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1.) We’re very happy to be speaking today with leading music artist extraordinaire Anselmo Ralph; greetings and salutations, Anselmo! Before we dive down the Q&A musical rabbit hole, how has your summer of ‘23 been treating you?
It’s a pleasure to be talking to you guys. The summer of 2023 it’s treating me well! I’m spending most of my time producing and writing new songs. This includes developing my track list for the international album in English and Spanish as well as finishing my 9th album in Portuguese.
2.) Major congratulations on the freshly-minted new single Sola which drops everywhere on July 21! What’s the story behind this lovely new tune?
Well, the story behind “Sola” is quite interesting. We wanted to create a fusion of the Afro sound with a touch of Latin, and this has been a project we’ve been working on for quite some time. The idea was not to go entirely Latin but to strike a balance and infuse it with my own musical DNA.
As for collaborating with Rick Ross, it was a natural choice for me. I’ve always loved Rick Ross’s sound and music, and it made perfect sense to have him on the track. Having a background in music that is influenced by hip-hop and R&B, thanks to my time living in New York for seven years, I wanted to blend that R&B and soul sound with Kizomba and more.
Regarding Soge Culebra, he’s a fantastic individual and a great artist. Being relatively new, he still has a lot to showcase, and I believe in collaborating with talented artists who are on the rise and have much to offer.
So, overall, “Sola” brings together various influences and represents a combination of the Afrosound and Latin music, with the added flair of Rick Ross’s contribution and the fresh talent of Soge Culebra. It’s been a meaningful and exciting project for us!
3.) Sola features Rick Ross and Soge Culebra from Spain. What was it like working alongside these two amazing artists?
Working with both artists was absolutely amazing. When it comes to Rick Ross, as most people know, he’s a big name in the industry, and he truly deserves all the fame and recognition he has garnered. For me, it was like a dream come true to have the opportunity to work with him.
As for Soge Culebra, it was a delight to witness his talent and see him shine brightly. He’s a rising star, and his potential is remarkable. The way he carries himself with energy and showcases his talent is truly impressive. It was an absolute pleasure, and the experience was out of this world.
4.) In your opinion, what differentiates Sola from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?
In my opinion, what differentiates “Sola” from the distinguished competition on the 2023 music scene is its unique DNA and represents a collaboration between an Angolan artist and an American hip-hop artist like Rick Ross, along with the addition of a Spanish singer, Soge Culebra. This combination clearly creates a distinct sound that stands out.
“Sola” presents a fusion of African roots with a touch of Latin and dance elements, giving it a different texture and vibe. While there are incredible African beats and sounds in songs like “Whiskey” from Burna Boy, the language choice is normally English or their local language Naija. But this time an African guy like me chose to sing in Spanish which gives a new dimension to the song, as well as having Soge Culebra contribute with Spanish vocals.
Having an Afro sound and mixing it with Latin music and English rap from Rick Ross creates a captivating and innovative blend. This uniqueness sets “Sola” apart from the competition, making it a refreshing addition to the music scene in 2023.
5.) The same day that the single for Sola drops, you also have a companion music video for the tune making its public debut – Congrats! Can you talk a little about what went into the making of the music video?
We recorded the video in different parts of the world. For example, we filmed Rick Ross’s part in Miami, and the rest was shot in Lisbon, Portugal. It’s amazing how the producer seamlessly blended the footage, making it appear as if we were all in the same location. When you look at the scenes with Rick Ross and compare them to the ones with Soge in Lisbon, it’s incredible how cohesive it looks.
The dance moves in the video were also a standout feature. They played a crucial role in conveying the African DNA of the song. Even without the sound, just by watching the dance moves, you can feel the African beat and influence. The director did a fantastic job of making everything flow together cohesively, using different ingredients to create a visually captivating experience.
6.) How is Sola similar to some of your past music such as 2007’s Um Dois? How is it different?
We intentionally aimed to retain certain elements, preserving the DNA of my previous works. It’s like continuing along the same musical path, albeit with an evolution and upgrade in the sound. While there are similarities, “Sola” is more in tune with the current music trends and what is being played in the industry today. We wanted to respect the Latin contribution while still infusing elements of Kizomba and the African DNA, creating a unique blend.
7.) On the heels of the July 21 release of Sola, can fans look forward to an EP or LP release from you before the end of 2023?
As of now, our plan is focused on releasing more singles and exploring crossovers. We have several singles in the pipeline that we still want to release before the year’s end. The idea is to make a strong entry into the Latin market and also cater to English-speaking audiences. So, for the remainder of this year, we’ll be concentrating on those single releases.
However, in the future, like next year, we might consider working on an EP or possibly an album. It all depends on how things unfold and the opportunities that come our way. For now, the focus is on the singles and making a solid impact in the music industry. We’ll be evaluating our progress and planning a new strategy for 2024.
