24hourhiphop.com got a chance to sit down with Canadian singer Sulekha! She gives us insight on her backround, life in Canada. Sulekha also talks to us about what she has going on at the moment, past, and future projects. Lastly she lets us know about her new music and videos. Check out the interview below and let us know what you think!

24HHH: Intorduce yourself to everyone that doesnt already know who you are?

Sulekha: I am a singer songwriter originally from Somalia, raised in Canada. I fell in love with words before I did with music which is why I try to emphasize a story in every song I write. I have a degree in Human Rights, and I want to use my music as a foundation to propel my other passion which is to dignify other human beings by ensuring that they have the very basics of what human beings require from day to day.

24HHH: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into the music business and what inspired you?

Sulekha: Honestly I have to give the credit to my beautiful grandmother (God rest her soul) . She was my best friend growing up, she always had something of value to say and it stuck with me. She would tell us folklore stories that originated from Africa and I became fascinated because I remember not being able to differentiate what was make- believe and what was factual. That then drew me to poetry which translated to writing and manifested into music.

Check out SULEKHA | PROJECT 314 – They Dont Know (Official Video)

24HHH: What was the hip hop scene like for you growing up where your from?

Sulekha: Growing up in Ottawa, Ill be honest with you ‘’hip hop’’ consisted of Nelly, Ja rule and 50 cent. Not to deny any of those artists for what they have done to impact the nature of hip hop as a culture but it wasn’t until I heard Tupac, Biggie, Nas, the Fugees and Wu-Tang Clan that I grew a greater appreciation of what Hip Hop stood for as an art form.

24HHH: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other rappers out now?

Sulekha: The music industry is prone to over saturation because there’s so many people aspiring to do the same thing and going about it the same way. But if as an artist you speak on the same subject manner that another artist is, and you manage to still engage the listener? That in it of itself is a testament to your ability to be you. I am authentically me I don’t try to be anyone but me and that is what makes me unique.

24HHH: Tell us about what you are working on?

Sulekha: I am currently working on my debut project titled ‘Project 314’. As oppose to presenting an EP in the form of just tracks, I wanted to add elements that would add greater depth to my music. Project 314 encompasses visuals and journal entries that assist with the narrative aspect of the songs.

24HHH: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?

Sulekha: I have been blessed to be working with my long time friend and primary producer Goldstripes. He is an undeniably talented producer from Canada and I can’t wait for the world to be blessed with his abilities. I have also been working with Jeff Blue who has worked closely with Macy Gray and Linkin Park. I have worked with Justin Trugman who has worked with Eminem, DJGB who is a producer from Georgia that has worked with countless artists from around the globe. I love working with various types of producers because they allow me to expand my capabilities as a musician. I would love to work with The Dream because to me he is a visionary. There are producers and then there are visionaries and I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. I’m from Canada so I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t mention Noah ‘40’ Shebib. He brings out the best in anyone he has worked with and it shows in the continuous success he has earned and continues to deserve. I love his humility and I love that he is a humble Canadian at that.

Check out SULEKHA – LIFETIME IS

24HHH: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?

Sulekha: I say this all the time and it drives some people around me crazy, but if one person enjoyed my music and drew inspiration from it to propel their ambition I have achieved more then what I had hoped for. Success nowadays is built off of quantifying measurements, and I never want to fall victim to that. I only hope to remain me and if people are receptive I am grateful.

24HHH: In todays free download age, what do you need to do to make your self a household name?

Sulekha: Theres nothing more important than connecting with the audience. If you look at what Kendrick and J cole and Macklemore have achieved, it has a lot to do with building a genuine connection with real people as oppose to having record labels building that rapport for you. I want to take the grassroots approach it takes longer, but it holds a greater value. People need to know the person behind the song before the song that is being presented to them.

24HHH: How do you feel about the current state of the hiphop scene?

Sulekha: I feel like for the first time in a long time people are excited about hip hop as a culture. It has a lot to do with the artists in the forefront. They challenge and inspire one another which results in better lyrics and better music as a whole. We can’t get rid of our club bangers because we need them, but we also cant get rid of our intellectual music because we need that just as much if not more. Balance is key to everything great!

24HHH: Outside of the music what else are you currently working on?

Sulekha: I have been challenging myself to volunteer as often as possible. I realized that time is more valuable then money and by giving time you acknowledge and support those that are in need. No one’s life is perfect but someone’s life is always a little harder then your’s so you have to pay your blessings forward.

24HHH: Where do you see yourself going in 2014 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?

Sulekha: I don’t think anyone is deserving of anything in this industry. I think that what you put forth is what you will get out of it. I only hope that God continues to bless me with the amazing people music has allowed me to connect with. I plan on continuing to share my music and continue to be thankful for any opportunity that comes my way.

24HHH: How can fans go about contacting you?

Sulekha: Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thesuleka

Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/sulekhaali

Email: connectwithsulekha@gmail.com

24HHH: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop with this exclusive interview, do you have any lastwords for your present and future fans?

Sulekha: I want to thank 24 hour hip hop for your time and support. To my friends, family and my Frans (I already have a nickname for you yes, you start off as a fan then automatically become a friend) I cant thank you enough for what you have done for my spirit, I hope we can embark on this journey together and mirror one another as we grow! God bless!