Born Sefadzi Abena Amesu and currently signed to Black Avenue Muzik. Known to many as S3fa, the genre-bending performing artist is one of Ghana’s most revered female songstresses in Afrobeat, Soul, Highlife and R&B. S3fa have come through with the irresistible trending afrobeat groove Echoke and she also just announced another single “Fever,” featuring Sarkodie and DJ Tira, set to drop before the end of September.
In this interview, we sat down with S3fa one of Ghana’s household names in the Afrobeats sphere to talk about her come-ups, lockdown anxiety, and challenges as one of the few females in a male-dominated industry among others.
Credit:
Studio: @Visualmagic_sa
Photographer: @Jashughatt
You were signed to Black Avenue Muzik label in 2018, before that time what were you up to?
I was in school and also having my little musical shows in clubs, pubs, and wedding receptions.
How would you describe your struggle over the years before the record label deal?
It was more of like my baby steps to greatness for me. I took every lesson and every opportunity really serious.
How did you meet D-Black, CEO of Black Avenue Muzik record label?
So before signing to Black Avenue Musik, I used to sing in clubs, pubs, and wedding receptions. After every performance, I upload videos of my performances on Instagram and that’s how I got a text from my label boss D-BLACK on his interest in signing me as an artist on his label.
Who are some of the artists you’ve been able to collaborate with over the years?
I’ve been privileged to work with super creative and talented artists such as Sarkodie, Dj Tira, Medikal, PRAiZ, WendyShay, Mr Drew. Just to mention a few.
Tell us about challenges you face as a female artist working in a male-dominated industry
It’s difficult here. People don’t respect and appreciate our talents enough that’s why they mostly come at us with controversies, sexualization, and unnecessary comments on how women should behave when we realize, no we deserve and can achieve more than what the men can and actually challenge them.
It took you two years before putting out a major project, your EP, why is that?
The Growth EP took so long because i didn’t want to rush into putting out a project that will make less impact both on my audience and future goals. So I first worked on my mindset, energy, aura, and creative skills.
What project do you want to embark on now?
Now I’m focused on building a strong brand and also working with a lot of amazing artists not just in Africa but across the world.
When did you decide to become a musician?
I think I realized I wanted to do this after high school. I was so fascinated by the way my singing brought smiles to a lot of faces.
Who influences you in the music industry?
Every single woman who followed their passion for music and word so hard to make the world and people know We are women and can work and be recognized as not just musicians but Female artists who can match up to the men considering our industry is male-dominated.
What do you think the future holds for the Ghanaian music industry and African genres in the international market?
A lot of amazing things! The world is gradually loving and being fascinated with our genre of music. So for me, I think this is just the beginning of greater things for us.
What was your parents reaction to your decision to go into music?
My mom has always been on board with the love and support of my passion. My dad on the other hand was a little skeptical about the whole idea in the beginning but totally on board now.
If you’re not doing music, what will you be doing?
I’m pretty sure I’d be working in the aviation sector. Because I love to travel.
COVID-19 has affected the industry, how have you been coping?
I have mostly been trying not to lose my mind on the strain and delay COVID has put on us as humans and mostly as an artist. Also putting more of that energy into writing more songs and building my career
There’s a strong synergy between Nigeria and Ghana musically, who are the top Nigerian artistes you want to collaborate with?
The are a lot of people I’d love and be honored to work with and if allowed to mention, might need more writing space because I feel and know Ghanaians and Nigerians have alot of talent and creativity to tap into but just to mention a few, Stonebwoy, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Sheensea, and Normani.
Your advise to upcoming artistes like you?
firstly, don’t forget to love and appreciate yourself and your talent amidst all the struggles and hard work towards working to achieve your goals because a lot of people will try to pull down your spirit and belittle your talent but remember that is not the focus. Be your biggest FAN!
