Featured Artist – Moza ‘Frique

• Kicking things off, can you tell us a bit more about who are? Who is Moza ‘Frique?

I’m one of the best artists out of Africa, it’s only a matter of time until people catch on. I was born in Zimbabwe, that’s where I first fell in love with music and realised I have the God-given talent and skill to pursue this passion. Almost 10 years ago I moved to Joburg to further my studies and ultimately follow my musical dream.

• When did your love with music begin?

I’ve always loved music as a consumer of it, but only started creating it when I was 18. That’s when I started writing raps with no goal in mind until later those raps developed into full songs, and those songs gave me the realisation that music is my calling.

• Who are some of your musical influences?

When I first picked up a pen, I wanted to rhyme like the late ProKid (may his soul rest in peace), I wanted to be cool like T.I., and I wanted to move people like Oliver Mtukudzi. But you can’t detect any of those influences in my music because I let them inspire me to find my own voice just like they had found theirs. There’s a slew of other musicians who shaped me along the way.

• How would you best describe your sound?

It’s modern with sprinklings of African elements.

• Your new album Good Morning Africa recently dropped, can you tell us a bit about it? The focus, the sound as well as the idea for the name?

Good Morning Africa is my debut album, which I independently released. Most of my inspiration comes from Africa – the stories that float all around us, the daily life of African people, the history, and of course all the fun times we have. So, the project is made up of stories that are easily relatable to Africans, and personal tales that reveal more about who I am. The title also serves as my introduction to Africa: hello, Africa. I’m the new force to be reckoned with. Sonically, the album consists of current, urban sounds and distinctly African sounds.

• Where is album available to purchase?

It’s available on all music streaming platforms and digital stores such as Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Deezer and many others.

• We know this maybe a tricky one but what is your favourite track on the LP and why?

Haha yea it’s tricky. My faves change all the time. While I was making the album, eGoli was my fave because it’s a personal song that tells the story of human migration. I had to move from Bulawayo to Joburg, and there are countless other people within South Africa who migrate from their hometowns to eGoli in search of greener pastures. Currently, my favourites are Afurika and Sunday. The former is a groovy, distinctly African dance tune, while the latter is a joyous song that leans more towards gospel.

• You also have accompanying merchandise to go along with the whole album theme, what was the idea behind that and where can people get hold of it?

The Good Morning Africa merchandise is hot on the streets! I dropped it three months before the album and orders are still coming in non-stop. I’m getting orders from as far as Tanzania, eSwatini and Zimbabwe. The aim was to create unique merch that not only speaks to the album but to Africa as well. That’s why I use a rare font that was created by a Kenyan designer named Kevin Karanja. Shoutout to him for designing such a beautifully modern font with a hint of ancient Africa. Anyone who wants the merch can hit me up on social: @mozafrique on all platforms.

• Name two artists (one local and one international) you would love to collab with and why?

Shekhinah! I love her writing, her voice, her aura, and everything about her. In 2019 I’ll work with her. Internationally, it would be a dream come true to collab with King Kendrick.

• After this album launch, where to from here for Moza ‘Frique?

Right now, my energy and brain power are focused on getting my music into as many ears as I can all over Africa and the world. Starting from Jan next year, I’ll be dropping a new music video every month.

• Where can people get hold of you or find you on social media?

I’m all over social media: @mozafrique on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

It’s clear that this artist is not only making music just for the sake of it but makes it with an aim and a potent message behind it, that’s usually the best kind and most meaningful. Thank you to Moza ‘Frique for indulging us and nothing but more success we wish for him. Bless up brother.