Nigerian singer Princess Damaris Makonor, known by her stage name Mahriisah, opens up about her journey in the music industry in this recent interview. At 24, Mahriisah discusses her background, musical influences, the challenges she’s faced, and her aspirations for the future. 

Excerpts:

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first got into music?

I grew up in a household where music was a constant presence. My parents had diverse musical tastes, from classic soul to traditional African rhythms, which greatly influenced my early exposure to different sounds. I first got into music by writing and vocal training with my mom. This early passion for music eventually led me to pursue it as a career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

My inspiration came from a watching my mom sing and the emotional power of music. I had desire to create songs that resonate with people and tell stories that are both personal and universal. The ability to connect with others through music and make a positive impact on their lives motivated me to pursue this path.

Who are some of your musical influences, both within and outside the Afrobeats genre?

My influences are quite diverse. Within the Afrobeats genre, artists like wande coal,Burna Boy and Wizkid. They have had a significant impact on my style. Outside of Afrobeats, I draw inspiration from legends like Lauryn hill, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and even contemporary artists like Drake, Rihanna and SZA. This blend of influences helps me create a unique sound that crosses different genres and cultures.

How would you describe your style and what sets you apart from other artists in the Afrobeats?

I blend Afrobeats with other genres like Soul, RnB, Reggae, Dancehall. So, I will consider myself an Afro-fusion artist. What sets me apart is my ability to blend these sounds in each of my songs. Also, the texture of vocals stands out. I get a lot of great feedback on my vocals. Another thing that sets me apart is how I tell my stories in my music. My lyrics often reflect personal experiences and things happening in the society.

Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and producing a new track?

My creative process is mostly fun, somethings the music just happens and other times there is a whole process, but if I were to paint a scene I’d say it typically starts with an idea or emotion I want to express. I then build a melody around that idea and start writing lyrics that fit the mood. Once I have a rough draft, I collaborate with producers to refine the beat and arrangement. I like to experiment with different sounds and instruments until the track feels just right.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your music career so far, and how have you overcome it?

The most challenging aspect has been breaking into the industry and gaining recognition. It’s a highly competitive field, and I’m still in the process of breaking grounds and establishing myself in the industry. I’m ready to put in the work daily, at least gain a fan each day, either through my music or my personality. I’m focused on the reason I’m doing this in the first place and there’s no challenge that can’t be overcome by perseverance.

Do you have a favorite song among those you’ve released? If so, what makes it special to you?

It’s hard to pick just one, but “Baby” holds a special place in my heart. It was one of my early releases, and it talks about my personal struggles and triumphs. The positive feedback and connection it made with listeners make it particularly meaningful to me.

How do you see the Afrobeats genre evolving in the next few years, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?

I see afrobeats continuing to grow globally, influencing mainstream music more and more. I’m happy to be contributing to this movement. I believe by releasing beautiful music and promoting it will continue to spread the word on afrobeats. It’s quite impressive to see how much we have achieved, makes me even more excited for what is ahead.

Can you tell us more about your new single “Sugar” and what inspired it?

“Sugar” was inspired by the sweetness and complexity of love. I have always wanted to tell a story of how people find love on social media, how responding to a DM can change your love story forever. The idea was to create something that people can dance to but also relate to on an emotional level.

How was the experience of recording “Sugar” different from your previous tracks?

Recording “Sugar” was different from my previous tracks because first the atmosphere in the studio was extraordinaire I experimented with new sounds like the talking drum,I felt like a producer myself because of ideas that kept rushing in my head and Echo allowed me to be myself. I collaborated with the highly talented and naturist producer named echo the guru (he doesn’t know I call him that) who brought a fresh perspective to the track, making the whole process exciting and creatively fulfilling. It is always a banger when we get into the studio.

What can fans expect from your upcoming projects?

Fans can expect more music from me and collaborations with artists from around the world. I’m also releasing my Debut EP that dives deeper into my personal experiences. I’m really excited about the EP, the producers I worked with are amazing. I can’t wait for the EP to be out. I know my fans would love this EP and I’m positive this EP is a life changing piece of work.

What role do social media and digital platforms play in your interaction with fans and the promotion of your music?

Social media and digital platforms are crucial for interacting with fans and promoting my music. Platforms like tiktok and Instagram have been particularly effective in growing my fanbase. I use them as much as possible to spread word out on my music.

Are there any artists or producers you’d love to collaborate with in the future?

I have a lot of dream collabs, to mention a few, I’d love to collaborate with artists like Davido, Wizkid, Tems, wande coal, and international stars like Skepta, Drake and Ed Sheeran.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

The most rewarding moment of my career so far was hearing my song on the radio for the first time and having to hear little children singing my song with so much passion.