Essilfie’s music sojourn was made easy with her vibrant parents’ love for all types of genres ranging from country music to funk to reggae to highlife contributing to her diverse taste in music.
For as long as she remembers, singing, writing music, and poetry came naturally to her but she was a closeted creative. At a point, she was not quite ready to share that with the world but slowly she built up her confidence and began to hone her singing and writing abilities in order to kick-start her journey.
“Making music just keeps me sane and is my happy place, a place for me to purge and express myself creatively,” she says.
The Ghanaian singer and songwriter, whose real name is Maame Esi Essilfie recently released Tori’s Lounge, her debut solo project, which comprises of five emotionally-charged songs crafted in various genres and with alternating vocal ranges, for listening pleasure.
In this interview, Essilfie talks about music, sexism in the industry, and her Tori’s Lounge as a true work of art that doesn’t just paint a story in plain terms.
How did you get into music?
I have always loved music and it stemmed from my parents being avid music listeners
Since I was in primary school I knew I loved to sing and write poetry and stories but I didn’t know if I could make it a career
However, when I got to university, in level 200 someone in my hostel tweeted that he’s a guitarist and wants to vibe I said “why not” and gave it a shot.
Tell us about your journey so far?
My journey has been very interesting. There are ups and downs, it’s not easy as an artiste dabbling in different types of genres in Ghana because everyone wants to put you in a box unable to evolve. I’m very obsessed with self-improvement so I’ve been learning as I go.
You must have encountered some challenges, tell us some, and was there a time you wanted to give up?
Yes, there was definitely a time I nearly gave up. The first time I experienced sexual harassment in the industry. Someone can say “oh I think your music is amazing!!” But perhaps they just want something from you. It kind of made me doubt my capabilities for a minute. But I bounced back strong. Trying to be more careful, Also not having a manager is tough and I don’t know how I do it
It’s been the grace of God.
How did you cope with sexism in the industry and what do you think should be done to break the bias?
Like I said earlier as a woman especially, I’m forced to be in a box.. don’t be sexual, don’t be this or that. Meanwhile, men can be sexual. Also, women are also less prioritized as I step in certain spaces and I’m the only female artiste there! It’s like wow why? And there are amazing women making music in Ghana.
Your first major project dropped this month, Toris Lounge, how’s the feedback like?
Tori’s Lounge is my very first EP and it has been received quite well. People love it and see how deeply personal it is to me and even people who do not understand the language feel the emotions through my vocals and that’s all I wanted.
What project are you currently working now?
I’m currently working on a joint tape with producer DredW (Dread double U).
Tell us about your experience working with DredW?
It’s been phenomenal working with DredW. His beats always challenge me to do more with my voice. We already released two joint projects “So Sweet” and “Body“.
There’s a synergy between Nigerian and Ghanaian artistes, who are those Nigerian artistes you’re planning to work with?
I would really love to work with Lady Donli, Tems, Fireboy, and Joeboy. I feel like their sound and mine will come together harmoniously, but I’m open to working with whoever I’m feeling at any given moment and I love a lot of the artistes.
Tell us what’s next?
There are a lot of exciting things coming up, more music, my second major show, a reality show later down the line, and visuals! It’s going to be a great year and I can feel it.
