Mellow Couch: A Fusion of Rwandan Rythms
This dynamic collective is redefining Rwandan music with their unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and alternative influences
Introducing: The Soul of Mellow Couch!
Founded in 2020 by the visionary Manzi Fleur, Mellow Couch is a testament to the power of collaboration and artistic innovation that started from a love for Hip-Hop and alternative sounds. Currently the group consists of talents Sema Sole, Manzi Fleur, Nshuti Reddy, and Mwiza.
Mellow Couch's First Music Video
Once the song was completed, they realized it needed more than just an audio. With Manzi living in Ottawa, and Sema in Kigali, they had to find a way to merge both worlds and create something special.
Mellow Couch Performance at Mamba 1 (2022) by UnknownMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Artistic Vision
The collective's vision centers around making a unique contribution to the music scene in Rwanda, and Africa at large. The collective emphasizes the creation of art that truly matters, seeking to establish Mellow Couch as a home for anyone in the creative space.
Mwiza - Feeling Blue
Mwiza, a recent addition to the collective, is noted for soulful vocals that contribute to the group's distinctive sound.
Sema Solé
Sema Solé began his creative journey as a poet until he decided to focus on music upon realizing his words could reach and touch more people this way. His influences range from Rwandan legends Francois Nkurunziza, Muyango and Kayirebwa to Kendrick Lamar, D’Angelo and Andre 300.
Manzi Fleur
Manzi Fleur, whose passion for music blossomed from watching videos and exploring diverse radio sounds, began crafting his own rhymes through freestyle battles. Influenced by André 3000 and Kid Cudi, he weaves poetry and comic flair, forging a distinctive style.
Nshuti Reddy
Reddy's journey began with childhood serenades from his parents’ cassette tapes. Transitioning from a rapper to a music producer, he found solace in crafting his unique sound. Inspired by Tony Maserati, Sarz, and Timbaland, Reddy’s work is a fusion of nostalgia and innovation.
Mwiza
Mwiza, a singer, discovered her talent through her dad's musical influence. A summer music school in 2014 revealed her gift, sparking a lifelong love for music. Her influences include Erykah Badu & Sade.
Individual Contributions
The creatives envisions Mellow Couch becoming a label that supports artists in enhancing their creative approaches, acting as a driving force in the industry. Reddy reflects on the significance of Mellow Couch's music, describing it as a safe haven where listeners can relax.
This song itself is really about a love who left out of the blue during a period they were both seemingly happy. Manzi tried to emulate it on the video to show how that feeling would be like. The video was also inspired by early 2000’s movies with the way it was shot.
Group Dynamic
The group's formation was marked by the connection of energies, particularly between Sema and Reddy, who first met in 2017 through a studio session, before Mellow Couch was founded.
Now, with a shared goal, the group uses a group chat to share ideas and insights, keeping each other on track towards realizing their collective vision.
Mellow Couch Performance at Mamba 3 (2022) by Angela UmutesiMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Audience Reaction
The group expresses a disbelief at the overwhelmingly positive audience reactions during their performances. Their first performance at bar and venue Mamba in Kimihurura, Kigali left a mark, igniting a determination to continually refine their stage presence and musical output.
MellowFest 2023 (2023) by Bl4ssingMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Solo Projects and Future Plans
Beyond collective ventures, each member is poised to release solo projects, from audio films to music. In December 2023 they held their first MellowFest, an annual festival in Kigali spotlighting diverse artist, underscoresthe collective's commitment to showcasing talents.
Mellow Couch: Crafting an Unique Sonic Identity
The collective is working towards a lasting impact on the music landscape in Rwanda, and beyond. The collective remains dedicated in their pursuit of creating enduring art that resonates with audiences.
Special thanks to the entire Mellow Couch team: Sema Solé, Mwiza, Nshuti Reddy, and Manzi Fleur for collaborating with Milele Contemporary Lab on this feature. Make sure to follow these talented artists on their social and music platforms:
Mellow Couch on Instagram
Mwiza on Instagram
Reddy on Instagram
Sema Solé on Instagram
Manzi Fleur on Instagram
Manzi Fleur on Spotify
Manzi Fleur on Apple Music
Sema Solé on Spotify
Sema Solé on Apple Music
Mwiza on Spotify
https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/mwiza/1708924683
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