Shani Da Flava: the rising star of the Paris rap scene.
Shani Da Flava is a young rapper with a passion for bringing something new and fresh to French music. The artist describes herself as sensual and excessive, and illustrates her musical universe as delicious as her name suggests. Between her studies and the music scene, Shani takes part in an exclusive interview today to tell us about her experiences.
Photographer : Charlotte Joffroy
Stylist : Awa marie Sissoko
Assistant stylist : Abdoulaye Keita
Makeup : Lou Boidin
Interview : Bessie Lampecinado
Hi Shani, how would you describe your music and yourself?
I’m a sensual and determined artist, and I love seducing my audience. Thanks to my music, I’ve built up a special relationship with my listeners, and it’s my duty to give them the best. I express myself naturally in ‘franglais’ because it’s the way I speak every day. It’s something I find natural and comfortable, so I include it in my music. Three words to describe myself: Sensual, Excessive and Unapologetic.
What are your musical inspirations and how do they influence your creative process?
As far as my musical inspirations go, I have a penchant for forward-thinking artists who have a unique aesthetic and who aren’t afraid to be themselves. My influences include artists such as Young Thug, Ateyaba (formerly known as Joke), and Rihanna. I particularly appreciate their ability to innovate and break the codes of conventional music. Their bold choices of sounds, melodies and rhythms inspire me to find my own path as an artist.
These artists have also brought a breath of fresh air to the music scene by offering a unique sound and taking risks. They’ve all created their own style and their own brand image, which has allowed them to stand out from the crowd. This ability to be original and innovative is something I aspire to achieve in my own music.
In terms of my creative process, my musical inspirations play an important role in the way I create my music. I like to experiment with different sounds and melodies to create something new and unique. I’m constantly looking to push myself and my artistic boundaries, inspired by forward-thinking artists who have done it before me.
Are you hoping to bring a breath of fresh air to French rap?
Absolutely, I’m passionate about bringing something new and fresh to the French scene, particularly in the rap genre. I think it’s important not just to follow current trends, but to stand out from the crowd by offering something unique and authentic that brings that missing ‘flavour’.
For me, that means bringing my own personal touch to my music, using my influences and experiences to create a sound and aesthetic that are distinctive. I want to be creative in my choice of sounds, rhythms and melodies, mixing elements from different genres to create an original sound that reflects who I am as an artist.
So what is your creative process?
I’m very demanding in my work and I like to take my time to create my music. I like to be in the studio with my beatmakers to feel all the nuances and textures of the sounds. That’s why I don’t release music at a frantic pace.
Are you signed to a record label? And do you plan to get signed one day?
To answer your first question, no, I’m not signed to a record company yet. However, I believe in artistic freedom and I’d like to keep that creative freedom if I were ever to sign with a record company. As an Aries, I have a strong desire for independence and I don’t like things being imposed on me. That’s why I prefer to work on my music on my own for the time being.
Your video clips are pretty elaborate for an independent artist, is there a team behind you?
When it comes to my video clips, I’m proud to say that I work with a team of talented and ambitious creatives. We’re all friends ( La Cuillère , Nino Star …) and we help each other to create the most aesthetically pleasing videos possible. I think it’s very important to collaborate with other people, especially our friends, to stimulate creativity and production quality.
I know you’re a student, can you tell us how you organise your time between music and lessons?
Finally, as far as my studies and music are concerned, I’m currently very strictly organised. I’m in my final year of a BTS in tourism and I’m concentrating on my studies. However, whenever I have free time, I work on my music in advance. I make demos, I plan my future projects and I organise myself so that everything is ready for the moment when I can concentrate exclusively on my music. I think it’s important to find a balance between studies and music so that you can carry out all your projects effectively and successfully.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In 5 years’ time, “before TwenTwen-Five, I see myself ona boat, five stars Yacht, on da Mexican coast Cabo Verde wit my bitchesj’imagine”, as I sing in my single “VVS”. I also hope to have released a successful album and to have a public that supports me and appreciates my art.
