By Tenney Camara
Sayhu, born in Atlanta, Georgia but raised in the smiling coast of West Africa, is an upcoming Gambian/American Rapper based in Charlotte, NC.
Having been inspired by music from a young age, Sayhu took up rapping at the age 16
His first official visual release in 2013, titled ‘Motherland’ was off his debut project ‘The other side’. In this single, he proudly showcases his patriotism as an African, whilst highlighting the general misconceptions and the troubled history of the continent.
“When you say Africa a lot of people think jungle, that’s not the Motherland”
He sheds light on Africa’s biggest problem; corrupt, opportunist and non-progressive leaders, who have squandered the continent’s resources in their best interest, while the rest of its people live in oppression and destitution.
His conscious lyrics conveys an underlying message to Africa’s younger generation, that despite the struggles of the past, we have the power to prevail and rise above any adversity that stands in the path of paving the way for Africa.
He sets the same inspirational tone in’Young world’, where he raps about life struggles and overcoming them
Sayhu showcases more versatile lyricism in his third single, ‘Feel This’. With witty metaphors and word play, his self reflective lyrics highlight the fact that not everything he raps about is soft and conscious and therefore should not be easily labelled as a certain type of rapper. He also stresses the need to break out and stay up while recognising his resilience, even when the odds are stacked high up against him
A true rhymesmith, Sayhu spits some hard hitting bars in his ‘Summer Came Early’ single, showcasing artistic growth and lyrically reminding me of the likes of J.cole.
As a young, black Muslim, some of his bars calls attention to the struggles of living in a ‘Donald Trump America’
One of Dem is one of his first tunes to have an upbeat party rhythm to it, making it an ideal party tune and one of my favourites.
A conversation with Young Fedora
When did you realise you had a talent for rap and who has been your inspiration?
Well I was always good at writing papers in school, but I think I started writing lyrics in 7th grade. I performed at a school talent show once, rapping verses from my favourite rappers (50cent at the time) and people loved it. So I decided to start writing my own stuff.
As far as inspiration goes, I draw from a lot things. The people around me (my team) inspire me the most. Yes I’m the artist, but they work 10 times harder to make sure everything goes accordingly.
What has been your musical influence?
I’ll say Reggae music in general. I grew up listening to conscious artists like Anthony B, Sizzla, Capleton, Bob Marley just to name a few. DMX on the other hand is why I got into rap music. My cousin Raymond would always play his songs when we were young.
Growing up I just wanted to be like my older brother Kalipha, and he loved reggae music. So I started listening to whatever he was. He later on travelled to the states, so I decided to find a new person to look up to. Raymond was that dude, and he introduced me to rap
Tell me about your first visual release
My first ever music video I think was ‘Motherland‘. I teamed up with KQfilms who later on did other videos like Dear Winter, Truth, and Summer Came Early. I knew exactly what I wanted, but I definitely didn’t have the budget for it. Because the song is about the motherland, I wanted to fly back home with the whole crew and create something dope but I couldn’t. So we just improvised and found locations that sort of resembles Africa and we shot it.
That first idea that I had for motherland would later become ‘Coming Home’, the video I actually shot in The Gambia a couple of months ago
You recently travelled back home, how was that experience for you?
It was a very humbling and much needed experience. I had the best time of my life. Putting out music and representing where you’re from is a great thing, and to actually see the love and appreciation people have for you and your music is overwhelming. The Gambian people showed me a lot of love from the minute I landed, to the day I left.
What sets you apart from the rest?
I guess I’m just me, and that’s all I can be. I don’t think about things like that. I come from a different place, the other side of the world. My story is very similar to a lot of people, and different at the same time. I talk with a lisp, and it makes my delivery a little different from every other rapper.
If you had a chance to collaborate with one artist, who would it be and why?
First name that comes to mind is Viviane Chidid, only cause it can be beneficial for me in two ways. I have the biggest crush on her. So we’re gonna make a banger, and then go on a date later on (even if I’m in a committed relationship). Childhood fantasy lol.
Tell me a random fact about you
I guess a lot of people think I’m quiet or innocent lol, I am definitely not. I do and say the craziest things
A young talented rapper with a conscious mind, Sayhu delivers music with a meaning using enlightening lyrics to paint pictures with words. He is definitely the one to look out for
Check out his new single on YouTube
Follow his Music onhttps://youtu.be/hBpggY2wA5s
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sayhumusic/
Instagram:http://instagram.com/sayhumusic
SoundCloud:http://soundcloud.com/sayhumusic
Twitter:http://twitter.com/sayhumusic
