INTERVIEW: BAMBY
French-Guyanese artist, Bamby, fuses pop and dancehall, as well as French, English, and Creole, to create music that is uniquely her. We spoke to Bamby in celebration of the release of her new single, ‘Don Dada’.
Interview by PORTIA BRAJKOVIC
Hey BAMBY, how are you?
I'm great!
Why music?
What I am going to say is that music chose me. I am so happy that music chose me.
Can you describe the bamby universe and sound in three words?
Sun, opportunities, and good decisions.
"During my teenage years, I was influenced by many different sound systems. In French Guyana, we are raised with many different people of different backgrounds and cultures: the Brazilian, the British, and so on. This is why I have so many different inspirations and influences in my music. My music is a reflection of the many different cultural heritages from French Guyana. I am also influenced by British fashion from the 90s, ladies who used to go to dancehall parties and sound systems.”
— BAMBY, ON THE CREATIVE INFLUENCE OF HER FRENCH-GUYANESE CULTURE
WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND YOUR NEW SINGLE, ‘DON DADA’?
‘Don Dada’ is a freestyle. It happened the first time I met the FaNatix. They played the instrumental and I just started vibing and freestyling on it. They were very supportive. I didn't even know I was capable of creating that kind of song. I want to thank them again for that.
Your music is upbeat, punchy, and confident. A vibe! How does your music reflect your personality? When you’re in the studio, who are you creating music for?
I’m always trying to represent the sun, all the time. I try my best to stay positive, give people smiles, hugs, and positive things in life. I am creating music for everybody, I want everyone to feel included. I want everybody to be happy when they listen to my music. I want them to know that I love them, and they are loved.
What does your creative process usually look like?
When I get to the studio, there needs to be a cool and chill vibe, a good mood. Then my priority is to create the beat. I just love creating instrumentals. Then the topline, followed lastly by the writing of the lyrics.
What would we find on your Spotify playlist?
The kind of music that I love, the kind of music that makes me happy and the kind of music I listen to during my gym sessions. A mix of very different genres.
What do you do for peace?
I just listen to silence and do breathing and meditation exercises.
What’s next for you?
Happiness, definitely.
