‘My advice to international students is to always embrace who you are and where you’re from’: An interview with Fuse ODG

Fuse ODG is one of the biggest stars of our generation. With huge tunes like “Light It Up”, his collaboration with Major Lazer and Nyla, as well as his own tunes such as “Million Pound Girl”, his songs are the sound of most people’s summers. After his high-energy performance at Sheffield’s O2 Arena at the Tramlines afterparty this weekend, we had the chance to catch up with the British-Ghanian rapper about his favourite music, the message of TINA and his advice for students.

So, do you prefer performing at smaller, less mainstream festivals, such as Tramlines, compared to bigger festivals and events?

Well, I enjoy both. I love intimate venues and intimate vibes, where you feel like you’re closer to the crowd and you can reach out and touch them. I love that kind of energy because you can connect to them more. I love doing both though, to be honest, as they both have their different benefits, but when it’s more up close and personal, it is the best.

What does music bring to you as an artist?

For me as an artist, I’m using music as a platform, to encourage people to love themselves, love who they are, love their culture. I feel like you have to embrace your identity, and I want my music to move people, make them happy, and make them accept who they are as people. So music for me is just an amazing platform to push that message of self-love.

And why is the message of TINA (This Is New Africa) such an important message for you to get out there?

So for me it’s to represent my culture, help people to understand what Africa is like. It’s supposed to showcase Africa in a new light and in a positive way, not like how some of the media like to portray Africa as a poverty stricken place with people dying, when that’s not what it’s like when I’m there. It’s got good energy, amazing technology, great fashions, great food, great music, and I want people to understand that.

When people enjoy my music, I feel like I’m giving them a bit of Africa, and I want them to go away with something positive to say.

With you coming from a mixed heritage, what would be your advice to international students coming to the UK in September?

My advice would be is to always embrace who you are. Embrace your culture, don’t feel like you have to change who you are in order to fit in. Being yourself is the best gift that God has given to you. No matter what environment you’re in, make sure you represent who you are, you love who you are and be embracing of other cultures as well. Enjoy yourself whilst you’re here because happiness is key, and yeah, just go for it.

And what would be your advice to young people who are interested in a career in music?

Just continue to stick to your passion, not just people who are interested in music, but anyone who is interested in a creative industry. Just try and stay true to your passion, keep working hard, and working smart. Be consistent, and just enjoy what you do. Keep doing what you enjoy doing and eventually you’ll see success.

So what songs do you listen to in your spare time?

I listen to all types of genres. I listen to afrobeats, dancehall, hip hop, today I was listening to some acoustic music, country music. I just listen to all types of music. I like soaking in different vibes, different cultures, different genres. It helps me make the music that I make.

And finally, if you were stranded on a desert island, and you can only take one of your songs with you, what song would it be and why?

Probably one of my new tracks that nobody’s heard yet, but it’s coming out in a couple of weeks, just because there’s so much energy in it. It’s called ‘No Daylight’, but yeah, that’s what I would take. It gets me up in the morning, I start dancing around like a crazy man!