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FEATURES 8
BUDDY
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CHERRIE
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YOUNG T & BUGSEY
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CONTENTS
MR
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EAZI
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DONCH
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founders/ Ibrahim Kamara & Jide Adetunji music editor / Sade Akinfe fashion creative editor / Regina Stephanie Jaiyeola arts & culture editor / Kelliesha White contributing photographers / Zek.Snaps, Ejatu Shaw & Isha Sha stylists / Seyon Amosu, Lottie Dion & Sianon Foster staff writers / Khadejia Ghislanzoni brand manager / Shanice Mears
GUAP International Ltd. @guapmag
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ISSUE 10 AUTUMN 2017
EDITOR’S NOTE
International issue cover shot exclusively for GUAP Magazine by Ejatu Shaw
Winter is fast approaching but as London city gets cold, GUAP is going International. Since the last issue we’ve been extending our reach out of the UK and building Intercontinental bridges with creatives worldwide. The UK scene is popping right now and it’s a great time to be a part of it all. However, we must remember that the world is a huge place and we need to conquer and connect it all. The aim of this issue is to highlight some of the dopest talents and discover some of the most authentic stories and sounds from around the world. We’ve got creatives from four different continents sharing their cultures with us. We get a rare snapshot in time of 6 different musical mavericks, all at varying stages in their careers. Despite their many differences they are all doing great things and on their way to unlocking even more greatness. Jide Adetunji Founder & CMO
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BUDDY COMPTON’S LATEST PRODIGY
Photos by Ejatu Shaw Words by Sade Akinfe & Jide Adetunji Film by Ibrahim Kamara Styling by Jai Eleven
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“I HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS” At only 24 years old Buddy aka Simmie Sims is a name that has A-List written all over it. Prior to the interview, I was told that Buddy was a highly energetic and warm person so I wasn’t taken aback when he stumbled into the room all wide eyed and excited. Deriving from Compton, California Buddy has managed to work with the music industries finest artists and producers since his teens where he was signed to I am OTHER creative collective with Pharell Williams in the 00’s from which propelled him into the world of music. This enabled him to work alongside The Neptunes. Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, Robin Thicke and Kaytranada to name a few. His raw raps, bouncy beats and sing along tracks in an unconventional manner create a refreshing sound for the ear. Kick starting his music career with his debut mixtape ‘Idle Times’ which included features from Kendrick Lamar and Miley Cyrus to the present day 2017, releasing two EP’s, Oceans and Montana produced by Kaytranada and Magnolia featuring the likes of Wiz Khalifa. Buddy is on a constant roll to deliver outstanding, eccentric and innovative music. From the moment he walked in you could feel his positive vibes as he greeted and shook everyone’s hand in the room. Introductions were cut short as our stylists began showing him the looks he would be wearing in the shoot. His response to the outfits was simple, ‘these are FIRE’. We all hopped into an Uber to the first location for the shoot. Once we arrived Buddy had no hesitation posing and climbing on literally everything in sight as our photographer tried to encapsulate the moment. Once the shoot was over we went back to his publicist’s office and sat down for a casual discussion on his musical journey leading to this point.
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Black Eye Rags – Burgundy and Black shirt, ASOS Black Harness, Urban outfitters Black Jeans & Ylati footwear Dedalo Black Nappa (Saymore PR)
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MR EAZI
FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD
Photos by Ishah Sha Style by Seyon Amosu, Lottie Dion & Sianon Foster Creative Direction by Regina Stephanie Jaiyeola Words by Regina Jaiyeola Film by Ibrahim Kamara
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Our encounter with Mr Eazi was 2 fold. Both times were in Redbull Studios in London, Both times gave us insight into someone who many have wondered and speculated so much about. Encounter number one; we’re ushered downstairs at red bull studios to meet Mr Eazi who is chilled and laid back. Wrapping up promo for his then-upcoming “Life is Eazi” festival. Mr Eazi’s body language was open and inviting. We sat down and talked about the origins of Mr Eazi and the future. It was an insightful chat where we learned that unlike other artists Mr Eazi had plans beyond music. This artist had put a prestige on his career and along with that a deadline.