So, while there might not be an EP or LP before the end of 2023, there are exciting plans in the works, and fans can expect more great music from me in the coming months and years.
8.) Who inspires you musically?
I draw musical inspiration from a variety of artists and sounds. My roots are deeply influenced by local artists who continue to inspire me, such as Don Kikas, C4 Pedro, and many others. These artists have had a lasting impact on my musical journey.
When it comes to R&B, I find inspiration in both old-school and contemporary artists. Old-school acts like Dru Hill and Cisco from Dru Hill, as well as Justin Timberlake, have left a significant imprint on my love for the R&B sound.
Moreover, Stevie Wonder’s songwriting and musical genius have always been a great source of inspiration for me. His work has influenced my approach to creating music.
Within the Latin market, I am inspired by artists like Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, and others who have made a mark in the industry.
Overall, I consider myself an old-school type of guy, drawing inspiration from timeless sounds while also appreciating the innovations of contemporary music. Albums like “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” have been particularly influential to me.
In essence, my musical inspiration is diverse, and I find inspiration in various genres and artists, allowing me to infuse different elements into my own work and create something fresh and unique.
9.) You hail from Luanda, Angola. How do those roots inform you as both a person and as an artist?
Coming from Luanda, Angola, has deeply influenced both my personal life and my artistic expression. Growing up in Luanda exposed me to a wide range of sounds and music styles, including Brazilian, Cuban, Salsa, Maringa, Santa Samba from Brazil, and Cape Verdean music. This diverse musical exposure instilled versatility in me, as I listened to and danced to various rhythms, which now naturally reflects in my music.
While I embrace this versatility, I also hold on to the essence of my African roots. Luanda, being in tune with its DNA, has shaped me to stay true to my African identity. The combination of embracing versatility while staying rooted in my cultural heritage gives my music a unique and authentic quality.
Moreover, coming from Angola, a country that has experienced a long and challenging Civil War spanning over two decades, has profoundly impacted me as a person. Witnessing the war at a young age has taught me the value of gratitude and resilience. I carry a sense of gratitude for every opportunity that comes my way, including my musical career. I acknowledge that I could have been one of the unfortunate casualties of the war, but I am still here, making music and pursuing my dreams.
This sense of gratitude and resilience reflects in my approach to life and music. As I embark on new ventures, such as entering the Latin market and collaborating with artists like Rick Ross, I am reminded of the blessings and opportunities that have come my way. It drives me to continue growing as an artist and to remain grateful for every single step.
10.) You’re celebrated for your knack in producing romantic songs. What goes into fashioning a really good romance ballad?
When it comes to crafting a really good romance ballad, I draw inspiration from various sources, especially my emotions and personal experiences. Writing romantic songs comes naturally to me, as it feels like home, and it’s one of the easiest things for me to express. I believe that being in touch with my feelings and emotions allows me to create authentic and heartfelt love songs.
During times of sadness or when I face challenges in relationships, I seize the opportunity to channel those emotions into my songwriting. It becomes a therapeutic outlet for me to express what I’m going through, and I can translate those emotions into beautiful lyrics and melodies.
On the flip side, even during happier moments when things are going well in my personal life, I capture that feeling of joy and contentment and turn it into a song. It’s essential for me to stay aware of everything around me, whether it’s observing my own relationships or those of others. Being attuned to these experiences enables me to create relatable and meaningful love songs.
I find that love is a universal emotion, and almost everyone can relate to the themes of love, heartbreak, and passion. Writing a good love song involves connecting with the listeners on a deep level, making them feel seen and understood. Love is a common thread that ties us all together, and I strive to write songs that resonate with people from all walks of life.
11.) What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?
In the coming weeks and months, my touring and performing schedule is shaping up to be quite busy. We currently have a few shows lined up, but one of the most exciting things we are preparing for is a big tour scheduled for next year. The upcoming tour is a significant project that we are working hard to plan and execute, and I’m really looking forward to hitting the road and connecting with my fans through live performances.
Besides the tour preparations, I am also making time for a couple of shows in the interim. Additionally, I’m excited to be a part of “The Voice” show, which adds another layer of excitement to my schedule.
As for my music, I’m fully immersed in the creative process. I am working on finishing my next album in Portuguese, and I’m putting in efforts to collaborate with more Spanish-speaking artists, enriching my music with diverse influences and styles.
In general, this year has been primarily focused on production and preparations, setting the stage for an eventful and rewarding next year. I’m eager to bring my music to the stage, connect with my audience, and continue growing as an artist. The journey ahead looks promising, and I can’t wait to share my music and performances with my fans across different venues and platforms.
