CHAT WITH MUFARO AHEAD OF NEW EP RELEASE
Originally from Zimbabwe but now based in Melbourne, afrobeat/R&B artist Mufaro is bringing his newest EP ‘Everything’ out into the world next week on June 21st which will feature five incredible tracks that will have you vibing all day. His newest single ‘African Girl’ offers a taste of what's to come as it will be one of the tracks on the EP - presenting a fiery afrobeat soundscape that we are absolutely loving. We got to do a little Q&A with the artist ahead of the EP release and you can view that below.
Firstly, can you tell us a little about yourself, how you got into music, and who is currently inspiring you?
I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and moved to Australia in December 2005. We first moved to Brisbane, and then I made the move to Melbourne in 2019. My musical roots go all the way back to Zimbabwe, listening to the music on my parents’ radio — the likes of Alec Macheso and Oliver Mtukudzi, but also Usher, Justin Timberlake, Destiny’s Child, Alicia Keys. So I had a really “RnB” upbringing, mixed in with some Zimbabwean greats.
Right now, I’m still inspired by a lot of RnB, soul and neo-soul artists, but particularly the stylings of Erykah Badu and D’Angelo. But also deeply connected to Afrobeats and Amapiano music, so I’m listening to a lot of Burna Boy, Davido, Musa Keys and Sampa the Great.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard of it?
Imagine Erykah Badu and Burna Boy had a child together. That’s Mufaro. It’s a careful, curated blend of Afro music with Soul and RnB stylings.
Congrats on the upcoming release of your new EP ‘ Everything’! What was the creative process like and where did you draw inspiration from when writing it?
Thank you ! Everything as a project probably came together over the past 24 months. It really is “everything” in the way that it goes through all these emotional journeys from feeling loved to letting go of a “cursed” love. There are many movements it goes through. As with all my music, these are real experiences and journeys I’ve personally been on. Not to say I’m writing about anyone specifically, but also - maybe I am! But it’s all just real stories, based on true experiences.
Out of all five tracks, which one was the most fun to create?
It’s really hard to pick! But if I have to, it’s probably “African Girl”. It was probably the fastest track we worked on for the EP, and we really sat on it for probably 12 months - marinating it and making it the track we want it to be! It was also the first time I got to work with my big brother, Mr Prezz, who was really the brains behind the entire track. He really formulated the idea and the masterpiece that is “African Girl”, and I don’ think we’re done on that one just yet!
What do you hope people take away from ‘Everything’?
As with all my music, I just want people to vibe to the music and the stories if they relate to them. I think there’s at least one track that everyone will relate to. Whether it’s stumbling on a stranger who you want to give you love, or an ex that you just have to let go of - there’s something for everyone in here.
You collaborated with a few different artists on the EP, what was that like for you and do you find it easier to work with others?
So the funny thing is, I didn’t even realise how collaboration “heavy” it was until I created a shortlist for the EP. I maybe recording 15 tracks and these 6 were the ones that fit together. In saying that, I’m not mad at all.
When it comes to working with others - I love it. I think it boosts my creativity because we’re either going back and forth on the track and it’s just a beautiful chaos!
Do you have any upcoming live performances that you want to promote?
Super excited to be bringing “The Mufaro Show” to Melbourne on July 7th at The ESPY. It’s the first show in Melbourne post-pandemic, and I got my band with me from Brisbane. The accompanying acts, JP Collective and KUDAKWASHE are just dope artists as well, so I'm really looking forward to having a groove in Melbourne!