We got a chance to talk to up and coming artist VINVAE about her new album When My Life Began, afrobeat, blending genres, her influences, love of fashion, and more.
First off, where are you from? And what was your upbringing like?
I am originally from Asaba, Delta State in Nigeria, but I am currently based in Toronto, Canada. My upbringing was one marked by curiosity and creativity. Growing up in an environment where exploring different forms of expression was encouraged allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for storytelling and the arts. Surrounded by music, art, and diverse cultures, these influences have played a significant role in shaping my outlook on life and continue to fuel my passion for creating and connecting with others through my work.
How did you get into music?
My journey into music began with a deep curiosity about the power of sound. I have always been fascinated by how music can evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect with people on a universal level. This curiosity led me to immerse myself in music, learning how to express the thoughts and feelings within me through this powerful medium.
What was the moment when you knew you fell in love with it?
The moment I knew I fell in love with music was when I first heard a melody that resonated so deeply, it felt as if it was speaking directly to me. Whether it was a perfect harmony or a meaningful lyric, that was when I realized that music is more than just sound—it’s a language, a way to express what words alone cannot. That realization made me fall in love with music, recognizing its power to connect us to something bigger, something profoundly human.
Which artists were a major influence on you coming up?
Several artists have likely played a significant role in influencing my musical journey. I imagine artists like Kimbra, Lorde, Shakira, INNA, and Sérgio Mendes, with their ability to create music that is both experimental and deeply emotional, have resonated with me. I would also find inspiration in Nina Simone, whose smooth, soulful sound brings a timeless quality to her music. The rich, soulful voices of Duffy and Adele, along with the powerful and empowering music of Beyoncé and Rihanna, have undoubtedly shaped my musical outlook. These artists create more than just music; they craft entire worlds within their songs, serving as a constant reminder of the beauty of creativity and the importance of pushing beyond the ordinary.
Who are some of your favorite artists currently?
Currently, I enjoy a diverse range of artists, each bringing something unique to the table. Masego’s smooth, jazzy vibes, Inna’s energetic beats, and the Afrobeats flair of Wizkid and Rema are particularly captivating. Gotye’s unique sound and Olivia Dean’s soulful voice resonate deeply with me. The timeless talent of Bruno Mars and the iconic creativity of Lady Gaga are always impressive. Stromae’s influence in the French touch genre, blending electronic music with poetic and thought-provoking lyrics, is another standout. Emerging artist Aupinard has also caught my ear with fresh and innovative sounds. Additionally, Nicki Nicole offers a fresh perspective on Latin music, while Shakira’s powerful vocals and dynamic performances have always been favorites of mine.
How would you describe your music and sound?
If I were to describe my music, I would say it is deeply tied to the emotions and ideas I want to explore. It serves as a sonic diary, with each track capturing a different feeling or thought process. There are moments of introspection, where the melodies are soft and subtle, and times of intensity, where the sound builds and swells, reflecting deeper realizations or emotions. My goal is to create a space where listeners can find a part of themselves in the music, feeling seen and heard through the soundscapes I craft. I would also describe my genre as “world,” as it blends elements from various musical styles across the globe.
What do you want listeners to take from your music?
I hope listeners connect with my music as a reflection of my own journey—something that mirrors my thoughts, experiences, and emotions. I want my music to offer a space where they can find their own reflections, gain new insights, or find comfort. Ultimately, I hope they leave with a piece of my heart, shared through sound.
What’s your process when it comes to crafting music?
My process for crafting music is like a journey of discovery. It begins with a moment of inspiration, whether it’s a personal experience or an emotion I want to explore. From there, I let my intuition guide me, experimenting with different sounds and arrangements until something feels right. It’s a process of piecing together a puzzle, ensuring each element fits to create a complete picture, with careful reflection on the meaning behind each part.
What can listeners expect from your newly released album?
Listeners can expect my newly released album to be a deeply personal reflection of where I am in life right now. Each song carries a piece of my heart, capturing intimate moments, raw truths, and the highs and lows I have experienced. The album is a journey through my current thoughts and experiences, offering a glimpse into my world and connecting with listeners on a personal level.
How long did it take to put together the album? And was the process different in anyway?
The process of creating the album took about six months to a year, during which I refined each track, experimented with sounds, and ensured every detail was right. It was a deeply personal journey, involving moments of both frustration and inspiration. Each phase of the album had its own rhythm, with shifts in approach as new ideas emerged. Overall, it was a journey of growth and exploration, reflecting my evolving thoughts and emotions.
Do you have a favorite track off the album?
My favorite track from the album is likely the one that resonates most with where I am in life right now. It’s the song I poured the most of myself into, perhaps because it took the longest to write or challenged me to be the most vulnerable. This track holds a special place for me because it captures something deeply personal, making it the song I’m proudest of.
Your music is a unique blend of styles and sounds that pull from a lot of genres? Is that an intentional approach?
The blending of styles and genres in my music is intentional, reflecting my diverse influences and how I view the world. I draw from different sounds because I don’t want to be confined to one genre. Instead, I let the music flow from whatever I’m feeling or inspired by at the moment. This approach allows me to stay true to myself, embracing all the different parts of my musical journey and creating something authentic and full of life.
How does afrobeat/more African centric in particular, play into your musical style?
Incorporating Afrobeat and African-centric sounds into my music allows me to connect with something deeply rooted and meaningful. These sounds carry a sense of history and identity that resonates with me on a personal level. I use Afrobeat to bring a certain rhythm and vibrancy to my music, grounding it in something alive and grounded. It’s about honoring those roots while making them my own, blending them with other influences to create an authentic sound that reflects my personal journey.
What were some of your influences for the album?
The influences for my album are deeply personal, stemming from the experiences and emotions that have shaped who I am. I draw from music that has accompanied me through different phases of my life—songs that have comforted, challenged, or inspired me. Artists who blend genres and tell raw, authentic stories have a significant impact, as I want my music to feel just as genuine and layered. Cultural sounds and rhythms that resonate with me are woven into the album, grounding it in something that feels like home. Ultimately, my influences reflect my journey and everything that has moved me, both creatively and personally.
Besides music, we see that you have a fashion brand. Is that your other major passion? Do those passions crossover in any interesting ways?
Besides music, fashion is another major passion of mine. Like music, fashion is a form of self-expression, allowing me to communicate who I am and what I am about without saying a word. There is a lot of crossover between the two, especially in how I approach creativity. The mood and aesthetic I create in my music often influence the designs I put out, and vice versa. For example, a color palette or texture might inspire a sound, or a rhythm in a track could spark an idea for a new design. Both passions feed into each other, helping me create a cohesive vision that is uniquely my own.
What can people expect from you in the future?
Looking ahead, people can expect a continuation of my creative journey, where I push boundaries and explore new ideas. I plan to work on more music, diving deeper into different sounds and stories, always aiming to evolve and grow as an artist. My fashion brand will also continue to expand, with new designs that reflect my evolving style and artistic vision. I will focus on finding new ways to blend my passions, creating projects that are not only innovative but also true to who I am. Whether through music, fashion, or a combination of both, I aim to keep surprising and inspiring people with my work.
You can stream VINVAE’s new album When My Life Began here.
