Iyamah

Name, where are you from?
Iyamah. Born and raised in Brighton.

Describe your style in three words?
Hmm kinda like 'classy, raw, eclectic'!

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I’d say supporting Masego on the Lady Lady tour was amazing, every show got better and better, the Paris show was my favourite at the venue Le Trianon. My favourite track from the performance was ‘Queen Tings - Masego feat. Tiffany Gouche’

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Probably Erykah Badu and Damien Marley.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I remember when I first went to Afropunk Festival, I hadn’t lived in London for long and it was the first time I went to Paris. I walked in not having much expectation apart from good hip hop and soul music. However, what stood out the most for me was seeing all the different hairstyles and outfits people were wearing. It was an incredible feeling, seeing black people proudly and confidently wearing their big afros and colourful braids, with MAAAD colours and styles all in one place. Before then, people had always pointed out my hair for wearing blond braids and being different. However, after going to Afro Punk festival for the day, I actually felt like I needed to take that step further and fully embrace my braids like they were my crown. And since then, I’ve been able to remember how many of us that are striving to be accepted and acknowledged for being unique, quirky and utterly beautiful!

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Maybe J Dilla! I’d love to make a couple beats with him for my album, ha!

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
It would still be Le Trianon in Paris! It’s beautiful in there.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Bob Marley is and will always be the greatest of all time. If you’re feeling a little low, his music will never fail to bring you up.

Listen, purchase or stream Iyamah's latest track 'Won't Work' via awal.ffm.to/wontwork, taken from her upcoming second EP, which is set to be released in September 2020.