Parow rapper’s debut album is an ode to happiness
“I want the listeners to realise that following your dreams takes hard work, but it’s possible. Creativity knows no limits, but you have to stay true to who you are,“ says Lola Williams about her debut album, Star.
Williams was born in Bonteheuwel and raised in Virginia, America, where she says most of her musical influence comes from.
The hip hop artist, who now lives in Parow, blends parts of her multicultural upbringing with her background in design, fashion and dance to create unique sounds and visuals.
Star was released in March and is available on streaming sites, along with a music video for her single, Higher, which she released in April.
Williams started writing music while she was in high school, but she says she didn't take herself seriously back then.
Although she didn't believe that music was something she could pursue at the time, she continued to write songs in her room and record herself.
"I always had a deep sense of love for music. My dad had a unique selection of music. He was always playing music, loudly, over the weekends, and I got hooked.
"I started listening to bands and artists such as The Cranberries, Depeche Mode, Alanis Morissette, Sting and Enya. This is where I just fell in love with their style of writing, lyrical content and the melodies.“
Other inspiration came from Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Eminem and Nicki Minaj, she says.
She started pursuing music in 2018 and produced 2 EPs and a mix-tape before releasing her debut album, which took three years to produce.
“A lot of my previous music was based on pain and anger so with the album it was really inspired by happiness, my team around me and the moves we’re making," she says.
"I also wanted to represent myself as an artist in a professional and lighter way, to show where I am right now in my music career. And also to express how happy and grateful I am for where I am right now.“
Williams says that what she enjoyed most about making the album was working with Keylow ThaProducer, the album’s executive producer.
"Being at his studio and creating new music for the album was my favourite part. It felt like a fresh start. I had my son with me who actually created a dope sample in one of the tracks by accident, which was great.“
The rapper says listeners can look forward to more visuals and live performances as well as a new project coming out soon.
"I’ve got so much music in the vault: tracks that didn’t make the album and new songs that need to be recorded, so definitely more singles and another project coming out.“
