Photography © Zoe Lawrence
Photography © Zoe Lawrence
"It definitely feels like therapy
to express my feelings through music."
The 25-year-old multi-talented artist Wafia told us about the different steps that marked her young career. Indeed, this inspiring woman with many facets was able to express herself with honesty in this interview, where she told us everything about her origins, the choices that led her to music and especially her incredible collaboration with the famous artist Ta-ku.
The one who breakthrough the industry with her hit single "Heartburn" and reached now nearly 2.5 million listeners on Spotify answered our questions with a lot of kindness and sincerity. A Rap & A Cup Of Tea x Wafia, everything you need to know is available now!
Can you tell me more about you?
Well... I’m Iraqi-Syrian, born in the Netherlands and living in Australia. (laughs)
When did you realise you wanted to be a singer and nothing else?
I always thought music wasn’t a realistic dream until I was about 17, and my dad really encouraged me to go for it all in. I guess it was all I needed.
Did you struggle to find your way when you were younger?
Yes, in many regards. The biggest was being comfortable with myself the way I am, I think I was always wishing I was someone else ... If I'm being honest, it took years to stop myself from doing that.
You’ve performed in a lot of different cities... Where were some of your best memories?
I had a show in Paris in November; it was the last stop on the Europe tour. Honestly, It was the best show! We walked around Paris late at night in the rain searching for crepes to satisfy my cravings. (laughs)
How was the gig?
Such great energy and I love hearing them sing back my songs to me in the French accent. (laughs) It’s honestly the most beautiful thing!
You’re a multi-dimensional artist with music that can seemingly live in multiple genres... How do you find balance with these different music styles?
I try to give each song the room to be the song it deserves to be. I don’t see the point in trying to force a particular genre or direction with a song because it’ll just end up sounding wrong anyway.
Can you tell me more about what inspired you while writing some of your favourite songs?
When we were in the studio writing "I’m Good", I could sense the person I loved was about to break my heart in the worst way and I kinda just let them. I guess I knew I was going into a rough patch really soon and I wanted to write a song for how I’d hope to feel after it all went by.
How did you start working with Ta-Ku?
I met him randomly on some basketball courts. It was pure chance. (laughs) He ended up hitting me up on my Instagram asking if we could work together. I kinda died because he’s such a legend! We ended up sending voice notes back and forth from there until we covered "American Girl", and that was really the start of it all.
Do you have any other dream features?
So many, you can't imagine! I’d love to work with SZA, Tyler The Creator or Kacey Musgraves.
What would be your 3 dream festivals or venues?
I got to play Coachella and Red Rocks last year with Louis The Child. I’d love to go back someday and play them in my own right, that would be a dream! Otherwise, I'd say Glastonbury would be amazing too or Pitchfork Music Festival!
Is there anything you'd like to say to your French fans?
Thank you so much for all the support! I cannot wait to come back with new music and more shows in your beautiful country. Thanks for having me; it was bliss!
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