International Hip Hop Spotlight: Adam Kanyama – Sweden

Welcome to the very first “Birthplace to the Earthspace” international hip hop artist spotlight, featuring a buzzing, tri-lingual MC from Sweden, Adam Kanyama.

I came across Adam Kanyama when I was in Stockholm two years ago visiting my good friend Patrik Larsson at the Playground offices. I was inquiring about hot new hip hop in Sweden and — BOOM — a couple people in the office blurted out his name, so I went on a search to find him. I was on the way to a gig he was performing at, but it was canceled, and I still have yet to see him perform live, but Adam is absolutely someone I wanted to get some words with, and share the beginning of his musical journey with you.

INTRODUCING: Adam Kanyama

Fiona: What was it like growing up in Sweden as a young boy upon discovering your love for Hip Hop?

Adam: Well, at first I did not think hip hop was as great as I think it is today. I grew up listening to MTV and the artists who was popping at the time were Eminem and 50 cent. No disrespect to them, I love their music, but it wasn’t until I heard artists like Tupac, NWA and more “90s” hip hop which I discovered when I started using the Internet, that I really fell in love with hip hop. I liked it because it was real and uncensored and because it spoke on a lot of issues we have in our societies, plus all the black people in hip hop made me feel like I had found my home.

Fiona: Where did you get your inspiration to start rhyming and who were you influenced by back then?

Adam: From then until now my inspiration is based on improving the human condition and speaking on issues in our society that are in need of improving. But one thing I find really important is to not act as a preacher who says what’s right and what’s wrong. I would rather show you my imperfections and reflect on them so that I can maybe improve them. Kinda farfetched explanation, but you will hear it in my music.

Fiona: Who are some of the Scandinavian artists you look up to?

Adam: I look up to artists like TLK (The Latin Kings), Timbuktu, Ken Ring and many more.

Fiona: What is your lyrical nature? How do you describe your sound or style and what are you talking about in your music?

Adam: I do it all. I don’t like to put myself in a box.

Fiona: How often are you writing and what’s your method of creating lyrics, new songs.

Adam: I write at least twice a week and I write what comes naturally.

Fiona: Do you work with several producers, collaborate or do you write, produce on your own? Is there a favorite producer now and is there someone in the future you’re dying to work with?

Adam: I work with three producers on a regular basis. Their names are Rizbeats, Chords and Mo-Bama. I don’t have a dream producer but I would like to work with just anybody with a cool sound. No, I never produce my own music but I will later.

Fiona: Where has your music taken you so far? Where have you toured?

Adam: Ha ha, just on some braggadocio, I’ve been in most parts of Sweden and Norway. I have opened for Nicki Minaj when she came to Sweden and I have performed right before Miguel, A$AP Rocky and Flatbush Zombies. I have also busted raps for De La Soul, which they enjoyed.

Fiona: Is Adam Kanyama your real name?

Adam: Yes, I keeps it real.

Fiona: So I know that already people in Sweden have embraced you, calling you one of the best new artists on the scene. What about the rest of the world? What’s the plan, and when do you think you’ll come to the U.S.?

Adam: Mark my words I’m coming within two years, maximum. I’m just trying to lay my base in Sweden right now and finishing school.

Fiona: I first heard of you when I was in Sweden for the Polar Music Prize in 2012.  A few people told me to check you out and the first thing I heard was your EP, The Golden Child. On that project you were rhyming in English, but you rhyme both in Svenska and English, and I hear you speak Swahili too. When you’re writing your lyrics mainly, do they first come from your native tongue?

Adam: I feel like all three languages are my native, but Swedish is closest to my heart. I write in all three. Swahili is a little harder but I’m working on it.

Fiona: How did you hook up with Sabina Ddumba to make that song the title track “The Golden Child”?

Adam: We knew each other from mutual friends and I heard she could sing so I asked her to lay the hook for me.

Fiona: Tell me about your travels in Tanzania and how you learned to speak Swahili.

Adam: Tanzania is my second home and my father has been speaking Swahili with me since I was born.  I have family there and I kind of use it as my getaway.

Fiona: Outside of hip hop, what do you enjoy?

Adam: Chilling.

Fiona: When it comes to social platforms, what is your favorite and how do you like to communicate with your fans?

Adam: I post my latest stuff on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sometimes I will let people know what’s going on in my life on a more personal level.

Fiona: Do you have a favorite hang in Stockholm?

Adam: The studio.

Fiona: And when you want to escape? Any favorite place?

Adam: The woods.

Fiona: Are you into Films? We’ve got the Academy Awards coming up next month. Who do you think is going to win for Best Picture, Best Actress in Leading Role and Best Actor?

Adam: I don’t know. I liked Silver Linings Playbook.

Fiona: What did you think about Best Rap Album going to Macklemore and not Kendrick Lamar?

Adam: Even Macklemore knows…

Fiona: When can we expect a full length project from you?

Adam: This Fall, in Swedish.

Fiona: If you came to America and could pick one stage, one mic to ROCK, where would it be?  Your DREAM?

Adam: The Apollo Theater.  Shit is Epic

Fiona: Any words of wisdom you to share for artists who are starting out and want to be in your shoes?

Adam: If everyone’s going left, go right!