IN CONVERSATION WITH AGATCHU
French Angolan artist and producer Agatchu is making a name for himself with his unique mix of afrobeats, R&B, and African rhythms. After his debut EP Believe hit 2 million streams, he’s back with One For Me, a feel-good collaboration with Congolese star Ya Levis. With big support from the industry and a new EP on the way, Agatchu is just getting started.
Your new single, ‘One For Me’ featuring Ya Levis, is a seamless blend of R&B and afrobeats. What inspired this collaboration, and what was the creative process like?
“One For Me” featuring Ya Levis came naturally from our shared vision, blending R&B with afrobeats and Congolese Rumba felt like the perfect way to celebrate our roots and women. Our creative process was organic; we built the track together by blending soulful melodies with vibrant rhythms that pay homage to our cultural heritage enabling us to sing in French Lingala and Pidgin English.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in afropop, including Dadju, Tayc, and Teni. How has your experience as a producer shaped your own artistry?
Working with names like Dadju, Tayc, and Teni has deepened my understanding and efficiency in music. Collaborating with established artists allowed me to sharpen my craft, experiment with diverse sounds, and ultimately refine my unique artistic identity.
‘One For Me’ bridges the sounds of Angola and Congo. How do you see music as a tool for cultural connection and representation?
With “One For Me” bridging the sounds of Angola - Nigeria and Congo, I see music as a powerful tool for cultural connection. It unifies diverse experiences and identities through rhythm and melody, all in one, to celebrate the beauty and richness of our women.
Your debut EP ‘Believe’ was a huge success, amassing over 2 million streams. How do you feel your sound has evolved since then?
Since my debut EP ‘Believe’ garnered over 2 million streams, my sound has evolved into something more mature and deeply resonant. I’ve grown by embracing my roots more fully while exploring even more new sounds, resulting in music that’s richer both lyrically and sonically.
You describe your music as “frequencies with spiritual and therapeutic properties.” Can you elaborate on how this philosophy influences your songwriting and production?
I describe my music as “frequencies with spiritual and therapeutic properties” because I believe every note and lyric should evoke a deep emotional and healing response. This philosophy drives my songwriting and production, ensuring that my art not only entertains but also nourishes the soul.
Fluent in multiple languages and having worked with artists from different backgrounds, how do you incorporate your multicultural experiences into your music?
Being fluent in multiple languages and drawing from varied cultural experiences means I naturally weave elements of each heritage into my music. Whether it’s through the rhythms of traditional African beats, the cadence of my lyrics, or the overall vibe of the tracks, my work is a vibrant tapestry reflecting my diverse background.
You’ve been co-signed by major platforms like BBC 1Xtra, Apple Music, and Vevo DSCVR in less than a year. How do you handle the pressure of rising fame and industry expectations?
Being co-signed by platforms like BBC 1Xtra, Apple Music, and Vevo DSCVR is both exciting and challenging. I handle the rising pressure by remaining grounded, staying true to my creative vision, and letting the support from my “Believers” remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
You started in the group RealOrBeatz as a teenager. Looking back at your journey, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Starting out with RealOrBeatz as a teenager wasn’t without its challenges, figuring out my creative identity, navigating the early pressures of the music scene, and balancing personal growth with artistic ambition. I overcame these hurdles by embracing collaboration, staying connected, and allowing myself the time to evolve naturally.
With ‘One For Me’ marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter, what can fans expect from your upcoming sophomore EP? Any surprises in store?
With “One For Me” marking an exciting new chapter, my supporters can look forward to a sophomore EP that dives even deeper into themes of love, gratitude, and celebration of women. Expect richer narratives, experimental arrangements, and a sound that continues to blend and push cultural boundaries while staying authentically Agatchu.
