IN CONVERSATION: AMUNASO

How did your journey as an artist begin, and how has it evolved over time? 

When I first started out I was still figuring out my sound. I knew that I wanted my songs to be soulful with meaning but I was mostly experimenting with beats by different beatmakers. They were really good but after a while I realized that I wanted to create my own sound. Eventually I learned how to make my own beats for demo’s and then started working with live musicians and it changed everything for me. My last two singles were fully recorded with live musicians only. 

Also, my writing has evolved so much. 

Who or what are some of the key influences that have shaped your sound? 

My dad, my Congolese background and our musical heritage, soul music, my sensitive nature. 

Can you walk us through the story behind your new track “Yembela”? 

I wrote Yembela years ago, through a vision I had of a couple dancing by a palm tree near the ocean. The song has evolved over time. Once I started working with a live band, I knew that this was what it needed. I had evolved and the song needed to reflect that. New life, real instruments, more soul. It was a team effort. 

It’s a song about love and how it’s intertwined with music and spirit. Timeless, godly love. It’s my favorite song I’ve released, alongside Lobiko. They both hold a special place in my heart.

You recorded the vocals at home to really sit with the emotions — what does your ideal creative environment look and feel like? 

It feels like meditation, prayer. Intimate moments with myself, my music and God. I usually record at night, when it’s quiet and I feel most inspired. I turn on my salt lamp and I light a bunch of candles to get in the mood. Some green tea and my favourite blanket. 

If your music had a visual mood board, what are three things that have to be on it? 

A starry sky or a sunset, roses

What artists or creatives outside of music inspire your work — visually, spiritually, emotionally? 

Mereba. Her poetic writing, her mix of genres, her authenticity, and how she always reps her roots. She’s sensitive but keeps it G.

Sade. Effortless, sensual, intimate but protective of her essence. Her music reflects all of this and so does her aura.

Lauryn Hill. Regal, no filter, spiritually connected, speaks from the heart but does so with poise.

You can’t explain how or why someone has soul. They just have it. They’re authentic, real, raw. I feel like they all embody divine feminine, queen energy in their own way. 

“Yembela” feels so intimate and soulful — what’s the message or feeling you wanted to capture with this one? 

Vulnerability. Oneness with your lover. Godly union. Believing that it exists. Never settling for mediocre connection. 

What do you hope listeners take away from your music? 

That being authentic is the key to peace of mind. Guard your heart but keep it open. Feel. Have faith. And stand up for what you believe in.

What has been the highlight of your musical career so far? 

Realizing how my music actually touches people’s hearts

What’s next for you — anything exciting coming up that we should keep an eye on?

I don’t like to announce things when they’re not fully ready. Just stay tuned! :)