Riding the Waves of Afro Shrap: A Candid Chat with linkyonwaves 🔊 WhatsMusic Blog

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Riding the Waves of Afro Shrap: A Candid Chat with linkyonwaves

written by linkyonwaves and WhatsMusic.de

October 30, 2023
Artist, Drake, Entertainment, Music, Sauceboiz

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Eugene Mugubi, known by his artist name linkyonwaves, is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, videographer, video director, and music producer hailing from Nairobi, Kenya. He’s a part of the record label Sauceboiz Music. Eugene’s passion for music was ignited by his mother’s lullabies and nurtured by artists like Drake, Wizkid, and Skepta. He has coined his unique genre as “Afro Shrap,” a blend of Afrobeat and Shrap (Afro Sheng rap).

His standout track, “Waves Like Summer,” delves into personal issues ranging from relationship troubles to addictions. Eugene aims to create music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level, offering a sense of companionship and solace. His upcoming project, “Saucyfied 2,” promises to be a symphony of emotions encapsulating the human experience. Five years from now, he envisions himself on the world stage, touching lives globally with his music.

A memorable moment in his career came during a live performance when he tripped over his untied shoelaces. Ever the entertainer, he turned the mishap into part of the show, earning laughter and applause from the audience.

Interview with linkyonwaves

Tell us about yourself, who are you and where do you come from?

I am Eugene Mugubi but most people know me by my artist name linkyonwaves. I am a singer-songwriter, videographer, video director and music producer under Sauceboiz Music which is a record label situated in Nairobi, Kenya. Music to me is more than a hobby it is a lifestyle; I breathe it, eat it and vibe with it like my life depends on it.

How was your passion for music born? Who are your idols?

Uhm well, my passion for music was born from the rhythmic lullabies my mother sang to me as a child, each melody nurturing a seed that has grown into a lifelong love for harmonious sounds and melodies. Growing up I have listened to a lot of Drake, Wizkid and Skepta; this has pushed me as an artist to come up with a sound that is more afro but still sounds like hip-hop.

What kind of music do you do?

I call it Afro Shrap, it’s a fusion or should I say a blend of Afrobeat and Shrap. I’m Kenyan and our slang is known as Sheng, so when I say Afro Shrap I mean Afro Sheng rap. The style is fairly new but I am hoping it will be the buzz in some years.

What is the most important song for you? What message do you want to convey to the listener?

I think I have a lot of important songs but if I am to narrow down my list I would have to choose Waves Like Summer. My nickname is waveslikesummer so when I released that song I had a lot on my mind that I addressed, from cheating spouses to my addictions to having fallouts with some people. The song has been well received and I am sure to make good music moving forward.

Why should a listener who doesn’t know you listen to your music?

For starters it is feel good music, you have a bad day at the office or at school? no worries I’ve got our back just stream my music and you are going to be good. I also intend to create music that not only resonates with my own experiences but also touches the hearts of my listeners. My goal is to weave stories and emotions into my compositions, hoping to inspire, heal, and uplift those who lend their ears to my work. Through my music, I aim to create a positive impact, offering solace in solitude, companionship in loneliness, and an echo of every listener’s unspoken feelings.

What are your future projects? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

My next music project titled Saucyfied 2 will be a symphony of emotions, a tapestry of sounds that encapsulates the human experience. It will be a journey through the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and trials that define me as a person not just as an entertainer. In five years, I see myself standing on the world stage, my music reaching every corner of the globe, touching lives, and making a difference one note at a time.

Tell our readers a funny episode that happened in your career as an artist.

Once, during a live performance, I was so engrossed in the music that I didn’t notice my shoelaces were untied. As I moved to the rhythm, I tripped over my own feet and landed flat on the stage. But, being the artist that I am, I turned it into a part of the performance, rolling over and continuing to sing while lying on my back. The audience erupted in laughter and applause, making it one of the most memorable performances of my career!