Get Familiar: Goya Gumbani
You might have seen him before in our Patta x Vault by Vans campaign.. artist and occasional model, Goya Gumbani. We discussed his career, creative process and got his piece of mind on different topics. Read on, get familiar.
CHECK OUT THE PATTA X VAULT BY VANS WORN BY GOYA HERE
Hi Goy, introduce yourself to our readers.
Goya: sup, I’m Goya Gumbani and I make raps.
How has COVID-19 impacted your career?
Erm it’s been kinda clutch. I been chilling down working on my self. Feels like I have time for everything.
You were brought up in the US and moved to England in your teens,
How has this influenced your art?
It’s opened my eyes to what’s out there. Kinda easy to run around thinking the world is only what’s in front of you.
Can you explain your creative process?
It ain’t really a process, as its an organic coming together of likeminded people. It’s normally just pulling up to the homie crib and chilling out, eating & conversing. The music plays and whatever happens, happens. None of it is forced.
Who are some of your kindred spirits in the music industry or even creative industry as a whole and what would you say binds you?
Cleto Marez, The Hotel, Elijah Maja, Redlee, Jadasea, Rago Foot, no cap this list can go forever.
How did you experience the shoot with George Riley and what is your creative relationship like overall?
George is my baby sister. We know each other for a few years. We released a single/video together 2 weeks ago called “Fight for Love”. GO PEEP THAT.
What are some of the songs giving you life at the moment?
Erm George Benson - Give me the Night & Sister Sledge - He's the greatest dancer.
Can you share some of the art that resonates the most with you at the moment?
Black Art in all forms. I love seeing the greatness from the hands & minds of my people. For so long it’s been hidden and kept from us.
What was the most important thing that happened to you this year?
Erm learning my capabilities & my colours performance.
The VANS you’ve modelled for us nod to rudeboy culture, Out In The Streets alluding to both reggae music as well as counter culture, manning the barricades. This past year we’ve seen more and more artists speak out and protest injustice across the world. For our readers to know: what are you most against? What’s the change you would like to see in the UK, the music business and most important; in yourself?
Ahhh this question. we just want black folks to feel safe, like the system will look after you as quickly as it will disown you. But we also gotta take accountability for our mistakes / wrong doings as a group and individuals. If she / they ain’t safe then we failing.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? And your least favorite? Why?
At this moment. I’m just being me. My artistry is a release for me. So ain’t really no least fav part.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing with your life?
What advice would you give to young artists trying to find their voice?
I dunno what I would of been. A hustler at worst probs.
And to the younger generation, you can do anything in this world you wanna do, if you put the time in.
