Walgz (Instagram), the burgeoning Sudanese rapper, seamlessly weaves together well-crafted lyrics and a unique blend of rugged yet sultry vocals, establishing a distinctive sound and style in just two years—a feat many artists take much longer to achieve. His hits, such as ‘Sasa’ and ‘7ako 7ako,’ and the Extended Play ‘Hollanda,’ have not only resonated with Sudanese fans, but also garnered praise from audiences across the MENA region. From notable performances at Soundstorm to Cairo Jazz Club, Walgz’s rapid rise is a testament to his talent and unwavering dedication. Despite these achievements, he shows no signs of slowing down, promising exciting new music and collaborations in the coming year. Walgz is undeniably set for an even more remarkable journey ahead.
Walgz, welcome. Tell me, what is your earliest and most vivid memory associated with music? Was there a specific song, artist, or moment that ignited your passion for the art form, and how old were you at the time?
Looking back, my oldest and most vivid memory related to music traces back to when I was maybe 15. Hip-hop, in terms of sound and energy, drew me in from a young age. At the same time, I had an uncle, who was more like a big brother to me, and he was deeply into music. We spent a lot of time together and he introduced me to all these different artists including Blue Band, Craig David, Akon, and Chris Brown. I think it was in this period that my passion for music ignited. I had a taste and I wanted to go deeper.
How did you discover and develop your distinctive voice, and what role did experimentation play in finding your signature sound?
The journey to finding and honing my voice was actually a really enjoyable process. There was a lot of experimentation, exploration and learning curves. I wasn’t tied down to any particular sound or direction, so I could dip into different sonic worlds and experiment artistically with different music producers. That freedom also gave me the space to really discover a voice that felt real to me, one that could carry my words in a way that’s genuine and impactful to who I am today.
Can you share a memorable moment or performance that stands out to you, and how did those opportunities impact your growth as an artist?
There’s nothing like the rush and synergy of connecting with a crowd, sharing my tracks live, and feeling that energy bounce back. These moments of connection are what keep me going. It’s like fuel and motivation for my growth and development as an artist.
“Hollanda” seems to encapsulate years of hard work and dedication. What challenges did you face during the creation of this EP, and how did you overcome them?
Creating “Hollanda” came with its own set of challenges, notably my frequent transitions between countries. This instability of this time delayed the project’s progression. It was also difficult to find the right collaborators because of the personal significance of “Hollanda” had for to me. The EP was a reflection of my voice and personality at that time, so it was hard to find voices that could share in that experience. But, embracing those new environments ended up sparking inspiration, and having a solid crew like Seven Birds, with Khayat, 77, Switch, Xthedisertkid, and Baseline, really helped me navigate through those challenges to bring “Hollanda” to life.
Fans now associate certain rhythms with the “Walgz” sound. How does it feel to have such a significant impact on the industry, where others are inspired by your style?
Knowing that people like my sound and that it’s making waves in the scene is an honour and a blessing. It’s a big responsibility, but also a big motivator to keep exploring and to push the boundaries of what I can do, especially for the Sudanese scene.
With your constant grind and preparation for new music, how do you balance staying true to your established sound while also pushing the boundaries and experimenting with fresh sounds and collaborations?
Staying true to my sound while introducing new concepts is all about picking the right collaborators. There is a certain synergy with producers who get how to blend the fresh with my more established sound. It keeps the journey exciting and ensures every new track stands out as something special, but also something still unmistakably me.
Can you take us through your songwriting process? How do you flawlessly combine intricate lyrics with a tough yet seductive delivery?
My songwriting process is deeply personal. It’s a reflection of my lived experiences. I focus on what’s real, letting life’s moments inspire my lyrics organically. It shapes the music and how I lay it down, making sure those who listen can feel what I felt, the emotions and stories behind them, not just the delivery.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or from the past, who would it be, and what kind of track do you imagine creating together?
Definitely, Kanye West or Taha Suliman. They’re from two different worlds, but I see myself cooking up something that is as global as it is Sudanese, blurring the line of hip-hop to fit Sudanese culture.
In a parallel universe, where you’re not a rapper, what would be your dream profession, and how do you think your creativity would manifest in that alternate career?
In a different world, I’d likely venture into creative direction or filmmaking. I feel my creativity would flow just as freely there, directing my projects with the same passion and vision I bring to my music.
What message or feeling do you hope your music leaves with your listeners, and what legacy do you aspire to create in the music industry?
I’m here to make a positive impact, starting with my roots in Sudan and reaching out to the globe. Music is universal. So, I’m using it to connect, inspire and innovate. That’s the legacy I’m chasing.
For more stories of regional music, like this interview with Walgz, visit our dedicated pages.
