Can you tell us about yourself and your creative background?
My name is Nyasha, I am a Hip hop artist I'm also a Christian. I think a lot of the time people think the two are incompatible and that they can't coexist, but I was raised as a hip hop fan and became a Christian later in my life, so I combined those two elements of my identity to create my music. I've been influenced by so many different artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Lecrae, Andy Mineo, DMX, so many different artists. I try to reflect my Christian beliefs through my music, and rap about literally everything and not confine myself.
What is your Creative First?
The Creative First that I'd like to spotlight today is my first EP, Jamal. There are only two songs on it; the first one is called Jamal and the second one is called The Touch.
What was the biggest challenge that you faced in that process?
I think the biggest challenge that I faced was writer’s block. I write in bursts, so I'll finish one verse one day and then I'll take a really long time getting to the next verse. The writer's block was especially difficult for the second song. The first song Jamal was done in like 30 minutes, but the other one took a couple of weeks of just effort to get there.
Do you have any tips for people wanting to either work in the creative industries or release an EP?
Yes, I think networking is very important. Getting to know key people in the field and in the industry.
I’d also say owning your craft and being consistent about it. You're not going to get very far if you're doing it sporadically, you have to commit yourself to it. There are a lot of people trying to do the same thing, so you need to think what's going to separate you from everyone else. It's that matter of consistency, I believe.
Why choose Cardiff for your creative first?
I think being in Cardiff gave me access to a lot of different facilities, and even in some of my songs I've referenced specific places in Cardiff like Cathays or Bute Park or Roath Park. Also going to Cardiff University and being able to network with people there gave me access to a lot of different like facilities, studios and producers. Cardiff has been crucial.
What can we expect from you next?
I think you can expect a lot more music from me in the future. You can also expect a podcast from me. In the podcast, I’ll be talking about hip hop and viewing it through a Christian lens and seeing the intersections between hip hop and religion, because there are lots of religions present in hip hop.
Instagram - @Nyasha.manasseh
Spotify – Nyasha Munashe
