Meet the young and innovative, Hip Hop and R&B musician, Mile and member of newly formed collective, VERYUS.
Who is Mile?
I’m a young musician who’s spent most of the duration of my life traveling and getting acquainted with various diverse cultures, courtesy of my parents’ line of work…I completed my high school education and dropped out of university to holistically commit to pursuing my music career, and so I’ve had time to gravitate towards kindred spirits that can help me achieve that and made lifelong friendships. Though some of the rasher decisions I’ve made, personally and professionally, have come with tumultuous consequences, I’m content with my story and journey.
Where did your passion for music come from?
A lot of the best moments in my earliest memories were of my parents filling any space with the music they appreciated. I’d say I inherently gained my love for it that way, but there’s always an inexplicably innate connection to it that made it as much a part of who I am as my own limbs .
Where do you see yourself in music, what type of artist are you?
I see myself firmly leaving a stamp on the art form that is immortalized. I have always been compelled to bring something different in a way that solidifies my legacy as an artist and a person. To try and change lives with the most relatable & potent messages that resonate with everyone.
I’m a Hip Hop and RnB artist, but overtime I’ve felt an inclination toward dipping my hands in different genres and finding new ways to innovate expression.
Who would you say inspires you in your career and in life?
I’d say my main source of inspiration in the way I lead my life would have to be my mother. She’s taught me to always taught me that self-preservation is important, to always adapt make every move with regal poise. But to always embody unwavering kindness and compassion. Musically there’s so much more pressure to keep up with my last effort and always make something better. That sense of perfectionism probably why I’m currently incapable of finding that kind of inspiration from anything other than my own drive to outdo myself.
What can we expect from you in 2017?
2017 is going to be a time marker personally. I have a project that will be my most personal yet and it was long overdue to share that aspect of myself with everybody else, so I am proud to say that it’s a masterpiece in its own right. Hopefully it exemplifies positive change in all the things I do.
What is your greatest achievement in life so far?
Being able to be Self-aware. Knowing my purpose and honing my God-given abilities to reach my full potential as an individual. To have a profound understanding of your position on this planet has me so elated for the future, and not everyone can say they’ve aligned themselves with their true purpose.
Who are the rocks in your life?
My mother and music. Truthfully those are the only things that keep me sane in the face of insurmountable adversity.
Where does the inspiration for your songs come from?
My own life. Be it an experience, an emotion, perspective or philosophy. What I write and create stems from everything seen through my own eyes. Often, any fictional aspect of my writing will be bonded to a theme that revolves around my principles or ideals, but for the most part every story on a song you hear from me is from my own narrative.
What is your favourite song and why?
I love music as a whole a little too much to have a single favourite.
So many memories and feelings can be attached to different pieces of music. Some holding a little more weight than others, but never a single song that’s more significant than everything else. It’s like picking one Chip out of a whole bag of Doritos. Can’t do it.
If not for music, what else would you be doing?
That’s a tough question, because that’s like asking to lose a limb, as I said before. But it would have to be something tied to the arts. In a way that satiates My will for creativity. Probably a lot of writing, as an author or poet. Or drawing. Maybe even acting, which I’ve been thinking about taking up when I get the chance.
What do you hope people take away from listening to your music?
I want something that seamlessly documents the human condition. All things that we feel, believe, think or experience. How we should embrace our flaws as people and be excited for your own story. You never stop learning.
Given the opportunity which artists would you like to work with?
Man there are so many exceptional beings both dead and alive that I would love to work with. Lauryn Hill, Craig David, Drake, Jhene Aiko, Bob Marley….the list is endless…but just people who take pride in the art of writing..
What keeps you motivated during the low moments in your life?
Work. If I’m going through a difficult time, it means there’s more of a story to tell, and I’ve always seen my music as a healthy outlet to any other alternative, just to stay as constructive as possible
Where in the world would you like to perform and why?
I’d have to revert to a childhood dream here and say I’d love to perform at any American award show. Maybe because it embodies the pinnacle of success professionally.
What are you most fond of about being Zimbabwean?
It would have to be the drive that all Zimbabweans share to be exceptional at everything they do, regardless of what field you work in or what your personal goals are.
Describe a typical day in your life.
Wake up, clean up, go to the studio and see what energy flows as the days vary. Downtime with friends on occasions for a few drinks, then I’m back home to unwind, by which time I’m probably writing something down that either develops into a musical concept or just journals and poetry.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
One thing I can’t live without would have to be family. You need a structured support system that you have no doubts in.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learnt in your career and life so far, that you wished you knew sooner?
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my career would have to be to value your worth. Know what you are capable of offering and quantify to yourself just how much you’re legitimately worth. Humility is key, but not when it blinds you from seeing how far yo u can take it
How can people access your music or get in touch with you?
There will be several renowned platforms that will have my music available. I can be directly contacted, on my social media pages which are as follows:
Twitter: @Mile_intl
Instagram: @mile_intl
Facebook: Lionel MiLe Mhike or @milethaMovement
Have you got any advice for other young artists who are starting out and trying to make their mark?
It gets easier to lose hope in our line of work. Follow only for your love of the art and not its results, and you will bear fruit before you even pick your head up to see what’s around you.
