What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is Msanii, and I’m from Hyattsville, Maryland.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
Originally, my artist name was “Da Msanii,” but I got tired of people calling me Dasani. I dropped the “Da,” and you get Msanii. Msanii means “The Artist” in Swahili. No, I’m not from Swahili, but it was a dope way of saying something I resonated with, and it just stuck.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
Passionate. Determined. Consistency.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
With the latest track produced by the good man NappyHigh, I probably recorded 10 different versions, from the hooks to the verses. The production was so dope that it was difficult to stick with just one! I don’t consider myself one, but I’ve heard I’m a perfectionist. I kept creating and creating until I decided what I felt would be the best version for the people.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
The message I convey through the music is feelings. I want to create something that you can not only hear and understand but actually feel.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Great question! There are a multitude of challenges as a recording artist. I’d say the biggest challenge is when your engineer’s hard drive crashes and all the recording sessions are completely gone. Talk about the worst feeling. The only way to overcome it is to hit the booth and create more.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I think about this question all the time, and without a doubt, it would be Schoolboy Q. To be honest, I feel we’d be able to create and push the envelope on something crazy.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Within the next year, the sky’s the limit. I try not to think too much about where the music will take me but more so focus on the work I’m putting in to take myself where I want to go.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
The next step is locking in a tour out in Japan. I’ve always wanted to visit, and I have a pretty solid fan base over there. I’d love to make it happen and connect with my fans.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
I’m always looking for ways to increase visibility. As long as it gets the music into the right market/demographic, I’m down for it.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Apple Music and Spotify or your DSP of choice.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
MsaniiMgmt@gmail.com
