Washington, D.C. brought legends to the world of soul music—ranging from Duke Ellington to Marvin Gaye. Indie soul singer Afi Soul has been making her own mark on the Nation’s Capital and beyond, finding independent success as a music maker while building a family as a hard-working mom. With a sound that is steeped 100% in the soul genre, Afi Soul excited about her burgeoning career that has not been halted in the least by her commitment to her growing family. This upbeat and positive singer talked to SoulTrain.com recently about her pregnancy with her fourth child, the challenges of being a mother and performer and the longevity of her 2008 release Lovely that is still enjoying attention.
SoulTrain.com: Afi, congratulations on your new addition who is about to join the family. Being a mom and a busy indie artist can’t be easy. How have you balanced your work as an artist with being mom?
Afi Soul: Thank you! I tell you it isn’t easy. Sometimes I just have to make a choice on what is the most important thing in front of me. Sometimes I’ve had to pull outta gigs because someone had a asthma attack or a fever. Bottom line is I do what I do because I love it but the most important thing is that I do it for my kids to have a better life, you know? To not struggle anymore. One time last Summer I was on my way to Soul Sistahs Juke Joint in ATL and one of my babies has an attack. I had to pause! I was like ok my baby gotta be right before I leave. I got her straight and then missed the plane! I ended up having to just put out for another ticket to get there. I try my best to keep my word with where I agree to be. You know your word is all you have in this business.
SoulTrain.com: Afi, you just released a new video from your 2008 release Lovely and this CD has seen some longevity that’s rare nowadays. Tell us about this single and video.
Afi Soul: Whew, yes, it’s still selling online people are still ordering it and getting the downloads, too. I’m blessed because it seems that every day I get online on one of my pages, someone else has discovered me and wants to know more! The video is for the single “Sorry, Gotta Go”. It is basically a song about a woman reclaiming herself and her reality. You know, we as women, when we are truly loving somebody, we makes sacrifices. We hold it down, we change the diapers and bring home the bacon– you know I’m a veggie so it would be soy. (laughs) And, when he just takes it all for granted, never really stepping up, I get tired. Two years of this is too much.
The video was done with a lot of effort of a lot of folks who just believe in me and wanted to see it happen. It wasn’t easy. We had to change crews in the middle of the shoot because it was stretching out, and imposing of people’s time. My sister, Malkia Lydia, who is an indie film/maker and producer and my god brother Obi Holly who is also an indie producer and actually used to work with BET’s “Rap City” did a lot to make it all come together. I used one of my friend’s house for the shoot, and another friend’s studio while my manager Lamar Lee-Kane brought us to his street block to shoot, too. There were definitely many resources to make it happen–it was a communal effort. Even my babies were in it.
SoulTrain.com: Speaking of your babies, after the birth of your new baby, what plans do you have musically?
Afi Soul: Well, I plan on getting back on my grind. I’ve already been setting up the players to help me go to the next level. Each time I have my babies, I feel a new inspiration to make things even better. I’ve taken a little break from the studio so I will definitely be back in there and working with some different producers. I hope to have a full release by fall and something in a teaser this summer. Also, I have plans to head back on the road. I’m talking to different promoters and bookers now setting up the line-up for the spring and summer… gotta keep it moving!
SoulTrain.com: As an indie artist who has opened for and performed with many mainstream acts, who would you like to perform with in the near future?
Afi Soul: Hmm, wow that’s hard. I would love to actually do a tour that would have indie female soul artists and have some great sponsorship. There are so many folks I would want to work with, so it’s really hard to say.
SoulTrain.com: You have been an artist who has devoted as much of your life to parenting as you have to your music, share with us the challenges you’ve had as a mother in the music industry?
Afi Soul: You know, some things have changed since so many in the industry have been having babies and being very vocal and public about it. But, on the other hand I have had challenges with those in closer circles to me not believing that I can do it.. You know, both jobs. Yes, it’s tough but if I stay on my game and be consistent with what needs to be done, I can continue to do both. When I first had my twins many said that it would be over for me. Not the case. I pushed even harder, and now I’m here. I try to explain to folks that I am a woman first. My job here is to create and I feel that means in life and music.
SoulTrain.com: In closing, tell us what we can expect musically from Afi in the coming year?
Afi Soul: Definitely more shows, I’m looking to get over to Europe as well. [I’ll be bringing] some more good music and getting my music out to a larger market. We’ve been toying around with some other ideas like reality television as well. My story is very complex and I think so many can benefit from experiencing it first hand. [I’m working toward having] more videos, too, on the main networks.
SoulTrain.com: Thank you, Afi. Let your fans know where they can stay in touch with you online.
Afi Soul: My website is www.afigotsoulmusic.com, and you can see all of my videos onwww.youtube.com/afisoul. On Twitter, I’m @afi_soul1 and I still am on MySpace at www.myspace/Afi Soul.
Listen to Afi’s single “Sorry Gotta Go.”
– Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman
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Khadijah is a writer based in the Washington D.C. metro area. Visit her at KhadijahOnline.com.
