Zimbabwean born, New Zealand raised, 21-year-old Waguan is destined to turn the music scene on its head with his undeniably potent energy. Inspired by the likes of Kanye West and Russell Brand, Waguan takes a radically artistic approach to music and life in general. Gaining interest in music during his junior years in high school, Waguan started to participate in rap battles. His determination was ignited when a school teacher refused to enter him into the talent show, saying his rap skills were not good enough. Dedicated to proving her wrong, and fuelled by an inextinguishable passion, he spent endless hours producing and writing verses from his bedroom. Gaining rapid recognition, he started collaborating with bigger names in the NZ scene such as Jess B, Church & Ap, Soraya Lapread and many more. Leading him to perform all over New Zealand at various festivals and private events, Waguan’s intrinsic talent and magnetic personality have seen him rise at breakneck speed.
Follow Waguan @wag_uan
Can you try to describe yourself in 3 words?
Empathetic, Maverick, Delicious
We’re sure you have been asked this many times, but how did you get in the industry?
It all started when my booking manager saw a video of me without audio rapping and decided that my energy was unmatched and booked me to open for Che Fu, who is one of New Zealand’s Music Legends, from there doors have opened and opportunities have been in abundance, shout out the Neighbourhood Collective.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Fresh, Undeniable, Spiritual
You have a new track coming out on BB Music Group called ‘Blang’ with IceyGhosts. Can you tell us a little bit about how it came about, and what inspired you to create it?
Well Icey actually lives 8 hours away from me so I always have to make a huge drive to see him, which is no biggie as NZ’s natural scenery always makes a road trip worth it. On the way to the studio this time, I actually almost died when a car came onto my side of the road and I had to swerve off of the road in order to save myself, my girlfriend and her friend who were all in the car with me. When I arrived at the studio I had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder and wanted to rap like I had never rapped before. I wanted to push a boundary as well as REALLY tell my story. Icey pulled up the ‘Twinkling diamond’ type sample that you hear at the beginning of the song and I told him “perfect” and he started to build the beat from there while I wrote what I call my ‘Diaspora Anthem’, Blang! a story of the African youth who grew up outside of his own country and how we still continue to thrive regardless of the challenges we face!
Can we expect to hear more coming soon?
Yes you can! We have a whole project that Blang features on called ‘Happy Place’, us and BB music group promise it will tickle your existence!
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you the most?
Kanye West, Earthgang, and Israel Adesanya (yes the man is a bloody Artist!)
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
I get a blanket and watch One Piece!
The best stage you have ever played?
The best stage for me had to be the “state sanctioned Shindig’ which was New Zealand’s first show coming out of our first lockdown. The crowd was hungry so me and Icey made sure they left well-fed (they took my shoe and broke the stage front haha)
Funniest/Crazy thing that ever happened at an event?
I jumped into the crowd and came back on stage missing a shoe! I don’t know how they managed to take my shoe, but hats off to the Wellington fans!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Seeing people from the small places I came from, whether it be, Naenae or Lower Hutt or Wellington or Zimbabwe, see someone aim for their dream and achieve it, having an opportunity to inspire is a real blessing. Something that’s not so rewarding is that some folks will go out of their way to try and make sure you don’t get there, like crabs in a barrel. I don’t blame them though, life is hard.
What’s your advice for the newer artists?
Find out WHO YOU ARE and be SURE of that, BEFORE you open your mouth!
What was the first record that you bought?
Kanye West Graduation the Album from the CD store at Wellington airport. It was like 30 bloody dollars but for some reason 12 year old me had the cash and didn’t hesitate to cop it.
Best advice ever given?
My father once told me that no matter what happens to you, you must keep going, you must proceed and that’s all you owe God, when you stop is when you fail.
Name one your strengths!
I can find the beauty and positivity in ANYTHING, try me!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Church with mum in the morning, pizza for lunch, then recording with Alphabet Head in the evening.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Having something to look forward to!
Do you support any charities?
YES! the Salvation Army.
What is your favorite healthy food?
A fruit smoothie with honey and oats
And your favorite cheat food?
Roti Canai, God bless Malaysia
What would be a deal-breaker on a first date?
Chewing with your mouth open, ew!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would want to see my dad again, ask if he likes my song and whether he’s proud.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the mountains recording with ICEY in a mansion that we own!
How would you describe your fashion style?
Punchy
What do you think of Social Media?
Amazing when used correctly, but it’s potentially kinda deadly to be honest, we should be careful and kind when using it.
Where we can follow you?
@Wag_uan on the gram and everywhere else haha
Quote: Everything will always turn out okay if you breathe and believe
Movie: Transformers 2
Travel Destination: Tokyo Japan please!
Sports Team: Chelsea FC
Photo Credit: Jeremy Cole
