ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Gwamz
Step into the dynamic world of Gwamz as he shares his inspiring journey from football enthusiast to Afro-fusion maestro. Influenced by South London and his Ghanaian heritage, his music blends diverse genres. With influences from H.E.R, Burna Boy, and Knucks, Gwamz crafts unique melodies. Explore the collaborative process behind 'Pamela,' the impact of "Last Night," and his philanthropic endeavors. Join us as Gwamz unveils his creative process, teases future releases, and reflects on signing with Sony Music and RCA Records UK. Get ready for a rhythmic adventure!
1. Can you tell us about your journey from being a football enthusiast to pursuing a career in music? What inspired this transition?
I had many friends who were getting into academies from a young age, and constantly putting football first in their life. I knew I wasn’t at that level so I kind of took a step back with football and slowly gravitated towards learning how to make beats. It was something I fell in love with quickly. I even use to skip PE just to make beats in the music rooms at school!
2. How did your upbringing in South London and your Ghanaian heritage influence your musical style and interests?
My area was very multicultural so I was in tune with a lot of different cultures, be it Latino culture, Asian or of course African. This definitely influenced the way I heard music. In terms of my Ghanaian heritage, I do always try to throw in some Twi (One of the main languages spoken in Ghana) into my music and definitely add some Highlife or Afro funk feeling into it as well.
3. Could you share a bit about your early experiences with music at the church and the role it played in your life?
I grew up playing drums from the age of 11/12 years old. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday I was at church playing. It didn’t matter if there was 5 people or 50 people, it was just me on drums and my brother on keys. I think playing the drums definitely played a big role in why I am a musician today it gave me a pathway to other avenues, and if it wasn’t for that I don’t think I would be here today.
4. Artists like H.E.R, Burna Boy, and Knucks as your influences. How have they shaped your music and your approach to songwriting and production?
I would say in terms of my songwriting, H.E.R definitely helped me to think outside the box with the production aspect and also the creative side of writing. Burna Boy’s melodies are something I love and still admire so that has also helped shaped the music I make today. With Knucks, its his ability to create a story and make it come to life. It’s just sensational and it is huge inspiration for me.
5. What specific elements from different genres, such as Afrobeats, Rap, Grime, and R&B, do you blend together to create your unique 'Afro-fusion' style?
I would definitely say Afrobeats and R&B are the front core of the “Afro-fusion” sound as you get the R&B melodies mixed with the Afro drums however, the Grime side of it is normally the Bass or 808s. The way that they are used is very similar to how Grime beats or even Drill beats use the bass to create their sound. In terms of actually vocalising, I’m just free with it.
6. Your new single 'Pamela' features Tay Iwar and Skeete. Could you share the inspiration behind the track and what it means to you?
I feel like Pamela really sets the tone in describing what the “Afro-fusion” sound is. Being able to have something and say “this is the blueprint” holds a special place in my heart.
7. What was the collaborative process like while working with these talented artists on 'Pamela'?
Tay and Skeete are amazing people and super easy to work with. We kind of just bounced off each other’s’ energy really.
8. Your single "Last Night" received significant attention, being named BBC Music Introducing Track of the Week. Can you tell us about the impact it had on your career?
That was definitely a highlight in my life. It definitely helped gain more traction on the song and more traction on myself as an artist. I feel like these days people are quick to know your song but not you as the artist; the person.
9. How has social media, especially platforms like TikTok, played a role in your journey as an artist?
I’ll be honest… TikTok is a big part of my blowing up, so I’ve got to give credit where it’s due. There is a lot of pressure on getting the next track out there and blowing up too though. It’s hard not to always focus on the numbers or think about how the audience are going to respond to a teaser you’re posting.
10. Can you give us a glimpse of what's in store for your fans in terms of future music releases and projects?
I will just say you will definitely see much, much more of Gwamz
11. What can fans expect from your live shows, and do you have any upcoming performances lined up?
I actually do have a couple shows lined up before the year ends! As usual will be posting them on my Instagram so if you follow me on the gram you’ll find out!
12. You've expressed a desire to help people and even start charities and organizations. Can you elaborate on your philanthropic goals and how they relate to your music?
I am involved in a music charity organisation called Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation. We essetially help kids aged 11-19 make music, but there is definitely so much more to the role than just that. I want to set a good example for the younger generation and show them that there is no limit to creativity.
13. Signing with Sony Music and RCA Records UK is a significant achievement. What made you choose them as your partners in your music journey?
RCA feels like a family to me. When I was blowing up on TikTok it all felt a bit overwhelming for me with all these labels wanting to chat with me. I felt like RCA wanted Gwamz and not just “Last Night” they stood out to me.
14. Could you walk us through your creative process when it comes to writing songs and producing music? How do you approach crafting a new track?
It’s quite simple really. I find a beat or make the beat. When making the beat, it doesn’t have to be finished but it’s good to have the skeleton of it. I then usually lay a bunch of melodies down, whether if that’s free-styling or humming, whatever is in my head at that moment. Then I take the ones I like and build words around them, sometimes I even change the flow completely. Then the rest just builds naturally from there.