AISHA

In this interview, we delve into the world of AISHA, who share her inspirations and unique perspectives.

AISHA

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

Hi! I’m Aisha Maryam, an Italian-Senegalese singer and songwriter born and raised in Naples, currently living in Caserta, Italy.

My music journey began in Naples. I grew up with my mother in the Neapolitan side of my family, but I’ve always felt a deep connection with my Senegalese heritage, even though I didn’t have the chance to know much about it.

My artistic vision focuses on cultural fusion, combining the rhythms and melodies of my African roots with elements of Neapolitan culture and the music genres I grew up with. I try to blend sounds and experiences in my music, reflecting who I am in the most authentic way.

One moment that stands out in my memory: During my childhood, music filled our home, and I always had support for my interests. Around age 7, I was determined to join a popular children's TV talent show here in Italy. My mom signed me up for auditions, and in just 2 days, I learned a song for the live auditions at a mall. I'll never forget that day—my enthusiasm to perform, the excitement I felt rather than anxiety—I simply had a strong desire to sing. It's a feeling that I still carry with me to this day.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

My city, Naples, presents a fascinating dualism where artistic and visual richness coexists alongside social disadvantage.

On one hand, Naples is renowned for its artistic heritage, influencing music, visual arts, and literature worldwide. However, it also struggles with significant socioeconomic challenges. The same streets that inspire artists are often marked by economic hardship.

This contrast sparks my creativity, driving me to explore themes of identity and the human experience through my art.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

Everything I live, feel, see, and imagine becomes part of an almost immediate creative process in my mind. Most of the time, this happens at night or in the studio.

I'm often searching for beats and sounds that match my mood or the idea I have in mind for the finished song.

Sometimes I describe my ideas about the beat to the people I work with who produce my music; other times, I need to get hands-on with my productions, also taking care of the sound aspect.

Then the lyrics come out with the melody. Sometimes it all comes together at once, other times at different moments of the day or even weeks later—it depends on my mindset.

4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?

I live in a very quiet countryside village, far away from the chaos of the city.

This often leads me to seek out things and places that give me different inputs from what I see every day. At the same time, however, I love having a quiet place to retreat to when the things around me become overstimulating.

This allows me to focus on my own things, as I am someone who gets easily distracted. Having a place like Naples just a few minutes away by car makes it super easy for me to find inspiration in every corner when I need to.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

Recently, I released an official single titled "TE VOGLIO FA VEDÉ”, which is half in Italian and half in Neapolitan. It's my first release in a year, following "MILANO”, which also came out after a year of inactivity. Thanks to some coincidences, I've recently connected with some international artists whom I'm currently working with. Who knows what's next! :)

AISHA

AISHA

AISHA

AISHA

AISHA

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Instagram: @aishamaryamreal