Photo Credit: Fabian Framdal Fjelvik & Mariam Rosenborg
We recently connected with Norwegian hip-hop/rap artist, Musti, following the release of her debut album, Qoyskayga (My Family). Being born in Somalia, having lived in London and currently residing in Norway, Musti’s sound is as unique as her background. She has been quickly gaining traction following her performance at last year’s Øya Festival, one of Norway’s largest music festivals. Check out what Musti had to say below!
BTS: You have lived in three dramatically different places in Somalia, London, and now Oslo. How has that had an effect on the music that you make?
Musti: It has affected my music in many different ways. I’m a storyteller and all those different places gave me different stories to tell, and also when it comes to traditional music from the countries I’ve lived in I’ve learned to enjoy it. Despite the fact that the music is very different from each other.
BTS: For our readers that may not be familiar, what is the rap/hip-hop scene like in Norway?
Musti: I personally feel like even though we have had hiphop and rap in Norway for quite some time, it still feels like a new genre with a lot of room for development and I think we’re on the right path.
BTS: Tell us a bit about your debut album, Qoyskayga.
Musti: When I wrote the debut album I had never written Norwegian lyrics before, so that was already a new challenge for me. Also, I had never made a body of work, so I felt like I’d jumped 40 steps out of my comfort zone already. I had a vision for the album, I didn’t want it to be only one genre, I needed it to feel like a bunch of different emotions, thoughts and words put together.
BTS: Do you have a favorite track off the new album?
Musti: My personal favorite is “Krig“. i was sitting on the beat for months, and I knew what I wanted to write about but I couldn’t get it on paper. Few months later I came to the studio and just sat down and started writing, it took me around 20min to get the whole song down on paper. Every time I listen to the track it still feels kinda crazy.
BTS: What was your process like for creating Qoyskayga? How did it come about?
Musti: We started making track by track, and a few months into the process we had a few tracks and started making a list. We made some tracks in Oslo, some tracks we made all the way up in Ålesund and some we even made in Stockholm. Making an album you already have a vision for with people who see the same vision made the job easier and more fun, so shoutout to my team!
BTS: Any artists or songs you’ve been digging as of late?
Musti: I’m a huge Stormzy fan, all the tracks are dope. Been listening to his music for years now.
BTS: What’s next for Musti?
Musti: More music, more shows and more blessings.
Stream Qoyskayga!
Stay up to date with Musti!
- Get to Know: Zanski - October 1, 2021
- Get To Know: Arrested Youth - June 25, 2021
- Get To Know: ford. - June 8, 2021
