S.I.M talks about his recent track ‘Afro President’

Today on our Hot Seat we have rapper S.I.M with us. Let’s have a chat with him.

Twist Online: First of all please introduce yourself to our readers.
S.I.M:My name is S.I.M, and I am a rapper and lyricist from North-London, born in Kenya, and now living in Cardiff. I am looking to make a positive impact, speak my truth and convey my human experience through music. I seek to express my diverse background through the musical experience I provide, striking the listener with a range of production from Grime to South-African Choir music, while covering multiple relevant social topics.

Twist Online: Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
S.I.M: I started getting into Hip-Hop and Rap when I was 12 years old and had just moved to London. I was being tutored at the time by a very close family friend who at the time introduced me to the likes of Nas, Common-Sense, Mos-Def and Talib-Kweli. Through staying up at night watching Channel AKA among other Urban music channels during the late 2000’s and very early 10’s, I was able to hear a multitude of UK Rappers including Ghetts, Wretch-32, Kano, Wiley, Chipmunk, Devlin and Griminal. Over time I also became more familiar with the deeper works of mainstream rappers like Eminem and Jay-Z, as well as older Artists such as Biggie, Tupac, Dr Dre, Scarface and Outkast.

Twist Online: Tell us about your recent release ” Afro President”?
S.I.M: My New Single ‘Afro-President’ represents an embrace of my Kenyan Heritage, as well as a move away from more serious, experimental music back towards a ‘middle-ground’ whereby the listener can engage with the music in more diverse settings ie the Club, the Car, in the house and when they are out and about. I also sought to represent my culture in a positively without packaging it in a way that showcases poverty and negative images, while also seeking to retain a light-tone that is more ‘celebratory’ and less ‘militant’. This track is fun, authentic, unapologetic, cultural and proud. I am very proud of it and I hope that the listener enjoys engaging with the track as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Twist Online: What kind of response you have received from the release?
S.I.M: The response to this track has been resoundingly positive as my fanbase has engaged with it well while the single has already been picked up by a multitude of Blogs throughout the internet.

Twist Online: What’s your favorite music genre? 
S.I.M:Hip-Hop is bae. Besides H.E.R, I also listen to Jazz, Soul, R&B, Reggae, Afro-Beat, Classical and other forms of Orchestral Music. My favourite instrument (besides syllables) is the Saxophone followed by the Piano.

Twist Online: What’s the best part of being a music artist?

S.I.M:For me it’s the Studio, the Live-Show and the reaction of listeners to a new track or performance. I also take joy in completing a song in the studio and completing it well. For me the Music and Art comes first and I endure the administrative aspect of the game so I can provide the listener with an unforgettable experience.

Twist Online: Have you set some goals to achieve?

S.I.M:  My Goal for 2019 is to establish myself and my brand through releasing Singles that I feel will resonate with larger audiences while also transitioning away from being a SoundCloud rapper to being a legitimate Artist who performs live, has a real following and is verified throughout the internet. I aim to achieved this in order to build a real connection with real human beings instead of digital validation in the form of likes, followers and shares.

Twist Online: Are you working on any new project?

S.I.M: I am currently working on many exciting new singles that I cannot wait to share with everyone! I am also looking towards performing live more often and gain-support. If we accumulate an adequate amount of buzz by the end of 2019 – I will then begin working towards a sophomore mixtape during the early portion of 2020. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with all of you!