I recently completed a round-up review on trap music. One of the stand out songs from the list was the track Priceless, by Namibian artist Proklaim. If you somehow missed his song, you can also find it at the end of this interview!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a single titled Priceless. What can you tell us about the track?

I often go online and peruse for beats. That one happened to catch my attention when I played it. It had a mellow sophisticated feel to it and the title matched it perfectly. I went straight to writing and laid the song down.

How has the reception to Priceless been so far, and where can the song be purchased?

It’s gotten a warm reception from those who have heard it, with people saying it has a prayerlike tone to it and it inspires them. The song can be accessed on Spotify.

Do you plan to release any more singles in the coming months?

I’m constantly recording and god willing, do intend to put out more material through the year.

Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?

Last year I put out a project titled Zion’s Hill. To do so, I simply put together some of the songs I had laid down during the year. I plan to do the same with this. As recording is pretty much a routine, I select from my songs and put out projects.

Your music has a trap/rap vibe. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?

I record on any beat that I enjoy sonically, whether it’s older traditional boombap or trap, through to afrobeats, grime or dancehall. What I enjoy most is figuring out how to ride the various types of beats. Musical influences to me have been broad. I listen to a wide range of music and have loved and drawn from artists like Maxi Priest, Simply Red, Tupac, Tory Lanez and Burna Boy… the list is too wide. I appreciate music in the wide array it comes.

Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Cece Winans‘ new material.

You’re based in Namibia. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?

The Namibian music scene is small and active. Local genres of music tend to draw most of the attention of music fans here. There hip-hop scene I would say is one that is emerging with some young talented artists putting in work.

Your music has quite a religious aspect. Is this something important to you?

I am an ardent believer in the thought that music ought be an extension of the artist’s consciousness and interests. Much like Bob Marley utilised his music to speak on issues dear to him, I hope to do the same – faith is a major factor of what I do.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

At present no, but I would love to in the future, particularly as I am a British national. So that would be dope.

Any last words for the fans?

Remain true to your intuition and pursue those things that make you lose track of time when you do them… carpe diem.