We were lucky to catch up with Soulfiya recently and have shared our conversation below.
Soulfiya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I recently dropped a new EP called “Faawaad” from Americano Label. It is a fusion of Drum & Bass, Dancehall, and various other styles of Caribbean music. The work features top-tier production from Grammy-nominated El Dusty, as well as co-producer Dred Nugent. It’s a four-track EP filled with energy, rhythm, and genre-blending creativity.
Opening the EP is the title track, “Faawaad”, a hype drum and bass style riddim with a classic East coast feel. Created by producers El Dusty and Dred Nugent, this track sets the tone with rapid-fire positivity and an infectious mantra of a chorus. I was blessed to feature the smooth Neo-soul vocals of my longtime bredrin and coconspirator, Kroywen on this track and I really feel he killed it. His style is a perfect compliment to my own and im happy to finally get him on a El Dusty produced banger. Together, we deliver an uplifting and exciting anthem that captures the essence of modern Caribbean/American style. The second track, “BossFiya”, dives deep into the UK digital sound, with a thunderous riddim that features one of Guyana’s favorite artists, Gucci Boss—a soca/dancehall powerhouse hailing from New York by way of Berbice, Guyana. Next, “21 Gun Salute” is a tribute track, where I pay homage to my favorite foundation dancehall artists and the influences that helped shape my sound. El Dusty puts a fresh spin on Jackie Mittoo’s classic “Drum Song” riddim, giving the track a nostalgic 90’s dancehall/dembow flavor. Finally, closing out the EP is “1, 2, 3!”, another collaboration between me and Gucci Boss. This soca-meets-dancehall banger combines Indo-Caribbean drums & heavy club bass with elements of chutney and cumbia to create a real outstanding fun fusion track. I PROMISE you aint heard a tune like this one! To complement the release, we put out a music video shot in Corpus Christi’s North Padre Island. Its not hard to see we had a blast shooting it, BigUp Germany’s Reggaeville.com for hosting the video! Check the vibes on Youtube
Really Faawaad is my favourite project because I was able to do it my way. From the riddims to the artiste featured everything was hand selected with intention. Top respect to El Dusty and Dred Nugent for providing some bangers, and BigLove to Gucci Boss & Kroywen for sharing their talents. Its a great feeling knowing so many talented people are on my team.
Soulfiya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Biography:
Soulfiya is an influential veteran of the American reggae scene who has been actively performing since beginning his career in 2005, leading the charge and waving the banner of Caribbean/American reggae music for over 15years. Since his debut he has dashed the American conceptions of the genre, favoring a more authentic original sound. His accomplishments include being featured on a Billboard Reggae Top 10 album (Champion Sound by Skillinjah) as well as gracing the iTunes Top 5 Reggae Albums twice with his solo efforts, Bushdoctor in 2019 (#3) and Offering in 2021(#5). Soulfiya’s music blends reggae, dancehall, soca, and cumbia to create a raucous, and unquestionably unique, authentic sound that keeps the energy HIGH. To date, he has performed in 39 states, 4 nations and with countless contemporary and legendary reggae icons.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think it’s time for people to start thinking for themselves more. With the way that we all get music in the modern era there is no reason to stick to the 50 or so “pop” artistes that seem to dominate the discussion. Find what YOU like, what speaks to YOUR soul or personal experience. Then, SUPPORT IT. Share with your friends, follow on socials, engage with artistes. This is what makes the current ecosystem amazing but so few people put in the effort. Most seem content to take whatever the culture or the algorithm gives them, thats crazy to me.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The actual creation itself is so rewarding. Even when a song doesn’t immediately catch on, just the act of making it, and knowing that it’s there for whoever to find makes all the tribulations worth while. My story will be streaming for years to come, my ancestors can hear my words and know me in some way that could never happen otherwise.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Soulfiya
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulfiya
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ns6HQhkUCo