Angolan artist Anselmo Ralph talks about his new Latin single “‘Sola,” which was released via Panela Rec Latin.
He also discussed being an artist in the digital age, as well as serving as a coach on “The Voice Portugal” and “The Generation.”
‘Sola’ single
Aside from Ralph, the song “Sola” features Rick Ross and Soge Culebra.
“Well, Sola is a song I initially began writing in Portuguese,” he said. Later, I collaborated with a few writers from Spain and also from my crew to transition the lyrics from Portuguese to Spanish.”
“The experience was wonderful,” he admitted. “Given that one of my primary musical backgrounds is R&B, it naturally encompasses elements of hip-hop. That unique sound, where I blend R&B with other genres, is a significant part of my music.”
He continued, “The idea then emerged to collaborate with both a hip-hop artist and a Latin artist. We began searching for the right names to create this mix, aiming for a solid collaboration and fusion.”
“This blending of styles is quite rare, which is precisely why we wanted to explore it. We hoped to create an unexpected combination, and I believe we achieved that,” he added.
Music and songwriting inspirations
On his music and songwriting inspirations, he remarked, “When I write, especially when it comes to songwriting, I’m deeply passionate about it. Songwriting is a fundamental aspect of the music industry that resonates with me the most. I’m particularly drawn to storytelling and addressing themes revolving around relationships.”
“This inclination has become a defining characteristic of my songwriting,” he said. “I consistently find myself delving into relationship issues, and notably, love is a theme I feel strongly about. Whether my songs are upbeat or slow, they consistently revolve around the concepts of love and personal struggles.”
“I don’t typically gravitate towards explicit subjects; instead, I focus on emotions and real challenges that people encounter. I’m convinced that my songs should connect with listeners on a relatable level and offer them something valuable – whether it’s a lesson or a form of emotional therapy,” he elaborated.
‘The Voice Portugal’
He opened up about serving as a coach for “The Voice Portugal.” “Being a coach on ‘The Voice Portugal’ has been a truly rewarding experience. Since 2014, I’ve participated in various editions of the show, including ‘The Voice Kids,” “The Voice Generations,” and the standard version.”
“Presently, I’m a coach on ‘The Generation’,” he said. “Over the years, this role has become a significant part of my identity. Winning the competition twice with artists from my team has been particularly gratifying.”
“‘The Voice Portugal’ has become my artistic home, a place where I feel comfortable and fulfilled,” he said. “Working closely with emerging talents, most of whom are navigating their path in the industry, is both inspiring and fulfilling.”
“Witnessing contestants who didn’t win the show but have since achieved fame and success is immensely gratifying. Playing a role in their early journeys fills me with pride and a sense of contribution,” he added.
The digital age
On being an artist in the digital age, he responded, “Navigating the digital age as an artist has been an overwhelmingly positive experience.”
“The digital landscape, with its streaming platforms, technology, and pervasive social media, has presented numerous opportunities. My plans revolve around capitalizing on these avenues. My music, along with its messages, resonates with people, though its impact hasn’t yet reached its full potential,” he elaborated.
“My aim is to maintain the essence of my writing, which has proven effective within the Portuguese-speaking audience, and extend its reach to a broader global audience. The digital era empowers artists to achieve this expansion more effectively than ever before,” he added.
Future plans
On his future plans, he said, “My future plans revolve around maintaining the core message and style that defines my music. While my current audience appreciates the themes and emotions I convey, I aspire to amplify this impact.”
“The expansion doesn’t entail a departure from my established approach, but rather an elevation in terms of sound and execution,” he said.
“The ultimate goal remains consistent – to engage a wider audience with narratives that resonate on a profound level,” he added.
Career-defining moments
“There have been defining moments that shaped my career,” he admitted. “During my seven-year stay in New York, I joined a church and started singing there. This experience marked a pivotal moment where I decided to pivot away from explicit topics, particularly those involving sex.”
“While these aspects still find a place in my music, I’ve shifted toward a more refined and clean approach to discussing them within the context of relationships,” he said.
“This decision led me to discover my unique writing style, centered around authenticity, real issues, and storytelling. It marked a significant turning point in my journey, solidifying my identity as both an artist and a songwriter,” he explained.
Dream duet choices in music
On his dream duet choices in music, he shared, “I’m a blend of various musical influences, encompassing Latin, R&B, hip-hop, and African sounds. Within the Latin realm, I hold great admiration for Juan Luis Guerra due to his exceptional songwriting and sound.”
“Similarly, artists like Justin Timberlake and Timbaland from the R&B world have significantly influenced my musical direction. From Africa, the likes of Runtown, Wizkid, and Burna Boy exemplify the continent’s musical richness and diversity,” he said.
“Collaborating with any of these artists would be a dream come true, as their styles resonate with mine, and they’ve contributed profoundly to the global music scene,” he added.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Ralph said, “The concept of success is multifaceted, varying from person to person. In my case, success isn’t solely defined by fame or the size of audiences.”
“True success lies in the resonance of my message with my listeners,” he admitted. “When my audience comprehends and connects with the themes I convey in my music, I consider that a triumph.”
“Success means effectively communicating my perspective, emotions, and stories through music. Beyond the professional realm, success encompasses the unity and harmony of my family, creating a fulfilling life both personally and artistically,” he concluded.
“Sola” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Angolan artist Anselmo Ralph, follow him on Instagram.
