Interview with M.anifest

Recently Culture Bully’s Jon Behm caught up with local emcee M.anifest, discussing a variety of topics ranging from his native Ghana to hopeful collaborations to moving on from Minneapolis. The artist has a number of dates scheduled in the Midwest starting in Chicago near the end of September, and his shows are not to be missed.

Jon Behm: You are originally from Ghana, Africa. How long have you been here in Minnesota and what do you miss the most about West Africa?

M.anifest: I’ve been in the Twin cities since 2001—before 9/11. I miss lots about the mamaland. At this moment though I’m missing having plantain and beans on a regular and the almost religious feel in the air when Ghana is playing a football match—it’s a lovely and unique kind of insanity, trust me.

JB: There are huge cultural (not to mention climate) differences between Ghana and Minnesota. How do you think moving here has influenced you music/songwriting?

M: Music has a lot to do with vibes and energies—the unseen. The cold affects my social movements and my movements at different moments inform what I write. I tend to be more introspective and nostalgic in the winter. I have way more references/punchlines about the weather than I ever expected—it’s probably part of my adjustment process; talking about it that is.

JB: Generally American rappers cite a long stream of influences, usually mentioning some if not all of the style’s first innovators (i.e. Public Enemy, KRS One, De La Soul, LL, Rakim, etc.) As far as Hip Hop goes, were you mainly influenced by the Americans or is there also a tradition of African music that was formative in the creation of your own style? Any artists in particular?

M: I was exposed to everything from the innovators, to one-hit wonders, to kiddie rap—the Kriss Kross and the likes. Of course I was more tuned to what was available which happened to be the likes of LL, Pharcyde, Mobb Deep, BDP, Queen Latifah, Kris Kross, Naughty by Nature, Ice-Cube, Wu-Tang, Nas, etc. – anything that was dope and floating on homemade mixtapes in the neighborhood.

But it took the blossoming of Ghanaian Hip-Hop artists, from the likes of Reggie Rockstone to Obrafo, for me to feel a complete connection to the culture. The proximity of the language and references made a more intimate connection like “Dayum, I should put work in and make some records too!” It took Hip-Hop from “Where Brooklyn At?” to songs about my city Accra—it was a Eureka moment for sure.

Also, I’m a pretty worldly cat so I’m always tuned to Hip-Hop from lots of other places: Brazil, UK, France, South Africa, etc. honestly though, I try to find inspiration in other musical forms a lot of times because I don’t want to be compromised by the current quality (or lack thereof) of any particular genre.

JB: The Twin Cities has a pretty vibrant and talented Hip Hop scene right now—do you feel very connected to the rest of the local Hip Hop community? Or, is there a particular part of the community you have connected with?

M: Big up to everyone doing their thing in The Cities. Folks here are cool and most people leave their egos at home. Of course there are different levels of connection with different artists. There are some folks I chop it up with on a regular—about life and music. Other folks I meet every now and then at a show, video shoot, or some other musical tip. But it’s all respect – we have a lot to learn and give to each other. Strength in numbers, you know. There will always be circles withing circles depending on a configuration of many factors—level of success, backgrounds, personalities, humility/pride, perceived quality of music, etc. its just the way it is sometimes.

JB: From the Ashanti Empire to Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana has a long history of African achievements and pride. Are there any particular parts of Ghanaian history that have strongly influenced you?

M: That’s the beauty and tragedy of Ghana. We have so much history but it seems we’re often complacent or forget our history – and we end up aspiring to be more like others. We’re like a bird unaware of its wings, marveling at those heavenly creatures flying in the sky. It’s a travesty that foreigners sometimes have a better appreciation of the wealth of our history than we do. So I suppose I’m inspired by this paradox. If you don’t know where you’re from, you probably don’t know where you’re going. So I’m inspired by all our history: good, bad and ugly.

JB: Let’s say you can collaborate with any musician or producer in the world, who do you pick?

M: That’s tough man. So many choices and possibilities. It’d definitely be different if I had to collaborate with them in the studio or on the stage. I’ll name a few off the cuff: K’naan, Youssou N’dour, Timbaland, Lauryn Hill, Buju, Damian Marley, Nottz, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Nas, Mos Def.

JB: Are you are in Minneapolis to stay, or do you envision moving on one day?

M: Minneapolis has been a second home for a while, so it’s not as if I’m passing though. I’ve spent a considerable percentage of my short life on earth here. It’s a good place, and I enjoy life here. I’m a traveling man though, and would likely make different moves later on. But that’s later on.

M.anifest feat. Wanlov the Kubolor “Gentleman” [MP3]

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Also: M.anifest “The Birds and The Beats” Review