Nolwen “Mosty” Kouadio is an 18 year old Ivorian rap sensation based in France. She made her debut last year and has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her debut EP “AYA DE DIDIEVI”, Aya being a traditional name given to girls born on a Friday in her village and Didievi representing where she’s from. This loosely translates to Aya of/from Didievi, a true homage to her roots. Her EP has been highly successfully, gaining the recognition and support of Ivorian football great, Didier Drogba and also setting a record as being the first female Ivorian rapper to have a million streams on YouTube.
49th Street: How did you get the name Mosty?
Mosty: Mosty is the short form of Mostweirdgyal, my Instagram handle. It’s more pleasurable to the ears.
49th Street: When did you start making music?
Mosty: I actually started out by making videos that combined music and comedy. Then I was spotted by Mr Behi who made me discover my hidden talents. I related to music more as a dancer so Behi had to teach me music as an artist.
49th Street: Do you make full-time music?
Mosty: During the holidays, yes. Otherwise I have school so I have to juggle a little between the two.
49th Street: How do you describe the style of your music?
Mosty: My music is a mix of urban music, offbeat cut, old Ivorian hits and rap. It’s very open, I’m starting to do more Afro stuff now! I don’t want to limit myself.
49th Street: What are the factors that influence your music?
Mosty: I am influenced by EVERYTHING. Every day we see different social facts. As a youngster I also have life experiences all the time that I want to express in music. The entourage plays a lot too, we are spokespersons. But the most important thing is listening. Behi advised me to listen to a multitude of music that differs from each other to bring this diversity that I want to create.
49th Street: Your debut EP, AYA DE DIDIEVI, is out on all streaming platforms. How was the reception of the EP?
Mosty: People were nostalgic and happy. Nostalgic because of the reminder of the beautiful time when they danced without all the problems that exist in today’s society. Nostalgic for an era. Nostalgic for energy. They were happy to see such a young girl that I am interested in their time or childhood. Happy to see my update and recycle these good old hits.
49th Street: Faut Danser has a million views on YouTube, how does it feel to be the first Ivorian rapper to achieve this?
Mosty: I feel proud. There is positive competition between us rappers and we become productive by seeing the fruits of others. It will create even more enthusiasm for female Rap. If people look at me, they will look for others and vice versa. Knowing that I was the first to do so tells me that in fact I was not mistaken. There is something that has been waiting for me for a long time in music and I give glory to God. I am also happy for my team which sees their work succeed. We say thank you to the Lord.
49th Street: Didier Drogba is a big fan of your music, what’s it like?
Mosty: Legend supporting a future legend (laughs). I think it’s beautiful. That’s all I wish other artists, because Drogba is an icon. Being validated by him can open other doors for me and I can only say thank you. The little bit we see is a mix of God’s work and that’s cute (laughs).
49th Street: With the recent success of African music on the world stage, with which African artists would you like to work?
Mosty: I’d like to work with Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid. In my country I would say Alpha Blondy even if it’s a generation long before us. There are also great rappers in the my country and there are not some not so popular ones that I like very much, the list is too long really. As an Artistic Director, I would like to work with Don Jazzy. Don Jazzy X Mr Behi would be a great collaboration!
49th Street: Any plans for the future?
Mosty: I’m currently working on my album; an album to positively slap public opinion and attract people. I have an African tour in preparation so promoters who want to add their dates are welcome! The rest it is only God who knows.
