In an industry where everyone seems to be chasing the next big sound, musician Screwfaze has a different message for the next generation.
The musician has encouraged young artistes to resist the temptation to sound like whoever is dominating the charts at the moment, arguing that a successful music career is built on identity rather than imitation.
Screwfaze urged the latest crop of musicians to find their own pace and stay in that lane.
He believes an artiste’s lane is built around a distinct identity that allows listeners to recognise their work even before seeing their name.
According to Screwfaze, that identity can be shaped by several elements, including an artiste’s sound, message, culture and image.
“Your lane can come from your Sound. I mean the type of production, melodies, flows, and energy you naturally gravitate toward. Also ur Message — what you stand for and what you want people to feel when they hear you. It comes from your Culture too.. Basically your experiences, background, environment, and perspective.”
He also stressed the importance of image and positive energy, noting that how artistes present themselves visually and creatively can become an important part of how audiences connect with them.
Screwfaze, however, cautioned emerging musicians against allowing the desire for relevance to push them into copying whatever is currently popular.
He encouraged young artistes to study trends and understand what is working in the industry, but said they should be careful not to allow those trends to redefine their artistic identity.
“Your job isn’t to convince everyone that your sound is for them. Your job is to make your sound so authentic that the right people recognize it and connect with it. Stay consistent long enough, and what people once called “different” can eventually become what they call your signature.”
