23-year-old South African singer-songwriter Moahi elevates vibrations with his beautifully soothing voice as he encapsulates listeners through his honest lyrics and good energy. Moahi speaks for many through Hip/Hop and R&B beats that compliment his voice so nicely. Percussion beats, piano, interesting elements, and satisfactory falsetto is a great combo.
The singer-songwriter recently talked to ai love music via email about his musical inspiration, his dream collaboration, and what was it like writing for his newest single. Find out what inspired Moahi to write “Sometimes” and why is a song about missing a person you once cared for deeply. Also, make sure to listen to Moahi’s newest single “Sometimes” down below, and let me know what you think!
First of all, please introduce yourself! How did you get into music?
My name’s Moahi, I’m a musician based in Cape Town, South Africa.
What has your musical journey been like?
I started my musical journey as a child at the piano, imitating classical pieces that my older brother would play. Later, when I was 16, I started writing songs and recording for fun with a friend of mine from school. We were mostly rapping at that time. My sound has evolved a lot since those days! I picked up some guitar at some point along the way too.
Last year, I started making these demos with little lyric videos, kinda like the “lyrics to go” videos that Kota the Friend makes on YouTube, and I shared these to my Instagram TV. It was really fun, and a lot of people enjoyed them! I think that helped me gain a lot of confidence in my ability and from there I kinda just took the leap and released my first single last September.
What musical genres and artists influence you and your music?
Oof a lot! I listen to quite a lot of different genres but the genres that influence me the most are hip hop (“old school” and “new school”), indie pop, bedroom pop, alternative R&B, jazz, and Neo-classical music. Not all these genres necessarily manifest in music, but they have all influenced my creative process in one way or another. Joep Beving, Ludivico Einaudi, Ludwig Goransson, Kendrick Lamar, Isaiah Rashad, Baby Keem, Joji, Clairo, Thundercat, Steve Lacy, Childish Gambino… all these artists have had an impact on the way in which I approach making music.
How has 2021 been for you so far?
2021 has been pretty good for me! I released a couple of singles, including the latest one “Sometimes”. I’ve also met some really great producers, photographers, videographers… just all-around creative individuals who I’m excited to collaborate with on projects to come! I’ve also just about finished my first EP which is going to be coming out pretty soon.
Let’s talk about your latest single “Sometimes”. What is it about?
“Sometimes” is a song I wrote last year about someone who I was very close with in high school. She moved away I was missing her when I wrote this song. It’s half about things that happened and half about things that didn’t happen… things I wish had happened, you know?
What inspired you to write it?
It was just one of those melancholic late nights where I couldn’t sleep lol. I tend to write very emotionally in those moments.
What was the production of the song like?
I wrote and recorded the song over a beat by a producer who goes by Wurlishmouk. I did that all at like 2 am in the morning. I then mixed the vocals that same night. I went for the really lofi vocal mix because it complimented the beat so well, and I always love adding some harmonies in my songs. They make everything feel so warm – makes it feel like a cozy, thick flannel shirt.
What do you want listeners to listen for in your music?
The harmonies, the lyrics, the melodies – writing is something that I put quite a lot of effort and time into, for the most part, especially a vulnerable song like “Sometimes”. I also want them to embrace imperfections. Every now and then when I mix my vocals, I pick up some minor mistakes and I fix them, but I like leaving some imperfections. Maybe a breath that was slightly too heavy before a phrase, or a mispronounced word, etc. I like the way these imperfections sound and feel at times… they can also be cozy.
Any future plans?
I’m working on an EP right now that will be released towards the end of the year. I’m also planning on releasing a visual EP along with it – a project I’m very excited about! After that, I’m going to start work on my debut album with some very talented musicians and producers that I have the privilege of collaborating with.
What is your dream collaboration and why?
I’d have to say Childish Gambino. His album Awaken, My Child! is my favorite album! I think that range and versatility are traits that he exhibits which I see in myself as an artist as well, and it would be so cool to see his process in the studio firsthand!
Make sure to check out Moahi at the following:
Spotify | Instagram | Apple Music | TikTok | Soundcloud
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