It was then that we realised that this artist wasn’t like others we had met. Not wanting to be boxed in or labelled; something that became very evident on our second meeting. The second meeting; Mr Eazi arrives with his management on the phone organising the last minute details for his festival. Busy yet open is the vibe we got from the international star. When our team show him what we had in mind for the shoot, he’s open and easy going. Throughout the day we laughed, joked and heard stories and little antidotes that gave us a further look into who he is. He’s just like your friend or your brother. He doesn’t only want to listen to afrobeats just because he’s an afrobeats star; he listens to J Hus, Krept and Konan and Stormy and is cheeky and funny. He’s determined Blitz Cycle Jersey top & Vintage Yard UK - Vintage and focused but he’s also just a guy who wants to have fun, look good, make Calvin Klein denim Dungarees money and live his best life making good music. Shoot Direction: Regina Jaiy
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CHERRIE
SWEDEN’S ANSWER TO AALIYAH Photos by Zek Snaps Style by Lottie Dion Words by Sade Akinfe & Jide Adetunji Film by Ibrahim Kamara
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“...IT WAS A TRIBUTE TO MY AREA. “ 22
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‘Sweden to International star’ will be the headlines to come in 2018 when describing singer-songwriter, Cherrie. Best known for her music video “163 För Evigt’ which translates to ‘163 Forever’ in English has caught the attention of social media with the music video appearing on everyone’s timeline and gaining high levels of engagement. Even though many do not understand the content of her songs due to the language barrier of Swedish dialect she has still managed to rack up an impressive following not only In her hometown of Sweden but worldwide. As I arrived to Brixton, she was just wrapping up a live radio interview. This was Day 2 of her trip to London and she had an awfully busy day ahead of her. As our stylist was talking her through the looks for the shoot, Cherrie and her manager described their hometown as a huge mixing pot of people from all over the world who reside in Sweden but because of their foreign roots, find it hard identifying and defining their cultural identity.
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Sherihan Hersi, born in Norway moved to Finland before settling in Sweden due to the high levels of racial tensions in both regions is still relatively unknown in Britain however she is the breakout star in Sweden and rose to fame back on 2015 with her single ‘Tabanja’ which is Swedish slang for ‘Gun’ and later worked with the likes of Stormzy on R&B track, “Aldrig Igen (Må Sådär)” – in English, “Never Again (Feel Like That)” which lead to her joining Stormzy on his European tour. Earlier this year the star released her debut album Sherihan which won the award in an equivalent to the Grammys but in Sweden. Cherrie shows consistently the power of the internet and how music can travel.
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Is Black History Month really for us? Words by Kelliesha White
In the UK the month of October celebrates Black History month. Seen as an annual celebration of achievements by Africans across the globe it’s embeded its way into our national curriculum. Black History month is a great way of finding out information and discovering new pilgrims that Africans over came to be seen as equals in today’s societal structure. Something that is still being fought for till this very day.
"Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln" (History.com,2009)
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The UK only acknowledged BHM in 1987, several years after the United States. The British Empire’s history, specifically it’s trading past simply does not exist without the acknowledgement of the displacement of thousands of melonated people all over the globe. BHM is portrayed as a celebration of black people but then why is there so much emphasis on the negative historical events in the timeline. Some people argue that Black History is needed to educate the younger generation about the history of their ancestors. It’s a chance to find out things you didn’t necessarily know and use the information to gather more knowledge on the matter independently. In today’s society where different ethnicities and cultures exist amongst each other it could be said that Black history needs to be taught in schools to help non-black children gain an understanding for their peers. We all know about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King , but what about the evidence that proves that Egyptians were black or the research that suggests that the statues in Egypt were deliberately damaged to hide the features they obtained, that closely resembled black people. The truth is if black history was to be studied in depth in the national curriculum then the authenticity of the European history that is taught in schools and mainstream media would be questioned.
In the UK the month of October celebrates Black History month (BHS) . Seen as an annual celebration of achievements by Africans across the globe it’s embedded its way into our national curriculum. Black History month is a great way of finding out information and discovering new pilgrims that Africans over came to be seen as equals in today’s societal structure. Something that is still being fought for till this very day. A lot of emphasis is casted on the Slave trade when there is so much more to Black history. My History Teachers idea of teaching black history was putting on Roots for a whole academic year at school. It could be argued that the idea of only dedicating one month a year to African history highlights the fact that there is a void in the curriculum that should be filled with authentic dialogue of Black history i.e The Egyptians, Black panther movement, Civil rights movements & the movement of Africans all over the continent. The UK had a substantial part to play in the colonisation of Africa and what that colonisation has done to the minds of Africans hundreds of years later. Colonisation is mental entrapment and it breeds negative impacts on those who lived on the land first. Some of the bi-products of colonisation are colorism, Economic dependency and a lack of knowledge on the history of the people of the land.
