Music star, Mahriisah reflects on rise to fame, inspiration behind her innovative music

Amid the vibrant culture of her childhood home, Mahriisah’s journey into the world of music began. Born into a household where music was as essential, she was surrounded by an eclectic mix of sounds that ranged from classic soul to African rhythms. Her parents, avid music lovers with diverse tastes, played a significant role in shaping her early exposure to different genres.

“Music was always there,” Mahriisah recalled with a smile. “My mom would sing around the house, and my dad had an impressive collection of records that spanned various cultures and eras.”

From an early age, Mahriisah’s passion for music was nurtured through writing and vocal training sessions with her mother. These formative experiences were more than just casual pastimes; they were the building blocks of what would become a promising career.

“Writing and singing with my mom helped me realise the emotional power of music,” she explained. “It was during those moments that I understood how music could connect with people on a profound level.”

Inspired by the emotional depth and storytelling prowess of her mother’s singing, Mahriisah felt a burning desire to create her own songs—songs that would resonate with listeners and tell stories that are both personal and universal. This inspiration soon transformed into a clear career path. “I wanted to make music that not only entertained but also touched hearts and made a positive impact on people’s lives,” she said, reflecting on her motivation to pursue a career in music.

Mahriisah’s musical influences are as diverse as her upbringing. Within the Afrobeats genre, she looks up to artists like Wande Coal, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, whose innovative sounds have significantly impacted her style. “I love Afrobeats,” she says. “These artists have paved the way and continue to inspire me to push boundaries.”

However, her influences extend far beyond Afrobeats. Legends like Lauryn Hill, and Michael Jackson, along with contemporary stars like Drake, Rihanna, and SZA, have all left their mark on her musical palette.

Describing her style, Mahriisah proudly identifies as an Afro-fusion artist. “I blend Afrobeats with genres like Soul, R&B, Reggae, and Dancehall,” she explained. “What sets me apart is my ability to weave these sounds together seamlessly in each of my songs. The texture of my vocals also stands out, and I often receive positive feedback about it.”

Her lyrical content, rich with personal experiences and societal observations, adds another layer of depth to her music. “My songs are stories from my life and the world around me,” she says. “I want my listeners to feel every emotion I’m expressing.”

The creative process for Mahriisah is a blend of spontaneity and structured artistry. “Sometimes the music just happens,” she said with a laugh. “But typically, it starts with an idea or emotion I want to express.” From there, she builds a melody and begins writing lyrics that capture the mood of the song. Collaborating with producers to refine the beat and arrangement is a crucial step in her process. “I love experimenting with different sounds and instruments until the track feels just right,” she added, highlighting her hands-on approach to production.

Breaking into the music industry has not been without its challenges. Gaining recognition in a highly competitive field requires perseverance and resilience. “The most challenging aspect has been establishing myself in the industry,” Mahriisah admitted. “But I’m committed to putting in the work every day, whether it’s gaining a new fan or creating music that resonates.”
Her determination is fueled by a deep-seated belief in her purpose. “I’m focused on why I started this journey, and there’s no challenge that can’t be overcome with perseverance.”

Among her releases, one song stands out as particularly special to Mahriisah—“Baby.” This track, which delves into her personal struggles and triumphs, has garnered significant positive feedback from listeners. “It was one of my early releases, and the connection it made with people was incredible,” she said. “Hearing my song on the radio for the first time and seeing little children sing it with so much passion were unforgettable moments.”

Looking ahead, Mahriisah sees a bright future for the Afrobeats genre. “Afrobeats is going to continue growing globally, influencing mainstream music more and more,” she predicted. She is excited to contribute to this movement and is confident that her music will help spread the word about Afrobeats. Her latest single, “Sugar,” exemplifies her unique storytelling ability. Inspired by the sweetness and complexity of love, the song tells the modern-day romance of finding love through social media. “I wanted to create something people can dance to but also relate to emotionally,” she noted. The recording process of “Sugar” was a creatively fulfilling experience, marked by experimentation with new sounds and collaboration with the talented producer Echo. “Echo brought a fresh perspective to the track, making the whole process exciting,” she said.

Fans can expect more music and exciting collaborations from Mahriisah in the future. She is particularly excited about her upcoming debut EP, which dives deeper into her personal experiences. “The producers I worked with on this EP are amazing, and I can’t wait for my fans to hear it,” she says enthusiastically. Social media and digital platforms play a crucial role in her interaction with fans and promotion of her music. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been particularly effective in growing her fanbase. “I use them as much as possible to spread the word about my music,” she says.

As for future collaborations, Mahriisah has a long list of dream partners. “I’d love to work with artists like Davido, Wizkid, Tems, Wande Coal, and international stars like Skepta, Drake, and Ed Sheeran,” she stated.

Reflecting on her journey so far, she feels a deep sense of fulfillment. “The most rewarding moment of my career was hearing my song on the radio for the first time and seeing little children sing it with so much passion,” she says, her eyes lighting up with joy.

Mahriisah’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the universal language of music. With her unique sound, compelling storytelling, and unwavering dedication, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry and continue inspiring listeners around the world.