We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rzn Records a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rzn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For both Marianna Zappi and Raggo Zulu Rebel, the decision to pursue a creative life wasn’t a single moment—it was a series of life-shaping experiences that made it the only path that ever truly made sense. But a significant point came in 2014, when their paths crossed and set the foundation for a shared artistic vision that would become RZN Records.

Marianna had already been immersed in music for most of her life. Growing up in Italy, she began formal vocal training at a young age under renowned coach Lorena Scaccia, later touring the world with an American gospel choir. Her expressive vocal style and deep-rooted passion for soul and gospel music took her from Italian stages to the vibrant, multicultural scene of London. Her career blossomed with performances, songwriting, and later, a notable appearance on X Factor UK in 2016—each milestone reinforcing her drive to use music as a force for connection and empowerment.

Meanwhile, Raggo Zulu Rebel had carved his own lane in the UK underground music scene. With a distinct blend of hip-hop, reggae, and culturally charged lyricism, he used music to amplify voices too often overlooked. His art wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about truth, identity, and resistance. Through numerous EPs, albums, and performances, Raggo built a following around music that mattered, always staying rooted in community and authenticity.

When Marianna and Raggo met in 2014, their creative synergy blossomed and despite their different musical roots, they shared a commitment to artistry with purpose. That meeting was more than a collaboration—it was the birth of a shared mission to transform the industry they loved. Together, they co-founded RZN Records, an independent London-based label focused on fairness, inclusivity, and artist empowerment.

From its inception, RZN Records was envisioned as more than just a label. It was—and remains—a community platform for music, spoken word, art, and culture. Under their joint leadership, RZN offers not just production and distribution, but development, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

For both Marianna and Raggo, that 2014 collaboration marked a new chapter—not just in their individual careers, but in the way they chose to shape the industry itself. RZN is the product of that vision: raw, real, and relentlessly independent.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

What sets us apart is that we’re artist-led at every level. We understand the challenges creatives face because we’ve lived them—navigating the industry, facing gatekeeping, and being told to compromise who we are to “fit the mould.” That’s exactly what we exist to change. We provide a safe, empowering space where creativity isn’t just nurtured—it’s owned, celebrated, and amplified.

We’re most proud of the community we’ve built. Whether it’s guiding emerging talent through their first EP, helping an artist find their voice, or bringing people together at our intimate live shows, everything we do is rooted in connection and integrity. We’ve helped artists gain confidence, establish a clear artistic identity, and release work that feels true to them—not manufactured by industry trends.

The problems we solve go beyond technical support—we help artists reclaim their voice, build confidence, and navigate the business side of creativity with knowledge and independence. We believe in equipping people, not just promoting them. That means we’re not only collaborators but mentors, advocates, and strategic partners for those we work with.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, here’s what we want you to know about RZN:

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all artistry.

We are not a conveyor belt label—we are a development-focused community.

If you’ve ever felt unseen or unheard in creative spaces, you’ll find home with us.

We’re real people who care deeply about purpose, growth, and artistry without compromise. We invite you to check out our music, follow our journey, and—if you’re an artist ready to elevate—connect with us.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

We both spent years trying to navigate our respective crafts—Marianna as a vocalist and songwriter, Raggo as an emcee and lyricist—without accessible, tailored development programs. Most opportunities were either too expensive, overly commercial, or designed to mold you into someone else’s idea of a marketable artist. We wish we had access earlier to mentorship that respected our individuality and helped us sharpen our skills without diluting our message. From publishing rights to royalties, contracts, and music distribution—there’s a lot that gets hidden from independent artists unless you come from an industry background. We learned a lot of things the hard way, and we wish there were clearer, more transparent platforms or workshops early on that broke this down without gatekeeping. Knowing how to protect your art and navigate the business side is just as important as the music itself.

There’s a huge difference between being in a room where people want to make you “industry ready” versus being in a room that allows you to grow, make mistakes, and discover who you are creatively. We wish we had known earlier about alternative music spaces, collectives, and grassroots platforms where authenticity is celebrated over polish. That kind of environment is what fuels long-term creative confidence.

In the UK, there are actually several funding bodies that support creative projects, especially if you’re working in community settings or social impact—but most emerging artists don’t know about them or how to apply. We wish we’d had someone early on say, “Here’s how you get support without needing a major label.”

Because of all that, RZN Records now offers:

Workshops on creative business and branding

Mentorship programs rooted in authenticity

Artist development support with mental wellbeing in mind

Real talk about industry systems and how to subvert them

We’re here to be that early-stage resource we never had.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons we had to unlearn at RZN Records was this: “To be successful, you have to dilute your message to be more palatable.”

In many creative industries, there’s a quiet but persistent belief that authenticity needs to be edited. That your art must be simplified, softened, or reshaped to meet mainstream expectations or algorithmic appeal. Artists are often told—directly or indirectly—that depth, vulnerability, or cultural specificity should be toned down for broader reach.

Over time, this can lead to creatives second-guessing their instincts, questioning whether their truth is “too much,” or feeling like they have to choose between personal expression and professional progress.

We’ve come to learn that the most powerful, lasting work comes from artists who stay true to themselves. The audience for honest, nuanced storytelling is not only there—it’s growing. And authenticity is not a limitation; it’s a strength.

That’s why we’ve built RZN to be a space where creative voices are protected, not polished into sameness. We believe in supporting artists who are saying something real—whether that’s through sound, lyric, movement, or message.

That is why we wrote “Collectively Independent” – a book that came from a simple but powerful realisation: so many artists are creating beautiful, important work — but are being crushed by an industry that doesn’t always see their value unless it’s profitable.

We wrote the book we wish we had when we were starting out. A guide that doesn’t just teach you how to build a career — but how to protect your soul while doing it.

It’s a reflection of everything we’ve lived: the mistakes, the wins, the moments we wanted to quit, and the people who pulled us through. It’s for every artist who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit the mould — and decided to build their own instead.

This book is not a product. It’s a movement. It’s a conversation. And it’s a legacy — not just ours, but one we hope every reader continues in their own voice – Collectively Independent release day is set for the 21st April 2025 and it will be available on Amazon worldwide.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rznrecords.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raggozulunation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raggozulunation
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RZNRecordsLtd
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/therealmariannazappi/ – https://www.instagram.com/singitright/
  https://www.instagram.com/raggozulurebel/