In the ever-changing music scene, few artists manage to carve out a unique path that truly resonates with their audience. Mannie Tseayo is one of those artists. Since she started at eight years old, Mannie has developed a unique sound that mixes rap, alternative, and R&B. Her journey as an independent artist is all about being real, passionate, and always pushing creative boundaries.
In this interview, Mannie talks about her musical influences, how she records and shares her music, and the support she gets from her team at Sparky Management, who she likes working with. She shares memorable moments from her career, gives advice to aspiring artists, and reveals some fun facts her fans might not know.
Join us as we explore Mannie Tseayo’s world and see what makes her musical journey so inspiring
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I walked into the studio when I was 8 years old and everything from then on has felt right.
What are your predominant genres?
Rap, Alternative, and RnB
Have you been able to establish your unique sound as an independent artist?
I mean… I should like to think so.
Can you walk us through the process of recording and distributing your music as an independent artist ?
well I predominantly work with HYBRIDTRIPS, the man is a sonic genius that gets me. ( I’m very open to working with more people sha ) and the last time I handled distributing my music by myself was with my first tape shades of M, I uploaded and monitored the tape myself. Since then I have a manager who oversees the distribution and reception of my music. ( Shout out my n*gga sparky* in lil Wayne’s voice )
How did getting a management team help you navigate the music industry easier and how has that process been?
Having a management has improved a lot honestly it’s given me better direction, so I know what I’m doing and when I’m doing it as opposed to just winging it. Sparky is great to work with, first getting to know each other and seeing that our goals are aligned has made the process one that I’ve thoroughly and still am enjoying.
What challenges have you faced as an independent artist, and how have you overcome them?
If you don’t mind I don’t really wanna talk about challenges right now as I’m staying focused on all the things I’ve done and I’m yet to do.
How do you stay motivated during challenging times in the music industry?
I stay connected, I work out, I pray I meditate I write I sleep I roll one, I eat (try Dey chop)
Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey so far?
I have quite a few but I’ll like to say when I performed at Paul and Vera’s wedding and as I sang I watched these two sing my lyrics word for word to each other with intent, I felt a satisfaction that night that I’m still unable to describe
How do you balance your personal life with your music career?
I’m not sold separately fa.. most of these things are intertwined one way or the other
Can you share a bit about your experience performing live and connecting with your audience?
the more I perform the more I realise how much I love it!, the energy from the crowd even if it’s from one person can be completely contagious. And then sometimes I’m performing for myself in that moment I need to be on stage, regardless of what’s happening around me.
What do you do to unwind and relax when you’re not working on music?
I watch anime, I love a good franchise, game of thrones will forever have me hooked.. see if it’s a good story line I’ll watch it.
How do you measure success in your music career?
hmmm.. I think by seeing that all the things I’ve set out to do, I do them.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that your fans might not know?
I can repeat a movie or a show as many times as possible. Lol
Can you share a bit about your songwriting process and where you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from existing.. living.. truly living ( however you decide to define how to live) will inspire the greatest lyrics.
How do you handle criticism and feedback on your music?
It’s welcomed, it’s reviewed if found valid it is looked into if found irrelevant it is ignored
Who are your musical influences and why?
them choke, I’m not a picky listener, I grew up around a wide range of music.
Where do you see yourself in your music career in the next 5 years?
doing ICONIC SHIT!