Life is pretty sweet for Selasi.
Following the releases of two musical projects that include Coming To America and Shades of Grey, the producer/engineer has joined Kandi Burruss’ team of experts in Bravo TV’s newest reality series, The Kandi Factory. With a résumé that boasts notable artists that include the Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Trey Songz, Idris Elba, Keyshia Cole and others, the Ghana native will utilize his industry knowledge to transform 16 entertainment hopefuls into seasoned vets.
But don’t throw Selasi into the heaping pile of “reality television stars.” He’s got a plan of his own— far bigger than anyone can imagine.
One Talented Kid
As a young child, Selasi (a.k.a. The African Kid) spent his days marching to the beat of his own drum. Literally. The self-taught musician grew up in the traditional Catholic church, often known for its humdrum and one-dimensional hymns. But a trip to a non-denominational church opened up a whole new world.
“We went to this church and for the first time, there were drums, keyboards, bass guitars and tambourines. I just got fascinated by it,” he recalls. Selasi says it wasn’t long before he mastered the technique of several instruments, which centered his focus onto the art of creating music.
Workin’ at the Car Wash
Despite having a passion for all things music, Selasi explains that college was a necessity. With blessings and funding from his parents, the budding talent made a strategic plan to move to the city known for its hit-making abilities: Atlanta. Ah yes, the land responsible for stars such as Usher, R&B group Jagged Edge and the aforementioned Burruss, among others. Between spending his days in class and his nights in the studio, Selasi took a job at a local car wash to support his new life in the States.
“The music wasn’t a necessity, it was what I loved. It wasn’t work, it was fun. But after those nights of working on music, you pay for it when you wake up in the morning,” he explains. “[…] Those days were not easy at all. I guess my will and God’s grace just pushed me through.”
Shades of Grey
Things worked out. Selasi released the follow-up to 2010’s Coming To America mixtape with Shades of Grey, a five-track EP that blends the sounds of American, African and Caribbean dancehall rhythms. And this time around, he’s making music on his own terms.
“The objectives have changed. I said I wanted to make music and hopefully the A&Rs liked it, [Coming To America] got me to that position,” he says. “But at the end of the day, they aren’t the ones we’re making music for. We’re making music for the fans, so you do what is true to you musically.”
Keeping It [Somewhat] Real
Selasi isn’t new to the reality television streets. His peppered appearances on Real Housewives of Atlanta (namely the “Tardy for the Party” era) have prepared him for his upcoming spot on The Kandi Factory. Still, the role comes with its reservations. “There are no expectations because I don’t know how it’s going to be edited. […] But at the end of the day, I don’t have anything to hide so I’m not even worried.”
The Kandi Factory premieres April 9 at 10/9c on Bravo. Check out Selasi’s official video for “Call The Police” below and stay connected (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) at Selasimusic.com.
