• Money Badoo switches up trap for Afropop banger
• Shifting culture from SA FASHION WEEK to SA Hip Hop nominations
• Experimenting with sounds created “Don’t Call Me”
• Afro-pop is in my roots and culture!

Money Badoo, the experimental South African trap rapper, has – since her arrival on the scene – edged into a position significantly influencing local culture. Through her innovative music and high-fashion choices, she immediately gained recognition. Her unique style and creative process resonated with the youth, thirsty for the next definition of cool. Badoo’s participation in events like SA Fashion Week showcases her commitment to merging music with fashion trends, pushing cultural boundaries with the attitude of performance art. Her accolades include nominations at the SA Hip Hop Awards, highlighting her growing impact in the industry. By blending traditional South African sounds with contemporary trap, she is not only popularizing the genre but also fostering a new cultural narrative among young female artists. Not to settle on her laurels, Money Badoo shas witched up the narrative and delivered an Afropop banger with clubbing sensibilities just in time for summer. In an exclusive interview, The Wire talks to Money Badoo about her new sound experiment, “Don’t Call Me”.

The WIRE: “Don’t Call Me” marks a shift from your usual trap sound to Afropop. What inspired this change in musical direction, and how did it challenge you creatively?

Money Badoo: Experimenting with sounds, I’ve played around with different genres often in my  studio space, but “Don’t call me” is definitely the first one I’ve felt ready to release!

TW: Your lyrics in “Don’t Call Me” carry strong emotional weight. Can you tell us about the personal experiences or stories that influenced the track? How did your collaboration with GTBEATS come about, and what was it like working with him on this project?

MB: I found myself writing a song about love in the current generation and how the internet has shifted the way we view relationships and interactions, also the term “situationship” and how defining a relationship is an important aspect. Gtbeats is an incredible producer who I met through my ACP family! We’ve been working on a lot of experimental music and GT has a way of helping me not be afraid to venture out and play around with my voice and writing abilities.

TW: As an artist who is unafraid to experiment from trap to Afropop, how do you balance staying true to your roots while exploring new genres?

MB: I think ultimately staying true to myself will always be about being fully behind a record, a record that’s writing, ideas, concept and vocals are steered by me. Often, I am very involved in the production aspect too.

TW: Can you walk us through your creative process for “Don’t Call Me”? How did the songwriting and production come together?

MB: The Woodz came to the session with Filahlahlah actually and stayed to make a song after our session. Randomly we were inspired by the beat as GT played it. It came so effortlessly and the energy in the studio was really fun! We didn’t put a lot of pressure on trying to make a hit but just vibes really!

TW: What elements of Afropop excited you the most when creating this track, and do you see yourself continuing to explore this genre in future projects?

MB: Sounds like a log drum or the 3 step kind of production was really fun to play around with, while still being Afropop, It’s very different to hip hop/trap. Also being African, I’ve been exposed to these sounds my whole life so it’s embedded in my roots and culture!

TW: You’ve built a strong fanbase within the trap community. How do you think they’ll react to your shift in sound, and how do you hope “Don’t Call Me” will resonate with listeners?

MB: Well I hope they appreciate my willingness to explore different sounds and show off my vocal range and ability. I’m more than just a rapper!

TW: As an artist constantly evolving, what’s next for you? Are there any other genres or sounds you’re eager to experiment with?

MB: Yes! I see myself being 60 years old venturing into Lo-fi! The possibilities are endless to me. As long as I get to express myself via music!