Interview: Marie Ginefanyi
Marie Ginefanyi, a Washington, DC native singer with roots from Sierra Leone, West Africa, just released her new song 'Cool Daddy'. Louder Than The Music caught up with her to find out what the song is all about, how she got started in music, and what she'd like her legacy to be.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
After I first gave my life over to God I knew I wanted to use my voice to do something different for God. I wanted to sing something that smooth, something jamming, something jazzy.
So I began to write lyrics that fit the vision I wanted to create. I let a friend from church(who happened to be an up and coming producer) listen to what I came up with and he said he could put a beat behind it and the rest was history.
Tell us about your song 'Cool Daddy' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I wanted to tell people about the way I felt that God loved me. He loves me with a gentle hand. He doesn't beg for my love, He just puts His heart out there and waits for me to respond to it.
He's so coool with His love!
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I'd like people to feel encouraged and built up. I want them to think deeper.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I'd describe it as Gospel jazz or TheoSoul music
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I'd love to work with Kirk Franklin. He's been at the top of his game for so long, I think he would be a great mentor. I truly respect his body of work.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success as an artist would mean leaving behind a song that shines God's glory long after I'm gone. I want to make a classic!
What is your favorite album of all time?
It's a toss up between Anita Baker's "Rapture" album and Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
"You are the Living Word" by Fred Hammond
What does the next year hold for you?
I hope next year brings a new Marie Ginefanyi CD with riveting songs and inspirational vocals.
