see yourself working with in the future*?
Here in the UK theres alot of people I wouldn't mind hitting the studio
with; Sam Smith, James Blake, Jessie J, Wretch 32 and the list goes on
forever. In the US it's people like; Chance The Rapper, Vic Mensa, August
Alsina etc. This question got me feeling like a kid in a candy store!
*It could easily happen for you! What are your expectations for your new EP*
?
Being that I'm a new artist here in the UK I just wanna introduce myself to
the world and let people know who I am & what I stand for. Furthermore I
want people to know there's this new guy on the block who's got something
interesting to bring to table and is here to make a mark.
*The African Dream EP* is out now on iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-african-dream-ep/id807501183
Follow Negash Ali on Twitter <
http://www.twitter.com/negashali> |
Facebook<
https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Negash-Ali/22127026003?sk=info>
Received on Wed Feb 26 2014 - 20:48:06 EST