18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
British rising star MEGA is set to release her brand new EP I Am Enough on September 26th — her most powerful and soul-saturated body of work to date. The project marks a bold return to self, led by the intimate and universal new single “Roots,” a vocal-rich anthem about identity, home, and emotional grounding. The EP also features the title track “I Am Enough,” an affirmation of self-worth rooted in MEGA’s signature blend of minimalistic production, rich harmonies, and gospel-rooted vocal clarity. Having already earned acclaim from various tastemakers, the release marks another milestone in MEGA’s evolution as one of the UK’s most soul-stirring voices.
MEGA sits down with 1883 Magazine to talk all things I Am Enough, being co-signed by Little Simz, and more.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
Travelling to Uganda where my family are from (I haven’t been there in 6 years)
What was the last thing you read?
The Bible.
Favourite memory growing up?
Being so carefree and the amount of time that I got to spend with family and friends. The older we get the busy life gets.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
Uganda.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
My sister – she is absolutely hilarious – she travelled with me to Uganda to shoot my latest single ‘My Bones’ and we had the most ridiculous journey trying to get back to London the moment we reached the airport (ridiculous obstacle after obstacle – like something out of a movie). Tears of laughter yesterday just thinking about it.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
I used to have one but I don’t currently have one at the moment – terrible I know – (I really need to work on it).
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
I’ve got a few questions: is it just one dinner party? How many guests? All the questions haha. I’m going to assume it’s artists. So I’ve just put together a few artists that have inspired me: Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Pink, Whitney Houston, Spice girls, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Miriam Makeba, Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney with the exception of Viola Davis (who is an actor).
Favourite quote from a film or TV show?
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been” (heard this recently and it really stuck with me).
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney Houston
Favourite item in your closet?
This often changes depending on season and mood, but currently as it is the summer, I cannot leave the house without my sunglasses. Finally found some great sunglasses that suit my face shape.
What is the major throughline between all the songs on I Am Enough?
I like to think of this EP as a mini book, where each song is a different chapter of my journey in remembering the power that I hold and believing/knowing ‘I am enough’. The first bold move in stepping into that power is with the opening song CHANGE, followed by I AM ENOUGH, MY BONES, ROOTS and FAIL AS ME to close.
What were your favourite moments from the recording process for the EP?
Feeling that self belief become growing more and more. I Challenged myself in ways I haven’t before. It’s been so fun to be involved in every aspect from the beginning to end (writing, production, mixing).
How did you find performing at Meltdown festival?
I loved it – particular highlight was meeting my fans who had travelled far and wide just to be there, as far as Kenya, Glasgow, the States and more. Such a beautiful evening
With I Am Enough releasing on September 26th, how will you celebrate on the day?
Maybe a small release party or with my family/friends.
You’ve been co-signed by Little Simz, how does it feel to have that support from an artist of her calibre?
It is really nice to have my art be appreciated and recognised.
What’s on your rider for a show?
Water, herbal tea, some fruit/snacks and occasionally some red wine.
How did singing in youth gospel choir help you find your voice?
I actually began singing in an opera choir, then a a few years later I joined a gospel choir. I think the thing I cherished the most about singing in choirs growing up is that is how I learned to harmonise and create additional backing vocal parts which you can hear in my most if not all of my music.
Finally, what is one thing you would like to manifest for yourself and why?
Travelling the world singing the songs from my new project!
MEGA’s new EP I Am Enough is out on September 26th
Listen to her new single “My Bone” below.
Photography Chantal Azari
