‘Best Emerging Music Act’ Nominee, Mista Silva talks to GUBA

November 7, 2012

Mista Silva has taken the Afro-beats scene by storm with pulsating hits like ‘Boom Boom Tah and Bo Won Sem Ma Me’. Fairly new to the scene, he has set his sights on becoming an immovable force in the Afro-beats scene. Mista Silva’s talent has been recognised by many, leading to his nomination for the Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) award. He has been nominated for a ‘Best Emerging Music Act’ award alongside talented artists, Fuse ODG and Brie Boateng. The winner of the award will be announced at the GUBA award ceremony taking place on the 10^th of November at the Park Plaza hotel. Mista Silva talks us through the inspiration behind his music and how he feels about his nomination.

You have been nominated for the GUBA ‘Best Emerging Music Act’ award. How do you feel about this? I’m really

happy and excited to have been nominated for a GUBA award. This nomination shows that people acknowledge my music and that really humbles and motivates me to work harder.

What is the inspiration behind your music? My inspiration comes from musicians that I listened to growing up, as well as the youth. The younger generation are exposed to a lot of violent music and I feel that my music presents them with a new non- violent perspective. The fact that some of these young people see me as a role model also inspires me. Also, I have always had a passion for music, and this passion is what inspired me to start producing my own music.

What message do you hope to convey through your music? I try to project the Ghanaian and African culture through my music. I want to show that although we are here in the diaspora, we know our roots and we do our part in trying to support and develop our various countries.

Why did you choose the afro-beats genre in place of other genres? The first genre I was involved in was the funky house genre before the rhythm and the fresh approach from the Afro- beats scene caught my interest. I had a strong feeling to go into the Afro-beats circuit and I followed that feeling because I felt that it was a message from God.

Afro-beats have grown in popularity in the last couple of years, how do you feel to be a part of it? I feel very privileged to be a part of the Afro-beats movement. There are many artists in the Afro-beats scene that are doing big things, so for my tracks and EP to get as much attention as it did is an amazing feeling. I feel very blessed.

Aside from your music are you involved in any other projects? Aside from my music, I am part of an Events Management Company known as Fresh to Death Entertainment .We organise events across the UK ranging from comedy shows, parties and hosting shows in universities.

What would you like to achieve in the next 5 to 10 years? In the next 5 to 10 years I hope to have fulfilled my purpose on earth. I believe that God has a vision for all of us so I hope that I can find mine and achieve it. In doing so I also hope that I can inspire others to follow their purpose and believe in themselves.

What are your expectations for the GUBA Awards ceremony? I have very high expectations for the GUBA awards ceremony. Since my nomination was announced I have been really excited about the awards and from watching videos of the past ceremonies I know it will be a great night. I am very honoured to be part of it.

GUBA would like to wish Mista Silva, Fuse ODG and Brie Boateng all the best and look forward to seeing all the nominees at the GUBA awards. If you like to attend, tickets are still available at www.gubaawards.co.uk. There are a few corporate tables left so please get in touch george@gubaawards.co.uk and do your bookings.

By Claudia Andrews