Orfny, the young Gabonese singer who has opened for Gims, Tiwa Sawage, Dadju, TAYC or recently Oxlade, is the next talent to watch. Her implacable vocals have made great impression on the giants of the industry, and gave her multiple passes to achieve her goal. Influenced by legends like Rihanna, Beyoncé or Brandy she enabled this interview to announce her EP Multi. Just like her idols she is gaining popularity and recognition in the fashion industry with international brands like eauddo endorsing her.
What is the formula to create the perfect song?
I’ve started making music as a teenager, I pick my beats online then I develop a melodic rhythm that makes it unique. I’ve been surrounded myself with some really talented people could help me construct the music scratch. That way my music could fully be mine, and I could take the direction I want without having to adapt to the beat. This artistic freedom could be game changing and I look forward to finding more producers to push myself even further.
Do you write your own lyrics?
I usually write the lyrics once I have a global vision of the final sound, I try to express myself in a way that resonates with other people’s experiences. No matter what I write about what I want, nobody can dictate my artistry, I’m quite too raw and rebellious for that. I really enjoy the reaction to my provocative lyrics, my listening parties are very interesting in a funny way. I don’t care how delusional I sound, it’s important to have a little bit of fantasy in your life.
How did you get to tour with big artists like Gims or Oxlade?
Lenoir Entertainment spotted me on Instagram, they showed interest in my charisma and my popularity. The idea was to hire me to be the ambassador of Tayc for his US tour, but instead I took this opportunity to talk about my singing talent. After performing one of my unreleased song acapella, they announced me that I was on board as an opening act for Dadju in Los Angeles. Through the years I have connected with many musicians and agents such as Duke which resulted in opening Tiwa Savage or Oxlade. I’m very grateful for this beautiful journey, and I’m ready for future blessings.
What has brought you to New York?
Well, it was accidental! I used to live in Las Vegas up to last year, I traveled to New York to perform as an opening act for Dadju. But then… I lost my documents which made it impossible for me to fly back, so I thought “let’s see what New York has to offer to an artist like me”. New York is challenging and amazing, I’m not in my comfort zone anymore, so I have to think differently, surprisingly it reinforced my faith in myself.
How would you describe your music?
My music is a fusion of what I like basically, Rnb, Afrobeat, dancehall, amapiano, folklore the list goes on. I don’t want to be categorized as an artist, I’m way too versatile and multifaceted. I might wake up one day and decide a release a Raggae album. I touch everything, that’s what makes it fun and why I love my job. My first EP will be called MULTI for that reason, it’ll be a melting pot of my favorite genres.
Who would you like to collaborate with?
First of all, Rihanna, she’s my biggest inspiration EVER. Brandy influences me vocally, she’s the queen of layers, I’ve been learning a lot from her. Chris Brown is also one of my biggest inspiration. Beyonce as well. When it comes to Afrobeat, I want to collab with every Afrobeat artists on my playlist, which means Davido, Wizkid, Asake, Burnd Boy, Ayra starr, Tyla, TAYC, Dadju, Aya Nakamura etc… It would take forever to name them all, there are so many.
Who is your favorite artist?
Rihanna, her voice, her style, her mindset, her impact, she doesn’t know it yet, but she’s my coach in life.
Can we expect new music soon?
I’m currently working on my EP. You can expect a single or two in the upcoming months. Stay tuned.
How has fashion helped your career?
I’ve always loved fashion. Music and fashion have contributed to the woman that I am. I’m often asked to be a fashion model or influencer, my looks make easier to navigate in the entertainment industry.
I’m not in a position to invest myself in fashion as music is very time-consuming but my manager Donat is an expert at finding the most brilliant designers such as Fabiola Oddo. I’ve recently worn eauddo’s FW24 fur coat for one of my show and all eyes were on me, that the effect of high-end haute couture masterpieces. I’m working towards providing more of that for my next era.
Are you aware of your impact?
Very much, I enjoy it immensely, but I also fear it a bit, it can quickly become a burden. I’m more exposed which means more impactful but also more vulnerable. Ironically I have noticed a lack of recognition for my influence, people don’t always give credit where credit is due. It’s even worse for an underground artist like me. But I never forget my power and my value, it’s up to people to accept it or not.
Talent: Orfny
Interview: Dora Devito
Management: Donat Mouele
Agency: Duke Concept
Visual manager: Amando Dominguez
Stylist: Fabiola Oddo
Brand: eauddo
Photographer: Nicholette Neilson
