We were eager to talk to Laughta as she embarks on her path to greatness. A supremely talented, lyrically clever and very gifted artist with a dash of trippy and someone we feel, is going to have a very big 2019/20.
Laughta has been on the underground grime circuit paying her dues and now with her fresh and dope sound is ready to take what’s hers.
I had the privilege to speak with Laughta about her life, music and future plans…
Let’s start with an obvious question – where did the name Laughta come from?
The name came from when I was young. Growing up on the estate in Enfield. We all had tag names – I used to laugh a lot and got the nickname from my friends.
So how was life growing up for you?
It was interesting to say the least! I was born in Kano, Nigeria and I am Lebanese. It, kind of felt like I went from riches to rags from my vague memories. I had a good life from what I can remember until 7. I remember my Dad doing a lot of charity work and helping others. At 7, I came to England and started again with my mum. We lived in a bed & breakfast when we first came here. I didn’t speak English so had to learn a new language. I grew up on an estate in Enfield. It’s has made me who I am today.
My culture comes from where I grew up and I am grateful for my life. I’ve always had this ethos to work hard and hustle at everything I do. So, I got a degree in Psychology and then became a Teacher – I wanted to give back and help kids enjoy learning. I always had a passion for music and got a job as a teacher to fund my music career. I gave up teaching about 2 years ago and now music is full time for me. I loved teaching though! It was great to inspire the younger generation.
Would you say you are a grime emcee?
No. I originated as an artist from grime. I make grime music as well as other music so I wouldn’t want to be pigeon-holed as a grime emcee. From when I started to where I am now, I have grown as an artist and I do what artistically feels right and good for me.
What do you think about the UK music scene right now?
The UK music scene has the most power it’s ever had. I think it’s in a very healthy place. The underground scene has flourished and taken over and become popular and listened to by so many people. Artists are heading festivals and shows like Glastonbury, Wireless etc. There is just solid growth. I do think there still has to be work done for female artists being given the same platforms and opportunities as the male artists. It is still a male dominated scene. The female scene needs to integrate with the male scene and female artists should be recognised and celebrated like men are. Ella Mai is an example of a UK female artist that had to be co-signed by the US to blow properly and before the UK scene fully accepted her. There needs to be more awareness raised for female artists. I do feel it’s moving in the right direction, but there is more work to be done.
Can you name me 5 artists who inspire you musically?
Damn that’s hard, because there are so many great artists I listen to. But musically influential I would say; Skepta, Dave, J Hus, J Cole, Missy Elliot
What album you listening to right now?
Santan Dave – Psychodrama.
Give me 3 words that describe you artistically?
I would say Versatile, Trippy, Skippy flows
So, you are doing the “Galdem Sugar” show on BBC Three. How did that come about and what should we expect from it?
I was approached by the team who made the series with a few other girls. It’s a docu-drama, documenting the personal lives of 5 females in the London Grime scene [Madders Tiff, Laughta, C Cane, Pre Wavy, Cassie Rytz]
It basically explores different themes and issues that women in general go through. Each episode has a different theme. Real and credible stories, talking about real issue that face females in music and real life. There is a Podcast being launched with the series as well on BBC sounds. There are 6 episodes and 6 podcasts. Each podcast relates to the theme tackled in the relevant show each week. It has been such amazing experience for me. Very refreshing. More importantly it is great platform for females to showcase our experiences and to push for equality in the Grime scene. It has been the biggest platform I have had.
Talk to us about your new track “Flight Mode”?
The track is really about people controlling me, it’s a form of escapism, a song where I am in my own world, cruising and not caring, being free and liberated.
What should we be expecting from you in the coming year?
Well I am extremely busy dropping new videos and my mixtape. It will have 2 parts. The mixtape has been in the making for 12 months and uses my artistic imagination, it has catchy melodies and hooks. There will be 6 grime tracks – with some well-known features from other grime artists. The other 6 tracks are that trippy shit I have been talking about! An exploration of my emotions with trippy/trap beats.
I can’t give you any more info, but the next 2 singles will show people. I have show’s coming up – one in Harvey Nichols. New videos dropping and hopefully a headline show.
Stay tuned for laughta’s shows, new videos and mixtape dropping. You can follow Laughta on insta: @laughta1 and twitter: @laughta1.
By AV