Africa’s latest rising star, Agatchu, is a distinct talent with a stellar vocal prowess. Born Chris Hansen, the Angolan singer is among the latest class of contemporary singers taking the African music scene by storm. His latest album, Believe, showcases his potential across the Francafrique RnB and Pop scene.

Drawing inspiration from Nigeria, Angola and his birth country France, the young musician has been able to weave a discography that showcases his multilingual and multicultural heritage. On songs like ‘Bekanise’, he easily switches between French and Nigerian Pidgin. On other songs like the title track, ‘Believe’, he also infuses Yoruba culture and Nigerian lamba into the Teni-assisted duet.
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Across the album, he works with a crop of stars across the continent from Nigerian singers Teni, and her counterpart Jujuboy, to Haitian musician Joé dwèt Filé, French singer Staniski, and Mozambican maverick DJ Tarico. He talks to Guardian about his latest album, Believe; his come-up journey; pan-Africanist influences in his art; and his mission to create music that impacts upon a diverse audience.

Tell us about how you started your journey in music.
For several years now, I have been building a reputation for producing music for various Afro-urban artists in France and my native continent of Africa. I always had the vision and the basics in mind, but I lacked the financial means to fully dive into it. However, I persevered to shape my project and sound in the studio.

How do you feel with the release of your new record?
I am feeling fantastic, things are progressing beyond my expectations. Every day, more and more people are connecting with the vibe and reaching out. This is the positive energy I need right now.

What inspired the core messages on the record?
The main themes in my music are inspired by my childhood experiences. Growing up, my generation dreamt big despite our challenges. I hoped to rise above the struggles, be an example, stand up for my principles, and represent my roots abroad. Considering the current global situation, I believe people need hope and a true advocate. I am contributing through my art.

What was the connection between Angola, France, and Nigeria?
It’s a very interesting question because, most of the time, my friends will ask me the same questions. “How are you so down to the culture?” I’ve always been a big fan of African music, including the Reggae community, Highlife, Ghanaian music, Congolese music, and Nigerian music. Even Nigerian movies are my childhood. I’ve been down to the culture and basically live there. Growing up, I also had a lot of friends in the community from these countries who just made me feel like a brother and their culture like a second home. So what I do is just a fusion of our music. I mix it all into a cocktail. That pretty much defines my music.

Is there anything else that inspired your love for these genres?
Our story as Africans. I’ve read a lot about our stories and kingdoms as Africans. The music, in particular, is so attractive for many reasons. For example, you find elements of our music – percussion and genres – in Angola abroad in South America, especially in Brazil, when we listen to Samba music. You can even find them among the Mexicans and Colombians. All those elements come from our culture and our traditional music. I think it’s the same with a lot of genres.

So all this connection, trying to figure out a specific sound I needed to master, made me focus and say, “Okay. I love Afrobeats. I love Highlife. I’ve heard a lot of Kwaito, House music, and other South African music. So, why not connect all these dots?” You get to a point where you just find these same elements everywhere. It’s the same rhythm, tempo, and BPM, and it’s amazing and seasoned, which made me dig in even more.

What has kept you going as an artiste?
My passion for truth drives me as an artist. I still have a lot to say about “my culture,” “human rights,” “love,” and “women’s rights.” These topics are becoming less prevalent in popular African music.

Who are some of your major music influences?
Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Koffi Olomide, among others.
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Why do you prefer your style of music?
I describe my music as spiritual. It’s a feeling you experience rather than see or understand.

Who are the people you look forward to collaborating with?
Artists like Lokua Kanza, Bonga Kwenda, Alpha Blondy, Burna Boy, and Zlatan Ibile inspire me every god given day.

Tell us about your creative process.
Creating music is like a construction project for me. I have a vision and a plan for each song. My brother Aznvr Groovz and I often start songs through conversations and then turn them into full tracks.

What’s next for you in your career?
My next goal is to share my music, perform on stage around the world, and make everyone vibe to the sound.

What’s the vision for your music?
My vision is vast, like a conductor at a concert. I want each person in their own way to feel the rhythm and groove. Music is what nourishes our souls, bridges cultures, and reminds us of our best moments through sound.
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