STL: Bad as I wanna be

Rapper Stella Mwangi AKA STL

Pulse: You will be in Kenya to witness the Nokia Don’t Break the Beat finals. Why does this event interest you so much?
STL: This visit is one of the things that give me a chance to make my contribution to the East Africa hip-hop movement.

How do you think the rap battle will help change the hip-hop scene in the region?
It is helping shine the limelight on fresh talent in the region. It will also keep established emcees on their toes. Competition is always good for the industry.

As a big shot representing Kenya on the international scene, what is your advice to upcoming Kenyan stars?
Being an artiste is not easy. You have to invest a lot of money, patience and discipline.

The new hit single Bad as I Wanna Be received mixed reactions from both your fans and the media. What’s with the new-look STL?
You are right. A buzz will always create a smash hit. When you go pro in this industry, every move has to be well calculated.

Tell us more about Bad as I Wanna Be and the concept behind it...
Bad as I Wanna Be is a lifestyle that exists in every one of us; doctors, lawyers, artistes, pilots and even politicians. Everyone has a ‘bad as I wanna be’ attitude somewhere inside them.

Just like Haba Haba, the song looked more cut out for the international market. How is the response so far, both in the market and on the music charts?
All my songs are available on all international distribution platforms; from Spotify, ITunes and Amazon and the response so far is amazing. The song has been received quite well.

What makes the song different from your past hits?
Let’s just say everything; from the lyrics, the beat and the delivery. The video is also quite amazing.

Your career has been on a steady rise since winning the coveted Melodi Grand Pix 2011. What is your secret to success and what keeps you on top?
Success is not a secret. Success is a direction, a process, and a way of life.

What projects are you working on currently?
I am all about business and expanding my music interests. I aspire to venture into fashion, film and maybe sports.

Apart from being signed to EMI Records, are there any new ventures as far as record deals are concerned?
A lot is in the pipeline but I cannot pre-empt what my management both in Europe and Africa are doing. Press releases will be made in due time.

Tell us about the brawl incident during Nicki Minaj’s concert that you were publicly associated with?
Being associated with such incidents is part and parcel of a celebrity’s life. I choose not to acknowledge this incident in particular because it does not add any value to my career as an artiste.

What’s your relation to Norwegian producer Mads Rieverfield? Rumour has it that you are secretly married to him.

Rumour also had it that I was smoking marijuana on my ‘Bad as I Wanna Be’ cover. Well... lets say rumour seems to have a lot nowadays.