Operating Table to the Turn Table

Welcome to the life of Samuel Gyamfi of Accra, Ghana. He is a medical doctor by day and a musician by night. His preferred genre is Gospel, but he is flexible. Thank you for reading and enjoy. [How was life growing up in Accra?] Life was great and very interesting. There were lots of radio stations with lots of musicians. And I loved music so every weekend I could listen to my favorite songs for most of the time. Very charged and entertaining atmosphere.

[What first got you into music? How old were you?] I was 5 yrs old. My big sister and my big brother were a part of a youth choir. So one Saturday, I insisted they took me to rehearsals with them because I didn't want to be home alone. They didn't like the idea but I was teary-eyed so they took me along. When I got there, I just loved the music and I sat in and started rehearsing with them. They accepted me almost immediately after that.

[When did you first record music?] I first recorded myself rapping when I was 9 yrs old. I was in primary school. I would normally write my lyrics, sing them over and over and then record myself with the cassette Walkman then.

[How would you classify the type of music you create?] I create gospel music but with so much flexibility. It has a blend of jazz, blues, neo soul and rap music. And I mostly tell stories with my lyrics.

[What inspires you to create?]

I'm inspired by the fact that my music will have a positive impact on my listening audience and encourage them.

[Who would you like to collaborate with?] Anyone ready to collaborate with me and who fits my style of music but Tye Tribbett would be my top choice. [What is your favorite song on your playlist?]

Ahene mu Hene (King of kings)

[What is the central message you think you give to your fans?]

Spread love to everyone around you and take example from the love of Jesus Christ. [What are your favorite places to perform?]

I like to perform in Ghana, Morocco and Canada. I have also performed at Universities and corporate events, but Churches are my favorite. [Are you signed or independent?]

I'm an independent artist for now. If a label has great terms and conditions for me, I could sign for them.

[What do you like to do on with your free time?]

Read and expand my knowledge. Play video games - It takes away the stress

[What do you think the recipe is for success in the music industry?] Consistent practice and improvement on one's craft. Great live performances. Working with a team. If you believe it and do the work, you will make it.

[What's next for you?]

I just released my new single "Thank You Jesus" on Crowded and I have an upcoming album. And before I go I would like to tell the up and coming artist just keep believing in yourself and keep improving.

In the words of H.3.N.D.O

Let’s start from the beginning, where did you grow up?

I grew up in Pleasantville, New Jersey. But I moved around a lot in hella different areas. But I’m originally from the southside of Pleasantville.

How was life in Pleasantville coming up?

I was super young so I really didn’t notice a lot of shit. I had a next-door neighbour named Jamal and we'd just play Zelda and Smash Bros all the time. When I grew up I realized the Ville wasn’t super pleasant lmao. But ironically, I did most of my dirt when I moved away.

What first got you into music? How old were you?

I was always into music ever since I was a kid. From Gospel to Metal to HipHop. I wrote my first rhyme when I was 10. I went to an official studio and all that. Writing always came easy to me.

Who would you like to collaborate with?

Asap Rocky, Earl, The Weeknd, G Herbo, Tory Lanez, and Erykah Badu.

What are the top 5 songs on your “go-to” playlist?

The Birds (Part 1), Next Lifetime, Acid Rain, Whoa, and The Blister Exists.

Next Lifetime is a real one lol. Tyrone too! What is the central message you think you give to your fans?

Salvation is on the inside and so is success!

Which is your favorite place to perform?

The Voltage Lounge in Philly is by far my favorite place I’ve performed.

Are you independent or signed? Which do you genuinely prefer?

I’m independent and I prefer it to be that way. Its harder work but ultimately it puts your destiny in YOUR hands. Your success depends on you. It makes me work harder. If I was signed to a label getting all that help would turn me into a spoiled brat.

If a school existed for independent artists, what classes should they take?

How to own their own publishing, intellectual property, copyrights, etc. They should own anything that they make. They should ALWAYS use money to invest.

So what do you do in your free time? And why do you enjoy it?

My free time consists of spending time with my girl, smokin’ some bud, and writing. I’m usually always thinking about music so I don't know if I ever truly have free time haha.

What is the best advice you’ve been given in the industry?

Trust no one and don’t take anything personally. And never sign away any part of your music.

If you could change anything about the industry what would you change?

The slavery that contracts hand out.

What are your overall goals as an artist?

My goal ultimately is to bring people salvation and comfort and to help with mental and spiritual imbalances. I’d love to use my music and voice to help people convert to believing in a higher power and even if I don’t do that across the whole world, I want people to love themselves. I want to tour the world, give to charities, inspire and create.

What advice would you give an artist just starting out?

Don’t release anything just cause you’re enthusiastic to be a rapper. Actually, practice your craft and polish it!

So what’s next for H.3.N.D.O?

I'm gonna release something very soon! I’m gonna do more photoshoots and definitely let my style shine more. My music is very dark, gothic, and inappropriately numb and honest. So that’s what a lot of my style is gonna be like. I believe I’m gonna be a big artist, so the next moves I make are only gonna prove how great of a visionary I am.

Distrokid

IG

Do you know your Hip Hop history? Part 1

Underground artist Abu Velore got his start in the late 1970's creating music. Watch Episode 1 of our Docuview as Abu Velore explains the origins of Hip Hop from his point of view.

#HipHop