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DJ DONCH
THE BIRMINGHAM DJ TAKING OVER LONDON’S CLUBS.
Photos by Ibrahim Kamara Style by Seyon Amosu & Lottie Dion Words by Regina Jaiyeola & Jide Adetunji Film by Ibrahim Kamara
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Meeting Donch is like meeting a good friend you haven’t seen in a while. He’s that friend that you’ll chit chat and catch up with after a long time with but you will always feel like you spoke yesterday. Donch gives you the feeling of belonging. That security that even though it’s been a while when we do meet up; it’s definitely never awkward. The Birmingham DJ has spun at many events and parties that if you don’t know about you definitely should know about like FSNDS, Hot Since 91 and our last GUAP PARTY; and if you have been at any of these events, you’ll know that Donch most definitely makes a mark. This guy is most certainly someone who knows how to set a mood make you feel at ease. With such an old soul and ear and passion for the classic genres, you’d be surprised that this young Birmingham native is just 25. Donch combines the old and new and gives a little of something for everybody. His passion and drive for music is set to make you fall in love with music all over again.
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YOUNG T & BUGSEY
Nottingham Duo taking over the UK. Photos by Ibahim Kamara Words by Jide Adetunji Film by Ibrahim Kamara
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Leading up to the shoot I had no prior thoughts on what to expect from the Nottingham duo. Other than their super catchy songs and outlandish visuals, there weren’t many videos or articles really exploring the emergence of these two rising stars. So it’s about 2:00pm and we had just cut off the phone call from their publicist. We saw two young males dressed in the brightest red outfits walking towards us. Both of them seemed quite exited to share their story and at that moment I realised that it was more than just music. They were bringing a whole new sound, energy and demographic to the scene and I was very curious. Bugsey and I found a common ground quite quickly as he grew up in South London and went secondary school 5 minutes away from mine before moving to Notts. Young T took a bit longer to warm up but loosened up as we started the interview. They describe Nottingham as a very small and interconnected city where pretty much all the youths know each other. Music and partying is a big part of their culture but the city’s output as a whole has been overshadowed by the ever-growing and impactful London scene. They did however state that they would like to carry the flag for their city, which they nickname ‘The 5’. They intend to open up a window for all of us to see and experience their city and culture through their journey. After the interview it took us ages to move onto the photoshoot as we spent at least an hour just talking, sharing stories and ambitions. We then continued our conversations whilst walking along Tower Bridge where we took a few more shots and said our goodbyes as they went off to eat their first 34 meal of the day, Nandos, 4:00pm.
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NOT EVERYDAY LONDON. Words by Sade Akinfe & Khadejia Ghislanzoni
Most of the time we think UK Music, a bunch of Londoner’s come to mind. However as the years have gone past many amazing and talented musicians have come out the woodworks and here are some of the names you need to know about. What do you want people to know about the area you are from? Leicester is a special place. I think it’s an example of how diversity can make a place flourish, every walk of life, all proud of where they’re from. There is too many talented people lacking the resources to show their work to the world, like most places I suppose. Our time will come. Who influences you? The people around me firstly, then the places around me. If you are talking about artists I’d say my favourite artists are people who have a way with words that can move you without having to be complex. James Blake, Chance the Rapper, Erykah Badu, Roots Manuva, Common. My favourite grime MC will always be Kano.
KAMAKAZE,23 LEICESTER @KAMAKAZELC
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully somewhere happy and on tour somewhere. I think the world’s too small to stay in one place your whole life. Without sounding mental, more than ever the world is our oyster. I don’t have to go somewhere to be somewhere, my music can reach further than I can physically. Going back to the music I just want to be appreciated for my work however far in the future it is. (Photo by Krystal Neuvill)
What do you want people to know about the area you are from? We have some of the best original talents in the country here and plus Ed Sheeran is from Ipswich so need I say more... How would you describe your music? Neo Soul/Golden Age hip hop but with a new school flavour. What is your writing process ? I’m a conscious rapper so I tend to write from experience and speak my mind on things that are going on in my immediate environment or anything that’s happening in the world current and past but as I produce aswell, I can always match a beat with what I need to say.
PIERS JAMES,27 IPSWICH/LONDON @PIERSJAMES
What do you want people to know about the area you are from? To stop sleeping we got some of the hottest rappers and creatives around right now, people like Snowy and our younger Kaz. and our boys KTAN Mafia The city is pumping and people gotta watch out for us. How would you describe your music? The music we have out now we’d say is alternative rap but our new music is more elite cloud rap. Songs for you to flex too and get high too.
