Over the past few years, Anica Kiana has been releasing material that has flown under the radar. In fact, the star was part of Locnville’s SAMA-winning EP ‘Tribes & Angels’ on a track titled ‘Little Less Liquor’. Over the lockdown period, however, the songstress has been honing her craft and was recently signed by the pop duo. Now, she’s making a massive comeback as rapper Nasty C joins her on her new track ‘Gotta Leave’.
As the track continues to gain momentum, we get up close and personal with the rising star who opens up about this exciting new chapter in her career and her new single with rapper Nasty C.
How is this phase of your musical career different to anything else you’ve done until this point?
I would say this phase in my musical career is different as I have allowed myself some creative freedom during lockdown. I explored many different sounds and made loads of music that is authentic to me while still managing to stay within the pop realm. I have also developed a bigger fanbase.
Talk to us a little bit about the inspiration behind your new song ‘Gotta Leave’.
‘Gotta Leave’ is influenced by a personal experience. I was in a toxic friendship for many years and eventually I came to a point where I realized I was too good for the person and decided that the relationship had to come to an end. I wanted to empower people with this song because I want them to feel confident in themselves and realize how powerful they are. No one is truly worth your time if they don’t respect and appreciate you.
What do you think it is about you that sets you apart from other pop acts in Mzansi right now?
I think what sets me apart is that I try my best to make tracks that appeal to an international audience. I try to make music for the world to enjoy and not just for the people that live in this country.
What was it like working with Nasty C on the song?
Working with Nasty C on ‘Gotta Leave’ was an amazing experience. The day he agreed to do the track was probably the best day of my life so far. He is so humble, genuine and honest. If he thinks something should be changed on the track, he always offers advice. I really look up to him.
What tips has he given you about the music industry?
He’s told me before to always listen to myself and trust myself and to not listen to anybody else.
The video for the track is epic as well! Tell us more about that.
The music video was actually shot in one day. It was a crazy experience. We flew up to Joburg for one day to shoot the music video and left the next day. The people I worked with were insanely organized and just all round such lovely people. Graphix Guy directed the entire thing and the whole concept was his idea. It was also great being able to be on set with Nasty C.
You were signed by Locnville. They’ve had an incredible career so far but what attracted you to this collaboration?
I think because they’ve had so much experience in the music industry, I feel like I can trust them a lot. They are also two of the nicest people I’ve met. They’re super easy to work with and they allow me to express myself however I want creatively which is amazing.
What else can we expect from you in the next few months?
I have been working on a ton of new music, so you can definitely be expecting new music in the near future.
Listen to ‘Gotta Leave’ with Nasty C below and read more music news here.
