He is one of the most talented singer-songwriters of our time and he is set for bigger heights as he career continues to grow. We caught up with Grammy Award winning Manana a couple of days before his show Upclose with MANANA.
Tell us about what Upclose with Manana is all about?
This show is about connecting with people that resonate with my music. We’re gonna be sharing some music as well to show people where I am right now, and what to expect in the near future.
What can we expect from the show?
Beautiful music and a good time. We’ve been prepping for weeks for this show so we’re putting together our best show yet.
You have won accolades for your work, what three things would you say are the biggest highlights of your career and why?
Working with different artists is always a different experience so I’d say those are my highlights. I don’t wanna single any ones out but I’ve learnt a lot from working with Sauti Sol, Nasty C, Shekhinah and Rowlene.
Your song Patiently is a song that resonates with a lot of people. Tell me of the inspiration behind the song?
The song was just a reflection on where I was in my life at the time. I’m probably in that place more than I’d like to admit actually. The song was just an attempt at putting to words the struggles of growing up whilst comparing your growth with other people’s growth.
What inspires your musical process?
Life, whether it’s my own or other people’s lives, I usually put stories that I’ve heard to music the best way I know how.
When you write for other artists you say you speak to them to see where they are mentally then write. What process do you apply when you are writing for yourself?
I’m usually trying to tell a story with my own music. I don’t necessarily relate fully with everything I write in that moment, but I draw from times when I could relate.
Whats your dream for yourself as an artist and as a man?
Honestly, consistently growing. I say this a lot but my goal is to make sure that every year I can look back and see growth no matter how small or big, as long as I’m moving forward, I’m happy. Not always easy but that’s the goal.
Whats the one song you wish you had written made 1st and why?
There are many. But right now it’s a song called ‘Coogie’ by Dijon. He writes songs like what I imagine an impressionist painter would. Never being on the nose but also clear about the story of the song.
