ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Q&A: FOFO
Fofo arrives from Switzerland with Outta My Section, a cinematic debut shaped by sharp instincts and late night ideas. Influenced by Kanye West, Drake, Jay Z, J Cole and Skepta, with film cues from Scorsese and Nolan, he blends music, style and confidence, proving he can hold his own on any record
’Outta My Section” feels really cinematic and confident. What was the first idea or feeling that inspired the track?
Response: ruu played me the beat one time, and it stuck, and some other day, I randomly just thought about a bunch of stuff I had been observing lately. So, I addressed them.
As your first official release, why did “Outta My Section” feel like the perfect introduction to Fofo?
Response: I wanted something easy to recognize, nothing experimental, you hear it, you know Fofo can rap, pick the right beats, and make music.
Your music feels very intentional, with a strong sense of control and atmosphere. Is that something that comes naturally, or do you spend a lot of time perfecting every detail?
Response: I spend some time refining it, but I don’t try to perfect every detail, the imperfections are what make the art real.
There is a real late night energy to the record. Are you someone who creates best at night, or does inspiration hit at random?
Response: Yup, I thrive in the dark...word to Bane. Nah, but for real, I’m most active at night, I could be in the club and still be scribbling down ideas on my phone.
Your sound carries a strong visual element too. How important is fashion, style, and image when it comes to building your world as an artist?
Response: Fashion is super important, & how much attention you pay to your clothing style, is how you feel about yourself. I got an eye for what works for me, & how I want to be experienced visually.
A lot of listeners are drawn to artists with presence rather than just noise. Do you feel like quiet confidence is part of your signature?
Response: To each their own, but I’d rather say my piece on a record and let my music speak for itself than go off ranting on the internet.
Being based in Switzerland but creating music with such a global feel, how has your environment shaped your sound and perspective?
Response: Switzerland's probably added a layer of authenticity as far as luxury rap goes, and I could just talk my talk, knowing it is how it is. That authenticity is the confidence you hear in my songs.
3. If someone heard “Outta My Section” for the first time with no introduction, what is the one thing you would want them to understand about you?
Response: I can hold my own, on any record, in any situation.
Which artists or people have inspired the way you move, both musically and creatively?
Response: There are a lot but I'll go with mainstream acts, Kanye West, Drake, Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, J.Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Skepta, Dave, Jack Harlow, Fabolous, Malice, Gunna, Post Malone, Future, Pop Smoke, Sy Ari Da Kid, G-Unit, Dipset. I could go on and on.
Outside of music, are there any films, fashion icons, or cultural influences that inspire the way you create?
Response: Heavy on films, especially the ones from Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan.
If you could describe “Outta My Section” in three words only, what would they be?
Response: Three words? Well, Outta My Section... Okay, I'll say "FOH"
What is one thing about Fofo that people would not expect when they first hear your music?
Response: I'm tech savvy
When you are in the studio, are you more of a perfectionist or do you trust the first feeling and run with it?
Response: Usually, I go with the first vibe, then refine it. On rare occasions, I’ll try different approaches to a record and figure out what works best.
If your playlist right now could introduce people to your vibe, which three artists would definitely be on it?
Response: I'll say Kanye, Drake, Gunna...Gotta make it 4, Cole is definitely on it.
This feels like the start of something bigger. What can listeners expect next from you after “Outta My Section”?
Response: A bit of everything, but first NPS is on the way...& it's a proper vibe.