Celenges

Multidisciplinary Artist

“WHEN WE HIT OUR LOWEST POINT, WE ARE OPEN TO THE GREATEST CHANGE”

Hi! How are you? 

Hi i’m okay, a bit overwhelmed but managing haha

You are an artist. Who inspired you to make music? 

It’s weird because i’ve known since birth i was gonna be an artist, no one ever pushed me or suggested this to me, i just always knew this was what i wanted to do.

That’s really cool , so it’s a real passion. Which phase of your creative process is your favorite?

The creation, i love sitting behind a piano and coming up with different melodies, adding drum patterns et cet…  it just depends on what i feel in the moment, i just let the emotion lead me.

You've recently shifted direction a bit, how important is it for you to reinvent yourself as an artist?

For me reinvention is crucial, i want to keep expanding my creative spirit and i know there is still so much out there for me to try out and explore. With every new project i’m stepping into a different side of myself, i’m allowing myself to be more of myself and i love it!

As your audience it’s really nice as well to see a different side. As an artist you have a very strong and powerful image, does that come naturally to you?

Yes i’ve always been quite peculiar about my image, what colours i liked and how i’d like to presented. In my earlier work that wasn’t always translated perfectly but i feel like this project is definitely gonna pinpoint my current aesthetic.

I worked with an amazing photographer Victoria (IG @vicper3z) for the whole aesthetic of this era and we were able to capture that perfect mix between afro-futurism and modern eclecticism.

Your latest visuals are amazing, how did you come up with them?

My first single "Wantanshi" is a return to myself and to my roots. I worked with a great director called Lauren ( IG @babysuugar ) and an amazing stylist (@genuwhy) who really helped me with defining my looks for this new beginning. I knew i wanted to challenge myself and come with something fresh while paying hommage to my roots.

How do you deal with pre-show nerves, and what's your secret ritual to get into the right mindset before a show?

I don’t deal with them, i rehearse. As long as i’ve rehearsed enough i don’t feel any nerves. I’ve been doing this for quite a while now so my body knows what to do when it’s time.

I just try to drink as much water as i can in the morning, stretch, don’t talk to much and a quick prayer before hitting the stage.

Okay nice! What's your favorite song to perform?

My current fav song to perform is my latest single "Wantanshi" it’s usually the last song on the setlist and i get to scream like a madman on the track which i love, the energy’s always great!

And a go to karaoke song? 

Probably Alicia Keys - Try sleeping with a broken heart ( love that song so much! )

Great choice! What would your perfect festival line-up be? 

My perfect festival line-up would be "Beyoncé" as the head act, supporting acts would be Doja Cat and Victoria Monet ( and me ;) haha )

I would definitely be present! What's something you've made or done that you're really proud of?

There’s so many things but i guess just making something beautiful out of pain, fully accepting myself and believing in myself.

I’ve come along way from being that anxious 16 year old going to open mics "trying" to become an artist. 

That’s amazing, we are very excited for you! What are you working on at the moment, and when can we expect to hear something new?

Right now i’m working on the release of my upcoming dance EP which will be out this fall. I also have a few shows planned this summer so be on the lookout for that! (—> the EP comes the 16th of October! Go check it out!)

Tell us something to inspire the culture!

It’s a quote from my one of my fav shows of all time The Legend Of Korra. After Korra defeats the big villain in season 1, she ends up feeling defeated and empty despite technically beating him.

Avatar Aang comes and tell her "When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change"  meaning hitting rock bottom strips away our pride and fear, with nothing left to lose that makes us willing to try everything and in turn allows massive personal growth.

CHECK OUT CELENGES’ NEW MUSIC