From dazzling audiences on the renowned stage of “The Voice of Germany” to igniting the airwaves with the viral hit “Bugatti,” Blazey’s journey is a relentless pursuit of unapologetic self-expression and boundary-pushing creativity. In this exclusive Fab interview, Blazey shares the remarkable journey of combining West African Afrobeat, queer ballroom aesthetics, and mainstream pop music. With an upcoming EP/album release and a commitment to using art for advocacy, Blazey inspires aspiring artists from marginalised communities to dream big and embrace their true selves. Read on as we delve into the electrifying world of this rising star, trailblazing through music and identity.
My biggest passion is music and creating art, because I am an artist before I am black or queer. And for me, living as a black queer body, exposing myself and making myself visible to the masses, and doing it authentically, proudly, and unapologetically, is rebellious enough.
Blazey
Blazey: An Unapologetic Fusion of Afrobeat, Queer Ballroom, and Pop
Fab: What inspired you to combine West African Afrobeat sounds with a queer ballroom aesthetic and mainstream pop music?
Blazey: I grew up breathing in all kinds of music that resonated with my energy at a young age, and I think my subconscious mixed it all together while making music for myself, and honestly, I love the outcome.
Fab: In what ways have your Togolese roots influenced your music career?
Blazey: It definitely gave me a natural understanding of rhythm and made me fall in love with percussion. Percussion placed right is like ear candy to me!
Fab: What was the most challenging part of participating in “The Voice of Germany” at such a young age?
Blazey: In my case, it was because I didn’t yet know my artistic personality. But above all, I didn’t believe in myself at the time and therefore had a hard time convincing myself that I actually had it in me. Don’t miss this, Exclusive: Lou-Anne Gleißenebner, GNTM Winner, Talks Fashion, Individuality, and Future Goals.
Fab: How has your experience as a background dancer and vocalist for San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest influenced your music career?
Blazey: I got a first impression of what it’s like to be an artist and also to make music professionally. And how to deal with the pressure that comes with performing on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Stage-Wrecking Energy: Blazey’s Preparation for Electrifying Performances
Fab: You’ve been described as a high-energy performer who destroys the stage. How do you prepare for performances?
Blazey: I rehearse, and then when I think I’m ready, I rehearse a few more times, just to make sure… The better prepared I am, the more fun I have during my performance, and the more I can focus on and enjoy the moment.
Fab: What does it mean to you to be an openly queer artist in the music industry?
Blazey: It definitely took a lot of courage, but with that courage comes freedom. I regularly get messages saying that I have inspired other queer artists/individuals. And that is very encouraging to keep going.
“Bugatti” – Sassy, Universal, and Irresistible
Fab: Tell us about the making of your debut album “KWAME”. What was your creative process like?
Blazey: It was ups and downs. Sometimes it felt like a bachelor’s thesis that was long overdue and you were way behind, so you worked all night only to realise you were thoroughly wrong and had to start over. But mostly, it felt like it was the only thing I was supposed to do in life. That meant a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of overthinking, but also a lot of musical enlightenment, happiness, and dedication. In a way, it was like giving birth to a musical baby.
Fab: Your hit song “Bugatti” has gone viral. What do you believe sets it apart from other songs in the same genre?
Blazey: I think Bugatti is pretty sassy lyrically. It has that universal groove that makes you want to dance and be in a good mood.
The most important thing for me was to believe in myself enough for others to believe in me. And to dream big, regardless of where you come from and what you look like, literally anything is possible.
Blazey
“All Good” Memories: Millé’s Radio Hit and a Proud Mom’s Delight
Fab: Any interesting story behind “All Good,” your first radio hit under the name „Millé?”
Blazey: Well, there’s actually no crazy story behind it; I was signed to a label that was looking for quick success, and they made sure I achieved that. But the fondest memory of it all was my mom hearing the song on the radio in her car three times in one day and knowing she was proud of me.
Fab: How do you balance being an artist and maintaining your personal life?
Blazey: I read a lot of books that inspire me and keep me grounded, such as “The Power of Now.” I also keep my family, friends, and loved ones who share similar values close to me. They also help me check my ego in moments when I can’t do that for myself. I practise gratitude as often as possible, which helps me remember that I am more than just an artist. Learn more about gratitude, Explore eFab Summer Edition now!
Fab: How important is it for you to use your platform and voice to advocate for social justice causes that are important to you as an openly queer artist and person of colour?
Blazey: I think it’s important for anyone who feels that advocating for social justice is their true calling and passion. My biggest passion is music and creating art, because I am an artist before I am black or queer. And for me, living as a black queer body, exposing myself and making myself visible to the masses, and doing it authentically, proudly, and unapologetically, is rebellious enough.
The better prepared I am, the more fun I have during my performance, and the more I can focus on and enjoy the moment.
Blazey
Fab: What advice would you give to young aspiring artists trying to make it in the music industry, particularly those who come from marginalised communities?
Blazey: The most important thing for me was to believe in myself enough for others to believe in me. And to dream big, regardless of where you come from and what you look like, literally anything is possible.
Fab: What’s next for Blazey? Any upcoming projects or collaborations we should know about?
Blazey: Yes, I’m planning a special EP/album release that will contain two sequences that complement each other. It will be very personal but also pretty funny and show a side of me that you definitely haven’t heard before. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on socials.
Fun Zone: #FabFast5
- Fab: If you could time travel to any period in history, where and when would you go
Blazey: I would travel back to 2013 just to see Beyoncé’s Super Bowl show live.
- Fab: Your current favourite Artist?
Blazey: I just recently rediscovered Sade and am obsessed!
- Fab: If you could only drink one drink for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Blazey: Honestly, either ginger tea with lots of honey or just water, preferably sparkling, yeah, I’m that girl.
- Fab: If you need to decide, fashion or music?
Blazey: Oh I love me a good fit but for me personally, there is still so much to discover with sound, so music all the way.
- Fab: If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack of your life, what would it be?
Blazey: Omg this is hard, honestly Survivor by Destiny’s Child …Not 100% sure
Credit:
Bogdan Dzhafarov