0115 MOB,17-20 NOTTINGHAM @0115MOB
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Sollie: 5 years? Everyone gon be rich. Everyone does something as well as music, Me, fez and Eddz do fashion. Blacko and Adz run there own charity and music studios. We want to be doing everything and running everything in or scene. The aims to be the best crew out there.
Some may say you are the most successful MC coming from Nottingham and have inspired a lot of people. Do you feel pressure to carry the title “Nottingham King”? Thank you, but I don’t feel any pressure about anything, I feel like the ‘king’ always changes, there’s always a time where people will excel more than other it’s about capitalising on opportunities at that time. You & Curloss seem to bounce off of each other very well and work hand in hand. Did you ever think and if so, at what point did you realise, that you two could be the next iconic duo in Grime? PK (Curlos) is in YGG. However, over time we’ve bucked up in mutual places and just built a friendship which has lead to a range of things like excursions, studio sessions and even shows together. I don’t think it’s one of those classic duos but he’s a person who definitely pushes me to achieve more. How have you managed to keep focused and level headed despite the struggles you may have faced? I feel like me knowing my own mission and knowing what I’m supposed to do helps me block out other distractions, at times things do feel as though they are getting frustrating but it’s about having that tunnel vision and also believing in yourself to achieve as much as possible. (Photo by David Emery)
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MEZ, 20 NOTTINGHAM @UNCLEMEZ
What do you want people to know about the area you are from? It’s quiet you know? I don’t tend to do much musically around there because there’s not much to conquer but I know so many talented rappers from my sides eager to do something great Who influences you? A lot of people around me.Every song is influenced by someone’s story or my own personal stories. Kendrick Lamar and EARTHGANG have definitely helped with the flows and flavour and that’s because I’ve literally been listening to them repeatedly. And I’ve always gotta give props to people like Phaycyde and A Tribe Called Quest when I’m on my hip hop because they been holding it down for me in that aspect.
IDRIS MILES, 21 UPMINISTER/ESSEX IDRIS_MILES
Best moment so far in your career? It would definitely have to be performing at the AFROPUNK Battle Of The Bands finals at The Roundhouse. The atmosphere was so live and I definitely performed one of the best sets there. Everyone was hype, and I got reloads too so it gassed me.
What do you want people to know about the area you are from? More time when you speak to people outside of Manchester, they all know Moss side. I’d like to bring some awareness to my ends. Two things that have helped you be the artist you are today? Two things that have helped me become the artist I am today would be being born in Nigeria and experiencing life both over there and the UK. It keeps me grounded and taught me to not take anything for granted. The second thing would be youth clubs, this gave me and my friends a chance to learn how to record ourselves and open to DIY. Who influences you? I am influenced by everyone who’s ever tried to go beyond the boundaries of sound and what a genre is “meant” to sound like. I am also influenced by movies, my experiences and the experiences of those around me.
TOBI SUNMOLA, 23 MANCHESTER @TOBISUNMOLA
What do you want people to know about the area you are from? I am from Soweto, South Africa and left at the age of 13, it’s the block of legends. Madibas first home was around the corner from where i grew up and I still go back to till this day. Desmond Tutu’s back garden is opposite mine. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela lives five minutes from my house so that just sets a benchmark. I currently live in the woods of the West Midlands and that’s fine for now. How long have you been making music? Not too long, I would say around a year but with verses I would say two/three. What is BNG? Everything i do.
PHUNDO ART,25 WEST MIDLANDS @PHUNDOART
What has been your best performances this year ? I really enjoyed performing at Bristol, Reading and at the 02.
What do you want people to know about the area you are from? It’s one of the most uninspiring places to make music so trying to find the beauty in everything to make the kind of music I do is probably what made my music sound so different. I can find beauty in a wall if I really focus. How would you describe your music? If RnB, EDM and World music had a love child, that is the closest thing of how I can think to describe my music. Any tips for producers? Stay true to yourself and don’t copy someone else’s formula. Everyone has their own journey and copying them doesn’t guarantee the same result. Stand out, be different, be weird. Not everyone is going to like you so you might as well do what makes you happy. Make music for yourself before anyone else. Last but not least, enjoy what you do. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Me and KayFaraway at the Grammy Awards, helping new artists reach higher levels. Become one of the best producers in the world. Hopefully a release on XL Recordings. Be homies with Pharrell and/or Timbaland. Living comfortably and the main thing, being happy and able to take care of my family.
ROMDERFUL, 21 DUDLEY @ROMDERFUL
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