Shunaji

Name, where are you from?
Hey, my name is Shunaji. I’m from Rome, Italy. But where I’m really from is the African diaspora. I was born in Nigeria, raised in Italy and I’m now based in the UK.

What do you do?
I’m a rapper. I’m a singer. I’m a music producer. I also make visual art, animation and design on the web because I’m a big geek who loves to make things with her own hand-eye coordination.

Describe your style in three words?
Bold, colourful and eclectic.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I loved seeing Hiatus Kaiyote at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire! 'Molasses' by Hiatus Kaiyote - the magnitude of that song performed live is something to witness.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
This is a massive question, thanks! I’d have to nominate Portishead because so much of my musical heritage and sensibility belongs in '90s Bristol. I am a huge fan and to perform alongside Portishead would be a dream come true. The other band I’d nominate is De La Soul. They’d probably bring so many amazing guests, like J Dilla (because you said anybody in history and he’s got to be there!), Jill Scott, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Common, Bahamadia…! It would be a whole block party.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I’ve always loved underground cultures and subcultures because they express collective psyche and emotive states relating to particular points in human history. The ones that have influenced me the most are mod culture, which encompasses jazz, soul and ska musical heritage, and a distinct fashion aesthetic aligned with Fred Perry’s heritage brand; Afrofuturism for its connection with African diaspora and new Afrocentric conscience; beatnik culture and its association with the literary movement of the Beat Generation; indie subculture, with bands like Maxïmo Park, TV On The Radio, The Strokes, Ida Maria, Noisettes and Gossip; stoner culture, say no more; emo culture during the golden years of MySpace, ranging from Hawthorne Heights to Panic! At The Disco; and, finally, manga and anime culture through comic conventions.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to spend an hour talking to Federico Fellini about his life, cinematic visions and perspective on society. It would be such an invigorating experience. From all the interviews I’ve listened to, he seemed like such a perceptive man full of insight on human nature and living life with integrity.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
I love the Moth Club! It’s a perfect combination of British pub culture, kitsch aesthetic and glam, with enough space for a sizable mosh pit. I can’t wait to perform there again! I’d love to do a headline show there in the future.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I think Mina is a force to be reckoned with. She’s an extraordinary singer with a wide range and incredible technique. Like many Italian artists, Mina hasn’t been fully recognised on a global scale. Of course, she’s an artist of international success, but I think she should be celebrated even more abroad. She’s a woman who not only has great talent but also challenged societal standards of women over the past sixty years. We really need to bow to artists who’ve been paving the way for us to be where we are now, especially women in music.

For more information on Shunaji visit linktr.ee/shunaji.