KENYABUZZ: 2018 was a good year for you. You released your third album 'She' and marked a decade since Blankets and Wine first graced the social scene. Did you envision such success 10 years ago?
MDQ: Yes and No. Yes, I did it envision that Blankets and Wine would be something iconic but I didn't imagine it would be this incredible! I have my amazing team to thank for the success over the years. I am very grateful for the love and support.
KENYABUZZ: You put so much soul into 'She', your unapologetic and Afro-feminist album. Why is it so special to you?
MDQ: 'She' is beautiful because it's number 3. My third album. It's special to me. I got to make number 3 with two Swiss producers I met through DJ Cortega. I had the desire to create really dope work and I had the willingness to put in work.
KENYABUZZ: A lot of people don't know this but you recorded this masterpiece entirely in Switzerland.
MDQ: I'm fortunate to have met GR! & Hook they're really good at what they do. They helped me get to the next level of my artistry. To be around them requires me to be really good at what I do. I invested my whole heart into it and best of all, I got to work with my friends.
KENYABUZZ: What does feminism mean to you?
MDQ: It means a fundamental belief in the equality of the sexes. And then beyond that, applying myself to deliberately unlearn and dismantle the patriarchal thought system that has formed the inequitable and unjust world that we live in.
KENYABUZZ: I might be reaching, but I got Lemonade vibes from She. Did you get any inspiration from it?
MDQ: [Laughs] Maybe you're reaching. There's no one like Beysus, she's everything! I'm a big fan. But If you did get a Lemonade kinda vibe from my album, it would be that longing and desire for a story to be told in completion. Authentic and beautiful in presentation.
KENYABUZZ: I know all the bops on She are dear to you but which one's your fave. And why?
MDQ: I don't think I can choose one! I really can't pick a fave. Every song is special to me. Depending on where you are in your life, different songs will mean different things. I've gotta say though, I really love 'Criminal'. I love the beat. I think it was such a good story! Every time I hear it, I look forward to becoming a better rapper and better storyteller. I'd want to do more songs like that. I also really like 'Elevate'.
KENYABUZZ: How receptive were Kenyan radio stations to your album?
MDQ: I'd say, where I have relationships (at radio stations), they showed me love… [Pause] I think there could have been more… I wish there was more.
KENYABUZZ: I couldn't help but notice the online flack you got for voicing your opinion on the #PlayKE conversation yet, Khaligraph got praised for it. How do you deal with the embedded industry patriarchy?
MDQ: Quite honestly I didn't see or feel backlash directed specifically at me. I think the big issue to address here is that we really need to have a higher quantity and variety of Kenyan music on radio. Radio confers the benefits of stimulating demand, and as it's the largest mass distributor of music, it's very important. I deal with the patriarchy by having my facts straight and then taking on the issue head on.
KENYABUZZ: What music is exciting to you right now?
MDQ: Everything coming out of NuNairobi. Everything Blinky Bill is making. Everything I'm making. Everything Chronixx makes!
KENYABUZZ: How does your playlist look like? I have a feeling there's probably 3 Missy Elliot songs there. Right?
MDQ: My Kenyan faves like Mayonde, Blinky, Fena, Atemi, Sauti Sol. There's also A LOT of NuNairobi: Kerby, Karun, Wanja Wohoro, Muddah, Mbithi, Sichangi, Ukweli, Monski, Ayrosh, Steph Kapela, Mr Lu (this list is kinda endless). There are the staples like Kanye, Jay-Z, MIA, Beyoncé, J. Cole, Erykah Badu, Chronixx. Then, there is the right now: Travis scott, H.E.R, Steflon Don, Lekheli 27, and all mixes by DJ Cortega. Then there is the Ancestral soul of Boddhi Satva (you need him in your life) and Black Coffee. Finally, there are master instrumentalists like Shabaka/Sons of Kemet, Kato Change, Fela and Hugh Masekela. PS: I'm really looking forward to hearing the new album by Nairobi Horns project playing first at the upcoming Africa Nouveau.
KENYABUZZ: Do people find you to be 'intimidating' as a powerful woman? Do you ever feel like you sometimes have to dim your shine to accommodate people's egos?
MDQ: No, never. Anytime I walk into a room, I walk in with my whole self. My energy is in giving, hearing and unlocking. My interaction with people always aims to produce the most amount of good.
KENYABUZZ: Your style has always been out-of-the box. From the spectacular blue eyebrows on your album cover to the fabulous technicolor crotchet braids in the 'Suzie Noma' video. It's 'eccentric fly'. What's your style inspiration?
MDQ: Thank you! I don't really have a word for my style, but its elements are Ethnic (Kenya) plus Street Punk plus Fantasy. I'm inspired by our ethnic adornments and expression. By "our" I mean the over 42 tribes of Kenya, and the thousands more in Africa. My style is an extension of my creativity and an expression of my personality. I've been working with Lucy Robi for some years now, creating looks and costumes, as well as Mokeira Oyaro (MUA) to design intricate body art.
KENYABUZZ: Tell us about your TED Fellowship. What's it all about?
MDQ: I am thrilled to have been picked as a TED Fellow for the 2019 cohort. TED provides a global platform for ideas worth spreading. The application process was really intense. I had to really articulate an idea worth spreading, and I can't wait to share my thoughts this April at TED Global.
KENYABUZZ: What else can we expect from MDQ this year?
MDQ: This year is a lot! First, expect a lot of music. As we speak, I'm currently in residency, and the music we are creating is honestly so dope! It's also A LOT! Africa Nouveau in coming up on March 8th -10th and it's going to be insane. Then there is TED, then a European summer tour starting in May. Later in the year, I'll be launching a project for artist development which I'm super keen on. Plus, you can also expect a few editions of Blankets & Wine.
KENYABUZZ: Which one of these books have you read or might consider reading? 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a f**k' and 'Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office'.
MDQ: Probably both. I've heard a lot about the first one. To be honest, I've been practicing its ideals for some years now! Get MDQ's 'She' available on Apple Music.
Quick Fire
Erykah vs Lauryn: BOTH
Art of War vs 48 Laws of power: NEITHER. A Course in Miracles, instead (for real!)
Black matte vs blue gloss lipstick: BOTH
Cardi B vs Nicki Minaj: BOTH
GrandMaster Flash's The Message vs Public Enemy's Fight the Power: BOTH
Earth, wind or fire: I'm Virgo, so Earth.
