Q). Hows things with you?

Absolutely fantastic, how are you?

 

Q). Where did the whole Chima Anya journey all begin?

I guess I'd have to say I was part of a rap group called GTA from Oxford in the U.K. We made alot of noise locally sharing stages with acts like KRS One, Amp Fiddler, Ugly Duckling. We sent out our first project to varioius radio stations and ended up being played on National radio. From there just kept it moving.

 

Q). Your single ‘Out The Blue’ is available now. How has the response for that been?

Dope! Put me in touch with the illustrious 6th floor show! :D... but yeah I'm particularly buzzing about this one because I produced it myself (and am "playing" keys on the outro). It was spun 2x in one week on BBC radio, which is a first for me, as an independent artist you are more used to spot plays. It's been described as "life affirming" and "beautifully chaotic" which to think I could make music that could be described as that almost brings a tear to my eye. 

 

Q). Whats it like being in the studio with Chima Anya?

Since the pandemic I've learnt to record at home, so now it's quite a lonely experience. There are aspects I like, such as not being embarassed to really experiment, but equally working with engineers in the past did help me hone certain things. Back in the day was wild, I remember drinking a whole bottle of Sambuca to record my verse for "Drunken Rant"... you can really hear it in the recording.!

 

Q). How would you describe your sound?

Soulful, Jazzy, futuristic poetic hiphop. 

 

Q). Is there anybody who you would love to do a track with?

DJ Premier

 

Q). Who is your biggest influence?

I had to dig deep with this, I've been rapping so long and feel like my style has evolved over the years. If i'm being honest with my self the artist who probably has had the biggest influence on my style I'd have to say Nas.

 

Q). Why did you choose to get into the music industry?

Like Mos Def says, everybody who loves music will try their hand it... I tried my hand at it and was somewhat successful, so I just kept going.

 

Q). What would you say is your biggest achievement in music so far?

I regularly get messages from people telling me how much songs like "Sky High" and " No Pressure" got them through tough times. It's super rewarding to be allowed into people's lives like that. 

 

Q). What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

I'm in album mode now, I did a bunch of singles this year, and an EP (on bandcamp, rapping over DJ Premier classics!) , now I want to go into creative mode and really come with a new cohesive project for people to get into, I already have some of the beats as skeletons and it's sounding SICK.

 

Q). Do you have any social media for new fans to follow you?

For sure! the best would be signing up to the mailing list on my website

www.chimaanya.com

but if that's not your thing 

follow me on 

Insta @drchimaanya

Twitter @chimaanya

TikTok @chimaanya

Facebook itsthedoctor