header photo by Foli Creppy

Selassie was born in Ghana and grew up with his grandmother and two aunts. These women are also the ones who taught him to believe in himself and to do what you love. Now these inspirational women have been joined by his daughter, who is probably his biggest inspiration always reminding him of what is important in life. We talked to the artist about his new song MMSH My Mind´s So Happy, why art is constantly changing the world and why it’s important to understand yourself.

“My music reflects the way you want to be loved.” Can you explain what you meant by this?

I wanna be as transparent in what I do as I can and always have an honest conversation with myself. I feel like you can only truly love someone when you really love yourself. You understand more if you give yourself the chance to understand yourself. Inner work, not outer ego!

If I understood right then you bring together your memories from all different places you grew up in with the help of art, through colours, moves and rhythms, right? Is it a way to understand yourself better, and searching for your place in the world and if so, have you found your place and purpose in the world?

I have been questioning absolutely everything forever lately! Honest truth for me is the most important asset to own, and I am feeling we are all here to create or to be creators.
There are certain journeys with oneself that need to be explored; I am just going my way and enjoying it. Let’s hope I inspire a lil Selassie out there, or my daughter! At the end, my art is her diary written from me.

“I think art is constantly changing the world, that’s for sure. Look at Iran right now…”

Do you think art can change the world and the direction society goes or it is more a reflection and dealing with what is happening?

I think art is constantly changing the world, that’s for sure. Look at Iran right now… Now thats the highest form of art: women standing for themselves and motivating a whole world. For me, all women but specifically African women are art to me, constantly evolving and standing up for who they are.

I am listening to your new release MMSH (My Mind´s So Happy) and it´s a really cool tune. It unwinds me immediately. Tell us about the moment and process how this song came into being?

I think it’s like coming out of deep rest and telling yourself “all good, you got this!!” Don’t worry my gih, just flow along life!

Are you a self taught musician, painter and dancer or do you have a professional training?

I am self taught, yeah.

“I have been questioning absolutely everything forever lately!”

Which other artists inspire you?

All of my friends and homies. I got lucky in life to meet them. I feel very fortunate that I get to meet beautiful people with beautiful hearts! If you listen well, there are teachers everywhere.

Do you prefer big cities or small places close to nature?

Both in equal measures.

What are some of your fondest memories of your birthplace in Ghana?

Well, we love to dance and play music, and I remember these things fondly. It’s just about playing and having fun in Ghana.

Where do you see yourself in around 10 years from now?

I try to live in the present to be honest with you. I am sure in a decades time, I’m gonna be good; happy, healthy, painting, making music and performing.

Best life advice someone gave you?

Don’t use a moodboard and let life set the mood!

Follow Selassie for more:
twitter.com/SelassieGabriel 
www.instagram.com/selassie.io
www.youtube.com/c/SELASSIE001