In 2020, Ghanaian singer, dancer and songwriter, Trayc Selasi released her debut Ep titled The Art and The Muse, a 6-track project that fully showcased her vocal prowess. Trayc rose to prominence in 2012, when she appeared in the music video for Fuse ODG’s hit single Antenna and now, after a successful dance career, she is ready to show the world what she has to offer.
We recently had a conversation with Trayc, where she talked about herself, her music and she gives us the lowdown on What’s next.
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You have been at this for a while now, and to be honest, your career growth has been impressive. Would you mind telling us how it all began? When did you realize you wanted to be an entertainer?
Music and entertainment have always been a part of my life from as young as I can remember. My career began in 2012, during my dance cameo in Fuse ODG’s ‘Antenna’ video, and again for ‘Dangerous Love’ in 2014 with my dance partner ‘Move with KB’, which gained over 22 million+ views on YouTube. It has been a beautiful journey, and all the ups and downs have made me who I am today.
I started as a dancer but making music was always my ultimate goal. From the age of about 14/15, I started writing music, and when I attended college, I took on songwriting classes as my extra activity aside from what I was learning. It was then I knew I wanted to be an entertainer. Fast forward to my dance career, I toured and performed on big stages for Fuse ODG with my dance partner at the time, and it was so amazing as I learnt so much on the job. I was quite observant with everything music around me which kept my interest going. I learnt how to record and Engineer in the studio, engineering for some great artists as well as Fuse ODG himself at times. Every day there was something new to learn although it was not always easy, it was all worth it. I now have my home studio set up at home, where I have been able to record music of my own and finish my E.P.
You are one super talented lady; a singer, a songwriter and a dancer. Are there any other hidden talents you are yet to share with the world?
Thank you very much. Yes, I like to believe I have many other talents under my sleeve that the world hasn’t yet seen from me. I started learning music production, and I am currently learning the guitar and piano to improve my production skills as I one day hope to produce my music and also hopefully produce for other great musicians in the industry. I am also a great cook, which is one skill I thank my mother for teaching me. With this skill, my friends and I can never go hungry, hahaha.
Do you mind walking us through your creative process?
My creative process is a mashup of different things that I piece together to create my version of art. My main inspiration stems from my past experiences, and I also look at my friends and family around me and sometimes take from their own experiences to help piece together my art. Sometimes it can just be words I hear, a feeling or a current emotion. When I create, I think about so many different things based on the current topic and write down everything that pops into my mind. Most times, I go off from my feelings and allow melodies, words, emotions to naturally flow out of me through songs or dance. I have my moments where I can get stuck and just lay down or be still, and one thing I do a lot is pray and meditate, especially when I feel overwhelmed. I usually like to take my time to create, so I know I got everything I want down in my art.
Your debut EP The Art and The Muse is nothing short of beautiful. A personal favourite on it is Bottom Power. What inspired the whole project?
Thank you very much. I am glad you love it, especially Bottom Power. The Art & The Muse is my favourite project to release so far. It has been a long time coming as I’ve been working on this project throughout last year during the lockdown. I like to describe the EP as good timeless music that would captivate your hearts and minds, it’s a spiritual sometin’. Honestly, I enjoyed creating this project, especially since it is the first-ever project to come out of Trayc Selasi. What inspired it was actually my love for music and wanting to show the world the real me and not just the dance side. I wanted people to understand that there is more to Trayc Selasi than just being a dancer, and I am super glad that this EP has been able to do that.
You had features from Efya and Worlasi on your EP, how did that happen?
Efya is and has always been one of my biggest inspirations from Ghana, and it is not just with her music but her lifestyle and the amazing person she is. I had the privilege of meeting her a few times during my dance career before I ventured into music, and every time I met her, I was always starstruck just from her energy and the way she is with everyone. She is such a beautiful soul. God bless her. I started working on Militant in Ghana in 2019, and I sent it to her. She fell in love with it and was ready to jump on it, which made me glad. With Worlasi, he was another on my list I had to feature. I came across his music in 2019 for the first time, and I fell in love with his sound. He is such a talented individual and one of the best in this industry. We connected via socials and sent music to each other and from there built a great friendship. So when I sent him ‘Time’ to jump on, I was really glad he did as I was nervous he may not jump on it. Worlasi and Efya are two amazing artists I love and listen to, so to have them on my EP means so much.
You performed on the GMAA stage a few months ago, how was it? What went through your mind when you got the news that you would be performing?
Yes, my performance at the GMAA was amazing. I was excited and happy they considered me to perform on top of being nominated for an award. Although I didn’t win, I was super excited I was recognised for my work and talents. It felt great performing on stage again after a while with a live band as well. It was a great experience, and I wish I could have stayed on that stage longer.
Looking back to when you began and looking at where you are now, would you say there is been a significant change? I don’t mean in your career, I mean you, personally? Do you think the success you’ve gained and the trials you’ve endured changed you?
I definitely believe my success and trials has changed me in a way. Don’t get me wrong, I am still the same crazy, fun, energetic girl people know from back then. What has changed is my mindset towards things and people and also my thinking. I have learnt so much about this business. I now know how to speak the lingo, move accordingly and understand things better than before. My journey has taught me patience and also how to be tough, and strong mentally and emotionally because this music game is not a joke hahaha. I am grateful to my team Coelle LDN for helping me through my journey from 2019 up until now. I have learnt so much more than before and am ready to learn some more.
What’s next for you?
Trayc Selasi is taking on new heights and flights. Now that my first EP project, ’The Art & The Muse’ is out, I’ll be releasing visuals for the project and hopefully get some shows and performances going when everything opens up again and the lockdown has been completely lifted. I am currently in Ghana, engaging with my supporters here and creating new music. I’ve been linking up with amazing producers and songwriters, and I’ve started working on my next project. So many things I want right now but all in due time.
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