On Thursdays Del Osei-Owusu sits down with artists on the FOTN radar and gets them to tell their origin story over a cup of tea and biscuits. This week Enisa Wakes is in the hotseat and she brought chocolate hobnobs.
Congratulations on the release of “I’m A Warrior” how does it feel?
Thank you so much! It’s a mix of excitement and emotion. I love hearing people’s reactions to the song. Someone recently texted me saying, “Your song is helping me a lot at the moment. I can’t go into details but I just wanted to say thanks.” It’s so special to know that people have connected with my lyrics and that the song has helped them in some way. I recently performed it to people with lived experience of addiction and mental health issues – exactly what the song is about. I got quite emotional by the end. The audience were so engaged and appreciative. If somebody can take their own meaning from the song, then it’s all been worthwhile.
It has quite an interesting backstory… Tell us about it.
This song has definitely come about in an unusual way. I’m an author and I originally wrote the song from the perspective of Mordred, a fictional young punk rapper, in my novel-in-progress who is struggling with addiction. It began as a way of getting inside my character’s head. I had visited SNAP studios in London last year to research how a recording session worked. I call it Method Writing! I kept in touch with Mark Thompson, the studio manager, who also happened to be an author. He knew I’d been writing songs for my novel and eventually invited me back to SNAP Studios to experience a session as a recording artist. I then ended up becoming one myself! Around the same time, I’d also been looking for some help with the rap side of Mordred’s fictional band. That’s how I met producer and DJ, Owen Louis, aka Project Lando. I originally contacted him for advice on writing rap lyrics for the novel, but we really clicked creatively and ended up working together. Our first collaboration was AlgoRhythm, and when I’m a Warrior developed into a proper track, Owen created the Project Lando remix and released both versions through his label, Ten Ton Beats. The song explores addiction, recovery and resilience. All proceeds are going to addiction charity WithYou. A few of their Young Ambassadors offered to read a few chapters and give feedback, which I found hugely helpful!
What was the hardest and easiest part of developing the song?
The hardest part was definitely stepping into Mordred’s head and experiencing his feelings during his time in rehab. I’ve never experienced addiction or rehab myself, but I wanted his story to feel authentic and true to life. I had already written the chapter set in rehab, so I took a lot of his inner thoughts and emotions and turned them into a song. Once I’d found his voice, the lyric-writing came naturally. I can usually write a song or poem in a day once an idea has fully formed. I could hear the tune in my head too, so I started experimenting on the piano. It turned out to be a fun project, with no idea where it would eventually lead!
You’re a singer songwriter and novelist how did it all begin for you?
I began as a novelist. I started writing ‘Hexed’ in 2000 and it was published by The Book Guild in 2023. I loved writing, even as a child. I made up silly songs, poems and stories usually inspired by books, tv shows and friends I’d made. I started taking singing lessons around the time I got involved with performing on stage. However, songwriting didn’t happen until I’d finished the first draft of my current novel last September. As I’m writing about a fictional punk band, I thought it might be cool to have their song lyrics in the book – this meant I’d have to start learning how to write songs! I researched this by looking at the lyrics to other punk artists including The Sex Pistols, PET NEEDS and Bob Vylan. Once I’d found the flow, I spent the next few weeks writing lyrics for my fictional band and then decided to write songs for me, from my own head. It turns out I could do it, despite doubting myself.
What did you listen to growing up?
I have always had a diverse taste in music. That’s partly thanks to my dad. Our home was filled with music from the 60’s and 70’s such as The Beatles, The Kinks, ABBA and Supertramp. People are surprised by the fact that I know so many old tunes. The melodies and storytelling in a lot of that music has grown with me, and I think many of those artists have helped shape what came afterwards. During my teen years I listened to Kula Shaker, Blur, Oasis, but then I also liked Steps, B*witched and S Club 7. I appreciate anything that could make my heart sing – it didn’t matter what genre or year it came from. It was all about how a song could make me feel.
Storytelling is very much a part of your life, from your mum reading to you at bedtime what was your favourite book that she read to you?
I’ll always remember Mum reading The Chronicles of Narnia as I was growing up. She read most of the series, but The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was my absolute favourite. My mum had – and still has – such a soothing voice. She even made the White Witch handing Turkish Delight to Edmund sound lovely! (One of my favourite books of all time!)
You are a multidisciplinary creative, what do like to do to wind down?
When I’m not letting my creative juices run riot, I like to sit and relax in front of the telly. I’ll either watch a film or drama with Luke, chill out with Saturday night TV or take our dog, Barnum, for a walk. It gives me time to switch off for a while and reset my mind. Although I do find it very difficult to just sit and relax!
If you could live in the world of any novel what would it be and why?
I think it would have to be the Harry Potter books. I find anything related to magic, witches and spells fascinating. I love the whole concept of attending a school for witchcraft and wizardry with lessons that cover different types of magic, a dormitory with a special password-protected door and a game that involves flying broomsticks! You’d most likely find me sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade while searching for inspiration. I wouldn’t want to meet he-who-cannot-be-named or come across a dementor, but then you’re always going to come across riffraff in your neighbourhood!
You have a fondness for tea and cake (Like myself!) If you could have tea and cake with any fictional character who would it be?
No hesitation on this one. The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. I’m a bit crazy myself and I love the whole, “we’re all mad here” energy of Wonderland. I can just imagine sitting at that bustling tea table with the Hatter. The conversation would be full of riddles and wordplay, such as ‘Why is a Raven like a writing desk?’ and probably not making any sense at all (and that’s not just the Hatter). It would be so much fun – and full of cake! What’s not to like?
What are you reading at the moment?
Daisy Jones and the Six, which has also been turned into a series on Prime Video. When I’m writing, I like to read novels that are similar to the genre I’m writing in. It’s great for inspiration, but it’s also a good idea to read work from other incredible authors out there! I love the way that Taylor Jenkins Reid has written the story in the form of an interview. I had to check whether it’d been based on a true story, but it was all purely fictional!
What are you listening to?
My current Spotify playlist is hugely diverse. It starts with ‘Shiver’ by The Libertines, then switches to ‘Injected with a Poison’ Praga Khan, ‘Give it Up’ KC and the Sunshine Band and ‘Little Lies’ Fleetwood Mac. I like not knowing what’s going to play next.
What are you looking forward to doing in the next 12 months?
Mainly writing! I’ve just finished penning another song that I’ve sent to my producer. We’re looking to release this for Christmas – with a hip hop beat! I’m also writing new spoken word material, which I’m hoping to eventually turn into a show. My editor is currently helping me decide the readership age for my new novel, so once that’s settled, I can’t wait to dive into the second draft and spend time with Mordred and his band! I’m quite spontaneous and enjoy seeing what other opportunities life has in store for me!
