Exposed Vocals just scored an Exclusive Interview with West African Artist Wendinmi
Born in west Africa, Burkina Faso, Wendinmi immigrated to the US in 2011, first to New York City, then Denver and finally landing in Las Vegas in early 2021. Wendinmi is multilingual and fluent in French, English and his native Mossi.
Wendinmi has several creative outlets in addition to being a recording artist. He also designs fashion, a talent he credits to his mother, a well-known designer in Burkina Faso.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Wendinmi: I was born and raised in Burkina Faso in West Africa. I’ve always been into art and music from a young age. I became interested in rap around age 10 and really started to write and perform in my late teens. I didn’t start to really record my own music until I moved to the U.S. when I was 25.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Wendinmi Honestly I’m still figuring it all out for myself. I can say that being consistent and persistent are key. If doing music is your dream, don’t give up. Get our there, make contacts and let people know who you are and what you do. Also, social media is a useful tool.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Wendinmi: I haven’t had the opportunity to perform any of my new music here in the U.S. but I have some things in the works and hope to get out on the road in 2023.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Wendinmi: I have an engineer that I work with. He’s been with me since I started recording and really handles all of the technical stuff, recording, mixing, mastering all of that.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Wendinmi: I do a lot of posting on my own social media, but I’ve also hired a few different marketing services to help me reach a broader audience. Many times, I’ll reach out to DJs directly or if I happen to be out, I’ll approach them to tell them about my music.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Wendinmi: I’m a big fan of Jay Z, I love his style and flow and the way be makes business moves, so that would be my dream collaboration.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Wendinmi: I’ve been very blessed to have features by some well known artists. I have one with Gucci Mane out now “Bout the Money”, and a few others in the works. I’m focused on building songs for my debut album that will be ready for release in early 2023.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Wendinmi: I’m not somebody that has ever wanted to work for someone else so I’d definitely be an entrepreneur of some kind.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Wendinmi: More features, more singles and my debut album.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Wendinmi: Just my family back in Burkina Faso and my friends here who have been really supportive of my career.
