The Galway rapper talks inspirations, influences and more
Galway hasn’t proven itself as a hotbed of hip-hop talent just yet, but Celaviedmai is set to change that.
The rapper has already supported big acts like Tinchy Stryder, Mac Miller, Sneakbo and even Lil Wayne and has released some seriously impressive singles over the last couple of years, including ‘Questions’ and ‘Upset’, while her debut EP ‘Both Sides of the Story’ was released in March.
She’s one of the acts playing the Hennessy Hip-Hop House at the Body & Soul festival in June, so we took the opportunity to learn more about the rapper born Maimouna Salif.
1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
I listened to lots of RnB music growing up and still do, obviously! I love dipping into classics like Mariah Carey 'Always Be My Baby 'and Destiny’s Child 'Bills Bills Bills'.
2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Scary / exciting / outfit-check.
3. How do you wind down after a gig?
I usually need one drink of whiskey with a mixer and weirdly, I like to go on YouTube…
4. What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
Ok, there's a lot! But off the top of my head, Doja Cat 'Get Into It Yuh' because it's very old school Nicki Minaj-influenced, but also a perfectly modern banger... big big pur!
5. You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
On this particular day I’d have:
J Cole - 'Forest Hill Drive'
Chloe x Halle - 'Ungodly Hour'
Doja Cat - 'Planet Her'
6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
J Cole - 'Forest Hill Drive', because I promise it will speak to your soul.
Robert Green - 'The Laws of Human Nature' - because understanding people is the only way to connect on a deep level.
'The Notebook' - because I’m a damn romantic who loves to cry.
7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Ok, so Bekah Molony will direct it cause no one in the world knows me better and I’m feeling Kerry Washington for the lead.
8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Tofu black bean sauce with rice, mmmmm.
9. Describe your perfect day off.
Ok, so this is my perfect day off if I lived somewhere with the weather for it and didn’t have bills to pay…
Waking up at 8am, going for an early hike with good company and rewarding ourselves after with a massage and sauna. Vegan brunch, chill for the day and that evening, get ready for a fun night. I will be looking extra cute for dinner and wine!
10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
I’ve got a busy festival season coming up and exciting performances coming towards the end of the year... so why should you come? Me and my crew will have you SCREAMING thanks to the energy and the bawdy!
BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
Dissect on Spotify, because it breaks down rap albums and shows people the lyrical side of hip-hop that often gets overlooked
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Celaviedmai plays the Hennessy Hip-Hop House at Body & Soul from June 17th - 19th.