The Birth of T-Pop: A Conversation With 4IAM
It isn't often that a new genre is created. T-Pop (Short for Township Pop) is what 4IAM is introducing to the world. 4IAM is a newly formed group from South Africa that describe themselves as bold and fierce. We got a chance to speak with them about what to expect and this new genre called T-Pop.
From the beginning of the conversation until the end, two things were abundantly clear. Energy and confidence. The group is comprised P.H.X., Doli, Grace, Nokwanda, Giselle, and Annie. Among these six there is no shortage of the talent, confidence, and charisma which is needed to excel in the music industry.
Groups are put together in all sorts of ways and during the conversation, the chemistry gave us the impression that they knew each other for years. The rapport amongst the girls is more familial than bandmates. As a group that was chosen via a nationwide competition, their continuity feels like they have been together for much longer than actually is the case. Thousands of girls auditioned for this opportunity and these are the best of the best. When asked what set them apart from the pack, they said discipline. They each worked hard at their crafts and were uniquely prepared for everything happening right now.
The big question is still about T-Pop. What does it mean? Now the group is together, what is this unique sound their introducing to the world? T-Pop is a mix of a few South African genres including Afropop and House. T-Pop was created to give Africa a new genre that was authentic and that could compete with K-Pop.
"We have a sound that African people can hear. It's all the authentic sounds that all Africans can hear including a more pop sound that can reach a wider audience."
Some of 4IAM's influences include other bands such as Little Mix, Destiny's Child, and Jamali. They enjoy an array of genres like Hip hop, Soul, R&B, and Pop. All of these influences are part of the formula that is being used to create T-Pop. They know South Africans have naturally bold vocals and combined with the 11 languages they are prepared to showcase their diversity in language as well as music.
Five years from now the group themselves on a world tour and performing at larger festivals such as Coachella. With the internet and applications such as Tik Tok, the opportunities for the band to catapult into the world stage are endless. Some dream collaborations that they hope to have one day include Blaq Diamond, Beyonce, Little Mix, Tyla, and Nicki Minaj.
Not everything that's worth having comes easy. The girls admittedly have faced some obstacles along this journey. They are now on a tight schedule which includes practicing daily. As a group of six, they are still adjusting from being solo artists to being in a group. 4IAM is a new group and being away from their families has also been hard but it has gotten easier over time.
When asked about any words of motivation for the aspiring dreamers out there, the group gave some sound advice:
"Live full die empty. You have to put yourself out there. Everyone has a purpose, so live your purpose. Keep on pushing. Don't hustle by yourself. Have a team. You can't make it out on your own. Always have a team to back you up." -P.H.X.
"If you ever really want to do something, your talents can make you a millionaire. If ever you have a dream just do it. Don't think about it. Just do it." - Giselle
"Know your truth. Understand your craft. Understand why you started and focus on that. There has to be discipline. There has to be passion and determination. There has to be something that pushes you. Every day before you talk to anyone else, talk to yourself first. Motivate yourself. That's where it all starts. Know the purpose." - Annie
"Believe in yourself and be your authentic self. There isn't anyone out there like you. You are different. There isn't anyone with the same voice. Believe in yourself and show the world." - Grace
"Don't ever give up because you never know what's waiting for you. If you decide to give up, think again. Sit down and ask yourself why you want to do that and ask where you'll be if you quit. Never give up, just keep on going." - Nokwanda
"I'm a big dreamer and I feel like we all are. We are limited by some of the people around us. If you say you see yourself as big as Beyonce and your friends laugh at you maybe those aren't the right friends. Always dream big. I believe there's a divine being that makes sure all of our dreams are fulfilled if we really want them. Dream big. Be unrealistic." - Doli
The group is working on singles and will be releasing an EP towards the end of the year. Their debut single "Legends" was released recently and is a triumphant display of the energy and confidence they exuded all interview! Check the single out below!