Maroon Cafe Interview| MPHO

// September 16th, 2009 // Interviews

mpho1 Maroon Cafe Interview| MPHO

Three quarters in to closing out the year we’ve seen a fair share of rising female artists who have provided plenty of bright moments. MPHO (pronounced Mmm-poh) shot across our radar a few months back with her glorious Martha and the Muffins sampled “Box N Locks.” Already creating a huge buzz across the pond, this Brixton native is geared to be the next breakout artist with her anticipated upcoming debut album “Pop Art.”  MPHO recently took a break from touring and stopped by the Cafe to discuss her origins, experience at Glastonbury and her fascination for Joni Mitchell.




H.Q. MPHO means gift, can you explain the origins of your name?

Mpho: Its a Sotho name, one of the 11 or so languages of South Africa. My mum chose it!


H.Q. You were born in South Africa but raised in England, what is your fondest memory while living in Brixton?

Mpho: That’s really hard! as I have lots of good memories of growing up in Brixton. Meeting my first good friend (we’re still friends today) has to be one of them, we lived in the same block and met on the balcony!


H.Q. Growing up I read you listened to Joni Mitchell, did you have a favorite song that you always remembered?

Mpho: I loveeee “The Hissing of the Summer Lawns” from the ladies of the canyon album.


mphoskeef 300x138 Maroon Cafe Interview| MPHO


H.Q. Your album “Pop Art” is coming soon, how did the name come about?

Mpho: It just came to mind I can’t remember what the trigger was but it just made sense, its pop music but well crafted and from an artistic place!


H.Q. You performed at Glastonbury, what was that experience like?

Mpho: Great! We had 5 shows, and got great responses, even in the tent where there were only 7 people (Blur,Prodigy and Black Eyed Peas) were all on different stages when I was on so I was competing for audience! Lol




H.Q. Besides music, have you been taking up any new hobbies?

Mpho: I wish I had the time! I love cooking and painting and DIY, but they all need time!


H.Q. Are you listening to any current artists at the moment?

Mpho: The Invisible, Florence and the Machine, Mr Hudson, Kings of Leon and Kanye.


H.Q. In your single “Box & Locks” you talk about a Friday night in Brixton, what goes on during a Friday night?

Mpho: What doesn’t is more the question! Brixton can get pretty crazy on a Friday night!




H.Q. In one word, what does MPHO want to achieve by the end of 2009?

Mpho:  Fans!

H.Q. Lastly, tell us something about yourself that our readers cannot find online?

Mpho:  I like to hand make my own greeting cards! Hehe


mphologo 300x218 Maroon Cafe Interview| MPHO

For more info and updates on Mpho you can check out her Official site and Myspace.

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