Interview: Seven Questions For Raiza Biza

Rwanda / New Zealand rapper Raiza Biza unveiled last month Black Hole Sun, an attention-grabbing six track EP created in collaboration with Melbourne's REMI, featuring next level production by Detroit hip hop maestro Black Milk. Overflowing with laser-focused political lyricism, club-rattling grooves and guest verses from Zambian rapper Sampa The Great and Australian rising star Baro, Black Hole Sun is a sure-fire party-starter. That's just what Raiza Biza and REMI intend to do at launch events in Auckland and Wellington this weekend - Fluffy caught up with Raiza Biza ahead of the shows via email for a Q & A about the circumstances surrounding the new collection and more...

1. The tunes on Black Hole Sun are absolute fire! What sparked the idea to make an EP with REMI and how did Black Milk get involved with the project?

Thank you, it was a very natural process. My manager has a good relationship with Black Milk's people and managed to get him to send through a couple beats for a potential collab. He liked the demos I made, so he sent more beats. Around that time I was spending a lot of time at REMI. and Sensible Js studio. So myself and REMI would bump the beats all day. Naturally we started cooking up tunes. REMI had made me some dope hooks and ideas for some of demos so I asked him to be my collaborator. Few months later, Black Hole Sun was done.
 

2. Is there an overarching theme to Black Hole Sun?

I think one of the big themes in this project is the African diaspora. REMI is African but born in Australia, I'm African born, but was raised in New Zealand. So you can hear that awareness in the lyrics. There are many other themes scattered thru the project but all with the diaspora in the back drop.

3. Do you have a strong relationship with artists across the ditch?

I do now, I've been to Aus a few times and I have made some amazingly creative friends. I'm in Melbourne as I type these answers... I've been doing recording sessions all week with different Melbourne producers and artists, so I'm def creating some strong relationships in the process.

4. You’re a member of High Beams and contributed your skills to the new killer single with Estère and The Adults' latest album. Do you have different approaches for different collaborations?

Yea every collaboration is different. It involves compromising, having an open mind and putting the creativity first and ego second. It's a challenge but something I'm becoming better at.

I just don’t stop creating. It's fun for me. If you keep fanning the flames, they don't go out.

6. Do you have any advice for budding MCs and producers?

Master your craft, do your 10,000 hours. Set clear goals.

7. What can audiences look forward to with the release parties + what’s on the horizon for Raiza Biza?

They can expect a high-energy set, positive vibes from the show. And a lot of new music from me in the near future.

Raiza Bia and REMI are playing at Wellington's Caroline on Friday 23rd November, and at Auckland's Neck of the Woods with Haz Beats on Saturday 24th November. You can cop tickets for the Auckland show via UTR here.