In a music scene overflowing with fresh talent, Smada is quickly emerging as a force to be reckoned with.
His unique fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and a wide range of global influences sets him apart from the crowd. Through his responses, it became clear that his charisma, raw authenticity, and resilience are what truly define him. With the recent release of his EP Nobody Badder, the indie artist is making waves, but his journey hasn’t been without its hurdles.
There’s an undeniable energy about him—a blend of raw ambition and grounded humility. It’s clear from the start that Smada is an artist with a vision, one who’s overcome his share of challenges but remains unshaken in his drive to make his mark. “When did it all start?” I ask, eager to understand the origin of this rising star’s passion for music.
“I always knew music was for me, like a calling,” Smada shares. He explains that his brother was the artist in the family, and one day while making music, his brother asked him to freestyle. “I gave it a try, wrote a few bars, and when his friends came over, I performed it. Their reaction was everything. That’s when I realized I could create something from my mind, and people would connect with it.”
I always knew music was for me, like a calling
Smada
For Smada, the creative spark didn’t just come from his family. His environment and experiences have played a huge role in shaping his sound. “Traveling keeps me focused,” he explains. “When I’m by the beach in Accra, the vibe is totally different. That change of scenery—it’s everything. Every environment brings something new out of me, and I put that into my music.”
As Smada reflects on his earliest experiences with music, he shares, “It was beautiful. I’ve always felt a deep connection to different genres. Music just… brings me peace.” He takes a moment to emphasize the significance of his words, adding, “I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.”
But despite his passion, Smada hasn’t had it easy. The music industry is known for its ups and downs, and Smada has experienced them firsthand. “There’ve been moments when I thought I was about to blow up on a global scale,” he admits. “But things didn’t pan out.” He emphasizes that he’s not one to dwell on setbacks. “It’s all part of the game, though. I tell myself I can’t stop because this is my life. No matter the challenges, I know I’ll overcome them.”
Smada’s independence as an artist speaks to his grit and determination. “I’ve been pushing my music on my own…but I like to say I’m signed to God.” He laughs, but there’s a truth behind his words. Staying indie hasn’t stopped him from drawing inspiration from some of Africa’s biggest names. “Rema, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy… seeing them succeed reminds me I can do it too,” he says.
With the release of his EP Nobody Badder, Smada is making it clear that his connection with his listeners is personal. “I want my fans to feel like I’m speaking directly to them,” he says. His intensity is palpable as he describes the project. “I put my heart into it, and I hope they feel the same emotions I did when I was making those tracks.”
As Smada reflects on some of his career highlights, he expresses pride. “Performing in the UK was unreal,” he shares. “Seeing my music resonate with people that far from home was surreal.” However, one of the biggest moments for Smada was meeting one of his idols, Wizkid. “He called me a superstar,” Smada says. “Getting that recognition from someone like him—it just fuels me to keep going.”
Though he writes his own songs and has recently started producing, Smada is a firm believer in collaboration. “That’s where the magic happens,” he says. “I’d love to work with Travis Scott, Rema, Amaarae… they all bring something unique to the table.”
And with Nobody Badder, Smada has proven his versatility. “The title says it all—there’s nobody badder. I spent years experimenting with different sounds because I wanted to show that I could do it all. I worked with some incredibly talented producers, and they really brought my vision to life.”
Outside of music, Smada describes himself as laid-back. “I’m usually just chilling with friends, playing video games,” he says. “If I’m not gaming, I’m eating or in the studio making music.” When asked if fans know much about his personal life, he laughs and adds, “They probably don’t know I’m the youngest in my family.”
Before we wrap up, Smada takes a moment to share a heartfelt message with his fans. “I love you all. Thank you for listening to Smada and for all the support,” he says, his sincerity unmistakable. “It means everything to me.”
As Smada continues to make his mark on the global stage, one thing is clear: his journey is just beginning. With his undeniable talent, passion, and resilience, it’s only a matter of time before the world knows his name.
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