“Sometimes I wish I was more defined in a way because it makes things more simple,” says Brooklyn-based Rwandese singer Iyadede talking about her electro-pop sound. Influenced in part by Zap Mama (whom she used to sing backup for), part-Cindy Lauper, part-Santigold, the 26-year-old bares her heart over electronic beats tempered with African melodies. “Dede” spoke with AfriPOP! about her journey from genocide survivor to a boundary-busting indie artist.
AfriPOP!: If you could describe your music in five words, what would you say?
Iyadede: I’d say Spontaneous, because we didn’t sit down and say, ‘Okay, we’re gonna think of doing a project that involves a black girl and we’re gonna try to be different. I think my music is Inspired because a lot of it was moments of clarity in the lyrics. It’s Pop, but not in the commercial sense of pop. I’m definitely an 80’s kid and I grew up listening to Johnny Clegg, Gloria Estefan–music that was simple, melodious and colorful in the sound. It’s Modern because I hope I represent some kind of modern woman beyond race, color and origin because I think that’s the way we’re going. I think it’s Genius because I’m thankful for the inspiration that came to me.
When you say you’re from Rwanda, people automatically think of a certain sound and you’re not doing that.
I think people want you to be either very soulful or very African. It’s just easier for people to go, ‘Oh, she’s African, she must be doing this type of music.’ The truth is I’m much more in between continents, honestly, deeply between continents. The minute you go for it, you realize that there’s a bunch of younger African girls behind you who are just waiting for someone to open the doors.
Do people in Rwanda know your music?
Yes, they are very supportive. I get so many messages every day from not only Rwanda but from places like Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and they say they’re so proud. It’s always so great to get those kinds of messages. I really feel like everyone is ready to embrace me in a very welcoming way.
When does the the album drop?
We expect it to be out in March. We only released one single called Love Robot.
And you’re doing it independently?
Well, the biggest part of the work was done independently, but we are getting offers from record labels…
So you did your whole album independently, out of pocket?
I’m not the only one involved. There were four people that were really helpful in it. It’s really been a word of mouth and that’s how we’ve pushed it.
You’re very present on Twitter. Talk to us about promoting your brand online.
I think a vehicle like Twitter is really important because it’s really a pulse of what’s going on worldwide, so as an artist you have to be on Twitter. But too much talking doesn’t work if you don’t have a good product behind it.
You survived the Rwandan genocide but you say that you don’t want that to be what defines you.
I’m really in between because as an African artist I don’t want to sell poverty about Africa because the truth is I’m here, I’m alive, I’m sleeping well and I’m one of those people who believes that real charity is silent. It doesn’t need recognition. I’m not about sitting here telling crowds of people that while we’re enjoying cocktails and good music people are dying in Africa. I’m at a growth in my personal life where I’m thankful for going through what I did because I learned a lot, but as an artist I will do my part to give back but I’d rather serve my continent in a constructive way and be a good model instead of coming overseas and selling African poverty to make money or get people’s empathy. I feel for my continent every day and I know a lot of great people who give every day without screaming about it all over the place.
What’s the message you’re trying to convey on the album?
I hope people like it and recognize the work behind it. I hope it gives people less fear because the message is really positive and I also hope it makes righteousness cool in a way because it seems like it’s not so cool any more to be simple, to dress simple, to be just creative in a non-shocking way.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Hannan Saleh
DESIGN: Michelle Davilla
loVE RobOT (iyaDedE/Blessoill/Charlemagne graphix) from Iya Dede on Vimeo.
Look out for Iyadede’s album “The Girl Who Fell To Earth” in March.
To learn more about Iyadede, click here.
To listen to Iyadede, click here.
Wait, there’s more: Fresh to def: MC Shad // Corneille in NYC
Yeah! this girl rocks!
Pingback : Afri-Pop Magazine Covers « La Dolce Vita
She reminds me of Lamya... Nice sounds.
Inspiring! Great interview. Lovely music.
Beautiful, girl, beautiful music. I'm also a now on team Iyadede. I hope sh emakes it to perform on the continent sometime.
That was good interview,keep on Iyadede!!!
Wow! Great sound and love the video.
beautiful photography and styling; fantastic interview.
brilliant photography/styling; fantastic interview. x
great interview. definitely like her sound