ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: SGaWD
SGaWD, a celebrated rapper and singer, left her law career in 2019 to pursue music. Named one of Africa’s top 10 rappers by The Native and recognized by The GRAMMYs and Triple J, she blends rap, house, electronica, and afropop. Her global reach includes over 10 million streams.
1. Can you tell us about your journey into music? What inspired you to become a rapper and singer?
I've always loved music but professionally, I'd say I was inspired to take it seriously in 2019. I had some people in my corner who were encouraging me and I felt ready to take that leap so I decided to leave my law career behind and pursue that dream.
2. Being named one of the 10 best rappers in Africa by The Native and receiving recognition from The GRAMMYs and Triple J is a huge accomplishment. How have these accolades influenced your career?
I don't know if they've really influenced me, but they let me know that I'm on the right path. Getting recognition from The Recording Academy is literally one of the biggest things you can hope for as a musician so it keeps me motivated to keep working hard and developing my sound because people are paying attention and enjoying what I've done so far.
3. Your new EP 'Tha GaWD - Side A' marks a significant milestone in your career. Can you share the inspiration behind this project and what it means to you personally?
I think following up my first project, which was more straightforward rap, I was in an exploratory period trying to figure out where I wanted to take my sound. Spending time in London and feeling the house & electronic vibes out there was definitely an influence but I think the inspiration really came from within. I know the music I like and gravitate to, and wanted to reflect that with my own spin on it. I was playing with fewer rules so to speak. This project means a lot to me. It's like a child! It's telling the story of a particular time in my life and anytime I go back to it, I'll be able to relive those moments and feelings.
4. 'Tha GaWD - Side A' blends rap, house, electronica, and afropop. What was the creative process like for this EP, and how did you decide to incorporate these diverse genres?
The creative process was me working with producers and artists that I trust and feel know my sound very well, then working with my team to shape an overall sound and vision for what we were looking to execute. Bringing in the genres came naturally to me because these are genres I already love and listen to regularly, I just had to give them my own spin.
5. Faith, empowerment, freedom, joy, and love are strong themes in your music. How do you draw from your personal experiences to write your lyrics?
I write really organically so my lyrics are usually just based on what's happening to me and what I'm going through. Whether I'm showing a more vulnerable side of myself on a song like Money Prayer or bringing out my sexy side on Juicebox, it's all coming from my experiences and feelings at the time.
6. Your music showcases both your rap ferocity and tender singing. How do you balance these two aspects of your artistry, and do you have a preference for one over the other?
I'm still in the process of figuring out that balance honestly. I find it naturally when creating a song but I still toy with the idea of doing a fully singing focused project, or another straight up rap project. I don't really have a preference, I love both, but my Sirens do tell me they want more singing!
7. With over 10 million streams already, your music has clearly resonated with a global audience. How does it feel to have such a wide-reaching impact, and what do you think draws listeners to your music?
It feels amazing! All I can do is thank God and everyone that listens to my music. I think people are drawn to the authenticity in my lyrics and sound. I believe that when you're speaking your truth, people connect with it on a deeper level than if I was trying to be something I'm not.
8. You aim to challenge traditional notions of what a Nigerian woman can be as an artist. Can you elaborate on this mission and how you hope to inspire other female artists?
As a Nigerian woman, everyone wants to tell you what to do and how to do it. I refuse to be boxed in as an artist or an individual. I bring that energy to my music and my career as well. Being able to throw my own concert in Lagos and have a lineup featuring a bunch of amazing women is the type of thing people wouldn't expect me to be able to do but now that I've done it, hopefully it inspires someone else to create space for other women in their own way.
9. What's next for SGaWD? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about?
Stay tuned! There will be a Side B and maybe some remixes coming.
10. Music is a space where you can express things that conversation can’t match. Can you share a moment when music helped you process or communicate something important in your life?
If you listen to 'Money Prayer', you'll hear me communicating my journey and hopes for myself. That song is really special to me and it truly is a prayer. That's where I'm really speaking to people so they can get to know me, but I'm also speaking to God, and to myself as a reminder to believe and keep going.
11. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self or to aspiring musicians, what would it be?
Believe in yourself and find even 1-2 people who really believe in you. Lock in with them and chase your dreams until you physically can’t anymore.
12. Finally, can you share a track from 'Tha GaWD - Side A' that holds a special place in your heart and explain why it stands out to you?
'Money Prayer' for all the reasons I've already shared and Fav Girl because there's absolutely nothing in the world that sounds like it!