Artist Of The Month: Reya Ray

Artist Of The Month: Reya Ray

Reya Ray has had an amazing year with massive acclaimed releases to strong performances on music platforms and hitting the road to grow his footprint. This versatile creative is just getting started. We had a chat with him and here's what went down: 

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McKing: You guys are best known for working together, how did your professional and personal relationship come about? 

Reya: We first met at an event called Bushbuckridge fashion experience hosted by Tharollo Dibakoane, we clicked from the get go, we both had mutual admiration for each others music, then we decided to perform together, it was actually my first performance around Bushbuckridge as an R&B/Hiphop artist.

McKing: Wow that's amazing. How and when did you record your first song?

Reya: I was in Mafikeng when I recorded my first song, it was right after I just met my long time producer Blxxdmusiq, couldn't wait to go to the studio.

McKing: Reya, you grew up in a musical family how did you manage to find your own individuality and sound but still manage to collaborate with others without losing tone?

Reya: Before I started my solo career I've been singing Gospel from infancy till I was 17, so musically Gospel is part of my DNA.

McKing: Who's is the one to forget the lyrics during a live performance?

Reya: We never forget lyrics, for aslong as I can remember.. 😹

McKing: *Chuckles* What do you love the most about working with Keen9? 

Reya: He's a good listener when coming to what the song needs and how he can best compliment what I've already done.

McKing: Fascinating...You're Stuck in an island and you have to choose 5 songs to play until you get rescued. Who's on your playlist and why plus what other items or people would you two be stuck with and why??

Reya: Ngwana mopulana, for some reason idk Text go green Drake, Take care by Drake, Luv Tory Lanez and Free Worshiper by Todd Dulaney...

Tory Lanez, Chris brown, drake, dvsn,  Bryson Tiller, Murumba Pitch, Kly...love their vocals, the feel that their music brings

My phone, headphones/speaker, a lighter😅...

Definitely bringing my boi Tokyo game over, the new world sonix crew, my future wife and My Daughter, for the music and family time.

McKing: You're definitely going to have a blast. What do you dislike about working with Keen9?

Reya: I don't dislike anything really...

McKing: You released a well received joint project last year Straight Outta Bushbuckridge which had songs many related to a lot of the songs on there. What inspired you guys to come together and drop this project?

Reya: I had worked on a couple of songs already, and I needed a verse or 2 from Keen9, then as we were chilling the energy was on a high musically we were on the same frequency then we decided to work on a joint project.

McKing: What are the challenges you come across as artists?

Reya: It's been hard to get booking that are paying consistently. That's the only challenge. 

McKing: How did you overcome them?

Reya: Pushing business that are aligned with what I do...

McKing: Now that's smart. Who are you listening to right now who's hot on the scene? 

Reya: Honestly I haven't been listening to anyone new, been very busy,so recently I preferred something familiar, I've just been listening to Drake, Chris Brown, Tory Lanez, Areece and Blackie.

McKing: Those are great artists. Any good advice you'd like to share?

Reya: Let's educate ourselves in all spheres of life it's time we awaken as a people. Black consciousness is the first step to rebuilding our nation.

McKing: Powerful & proper. What do you think of Hip Hop beefs and diss songs?

Reya: They're entertaining for sure as long as it's all sports, competitiveness is part of Hip-hop.

McKing: Right...What's your view on artistry and records that are released for gimmick purposes? 

Reya: Can't judge artistry, they're necessarily for the purpose they serve... but only real music is going to last.

McKing: Your respect for the craft is something. Would you rather not feel your face like the Weeknd or hang out with Ngwana Mopulana?

Reya: Hang out with Ngwana Mopulana for sure.

McKing: Congratulations on the recent EP Piano Hour, it's doing so well. We scored it a 5/5. What do you have to say to anyone who hasn't listened to it yet?

Reya: Go listen to it😅

Well, it has a variety of styles when coming to amapiano, it'll be worth a listen.

McKing: Who do you think will take the artist of the year award in December (Mzansi Avenue Year End Awards)? 

Reya: Reya Ray of course 😹😹😹🙏🏾❤....

Hopefully.

McKing: You never know. Is there that song, you recorded but didn't feel yet it was well received? 

Reya: Alot bro, I feel like Straight outta Bushbuckridge was slept on😌

McKing: Indeed it was. What have you two drawn from each other and what can we expect?

Reya: Growth lyrically and musically. 

(Truth Or Dare)

Reya: Truth..

McKing: Your truth Question: What's that one popular song you don't listen to?

Reya: Future Ft. Drake and Tems - Wait For You. 

Instagram: reyaray_Global

Twitter: reyaray_Global

Facebook: Reya Ray

Big Dreams. Humble heart with a touch of confidence and Love for the artistry. He's growing so good you can hear it in the music and in the applause. Congratulations & Champagne Reya, we cheers to more achievements and good music.

A big shout out to Incorruptible Realities.

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