Trayc Selasi is a multi-faceted British-Ghanaian who identifies as an entertainer. As an entertainer, Trayc is a singer, dancer, and songwriter. Most of us may remember Trayc from the viral video of her dancing inside a bus to Fuse ODG’s Antenna. With various dance credits to her name, Trayc has also created her own lane within the music space. On November 20, 2020, Trayc Selasi released her debut EP entitled The Art & The Muse. The EP includes six- tracks featuring the artists such as Efya and Worlasi.
M-Who is Trayc Selasi and what does she do?
Trayc Selasi is an entertainer. An energetic entertainer. I have energy for the whole world. My work is a blend and fusions of sounds that I grew up listening to from across Africa. From South Africa Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Benin Angelique Kidjo, and some real highlife vibes. My sound is a fusion of all those different sounds I have heard from childhood to now.
M-We were first introduced to you from your viral moment dancing to Fuse ODG’s “Antenna.” From that moment till now, how has dance impacted your life?
Dance has such a huge impact on my life. Before the dance, I was tryna enter the industry as a music artist. From when I was eight, I always had an interest in music. I was learning piano and I was in the choir. Entertaining was always my thing. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy because I started to realize that people began to put me in a box. “She is a dancer, She is a dancer.” so I was trying to break out and show people I can also sing.
From that viral moment, I traveled around the world with Fuse ODG and my dance partner KB. We performed on big stages, we got to meet amazing creatives, from managers to artists to BV’s to instrumentalists. I was able to keep and maintain some relationships, so even coming into music, I can ask for advice from someone I know met in the industry. That was an amazing advantage that I am super grateful for. I remember in the beginning it was just so weird. Like “OMG what is this?” I don’t know what I did. I don’t know what KB did. It wasn’t until later on I came to understand the impact the video had on the culture, I am really proud to at least come from that into music. It was the first step in showing the world who I am.
M-What drives you to create and entertain?
So many different things make me want to create. Everything around me. A lot of times, sitting down to create I have to hear the beat and write it down with pen and paper. Whatever pops in my head. Something I went through; something I am going through. Anything that comes into my head is what I use to create. It is just the whole world for me. From my family to even food. Everyone that knows me knows how much I love food.
M-What has your entry into the music industry been like?
It has been amazing. Of course, there are challenges but my experience has been worth the cries, worth the sleepless nights, worth the excitements, and worth the vibes. It is worth every step of the journey. If someone asked me “if I was to go back, what would I change?” I would change nothing. Everything happens for a reason and I’m super grateful for where I am. I am grateful to my team, friends, and family for helping me through this journey. Challenges come and go. It is up to us to stay strong.
M-What would you consider your favorite part of making music?
My favorite part of making music, I will list two. One is creating music the actual music. Piecing together the sounds, melodies, and lyrics. That part is so interesting to me because sometimes you hear something for the first time and you say it has potential, but when you hear it in the end it is like “yo is this what we did, yo this is amazing.” The second is performing the music I have created. It is just the next level of love for the music.
M-What has been your greatest obstacle within the industry?
The music industry is male-dominated and a lot of us recognize that. Sometimes it is hard working with people and being perceived as a piece of something. Sometimes it is hard because I just want to be cool and create some amazing music. I would just like to be like let’s work without “You want a piece of this,” but with the great relationships I have created even from my dance times, I’m super grateful for the people who are there to protect me and help me through everything.
M-What did this obstacle teach you?
Fame sometimes can put you in a weird space as a human being. When you become famous everyone wants to know your name and everyone wants a piece of you, it can mess with your mind. So you have to stay super sane, and strong. When I got into it, I had to learn on the job about how things are done behind the scenes and that can get a bit overwhelming. It is a matter of being strong-minded, knowing what you want, and pushing through all your challenges.
M-What has been the best lesson the music industry has taught you?
A great friend of mine in the industry shared that you should treat this industry like you are going fishing. So I said cool, what does that mean? He explained that when you go to the pond or lake and you throw your rod you sit there patiently, and of course, it is not about sitting there and doing nothing but obviously, you are working and believing you will catch a big fish. So go fishing, throw out your rod, as you are working, and you will eventually catch your big break. At the end of the day what is for me is for me.
M-How do you think people can support more women in the industry?
Just push more women out there in a positive way and in a positive light. Allow women to be themselves instead of trying to give the world what you think the world wants. No matter what be yourself and own it. That is why I love people like Cardi B because she just owns her truth so much. Also, be strong because this industry is a beautiful industry that is all I can say. You have to be super ready and strong. Make sure you know yourself. Know who you are. Pray for good people around you, because it is not easy to have good people around you that are actually out there advocating for you. Big ups to my team and my family.
M-Do you have any words of advice for women wanting to establish themselves within this industry or are thinking of pursuing music.
The first thing you must know is if you want this because this industry is cutthroat. You have to be very ready for it and very strong for it. Know yourself, know who you are. Sometimes it is not easy if you don’t know yourself because you can be played. Lastly, make sure you do your research. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into, who you’re speaking with, and how to speak to people. Just make sure you know your stuff. Last but not least keep God close. God is your one true protector, who will take you through everything.
M-What is next for Trayc?
Expect greatness. That’s all I can say. My debut project, The Art and the Muse is out on all streaming platforms. Next is putting out another project, which I have started working on. I am also piecing together visuals for The Art and the Muse, so after the visuals pushing singles and working with as many people as I can in Ghana. I want to work with as many creatives as I can since I am in Ghana.
Discover more of Trayc Selasi and her work on Instagram @traycselasi
