An Interview with London 2019 Finalist Lemzi

To those who might not be familiar with you or your work, could you tell us a little more about you and your music?

“Amount I did with uni isn’t counterintuitive, stay around the music cause the sounds are influencing, No shouting or stupidness, love the crowds and viewership, I’m the difference between talking and round to actually doing it.”

Hip-hop artist speaking from the soul and experiences with a variety of styles from jazz to trap and drill.

There's a greater purpose driving The Coffee Music Project. What does Project Waterfall mean to you?

It means a lot to be able to support charities that are focused on providing and improving basic human rights to those who may not have them. Project Waterfall shows the impact that music can have at all levels, from small prelim gigs to the final to whole festivals!

When and why did you decide to venture into music?

Music for me has always been about self-expression, innovation and entertainment. A way for me to express what I’ve learnt or enjoy whilst loving almost everything about music. I was a fan before picking up a pen and remain a voracious fan of a plethora of music. Other incredible artists influenced me into doing music.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing emerging musicians?

For me and other emerging artists that I see, it’s dealing with becoming much more than a musician. We are all attempting to be brands/businesses that create product (music), create content, marketing, finance, consultants and more! Seeking ways to gain acknowledgment and improve awareness in a saturated market is incredibly difficult but all a part of discovering our identity as artists.

As a musician, what's the best piece of advice you have been given? 

To keep going. It’s so simple but encouragement and support genuinely reminds me that music is to be shared and helps more people than myself.

Name a few of your favourite acts right now.. 

EXCLUSIVE Collective, Tray Avlon, Amelia Poamz, Tonia Soulbird, MOAK & Tells

How did you find writing your London song for this competition?

B.O.T.S. is something that feels important to me following the spikes in knife & violent crime across the city, especially within places like Waltham Forest or close. I don’t think my opinion on the matter is any more valid than others but I feel it’s a situation that needs to be reflected on and addressed urgently with better strategies.

What should we expect from your set on 1st May?

Pure vibes! IK, De Lacey & I always make sure the crowd are involved so don’t be shy.