Hailing from East London, 23 Unofficial specialises in R&B, Rap, and the new genre of AfroBashment/AfroSwing. Following the release of his EP, ‘Love Languages’, we caught up with the Hackney born rapper best known for his song, ‘Ain’t Bothered’.

What five words define your sound? 

My sound can be described as smooth, feel-good, soulful, melodic, and authentic.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

In a unique twist, I craft all my songs within the intimate space of my room, relying solely on my iMac to bring my musical visions to life. This personal setting plays a significant role in shaping the depth of my music.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first? 

I recommend starting with ‘Torn’ to delve into the essence of my music and its resonance.

What inspired you to make that song? 

Being deeply rooted in my love for R&B, ‘Torn’ emerged as an experiment to explore the genre, reflecting my ongoing journey to diversify my musical palette.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

As I’ve evolved in my musical journey, my lyrical content has delved deeper into personal experiences such as relationships, family dynamics and past traumas. This progression signifies a heightened vulnerability that comes with maturity in my craft.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage? 

Fortunately, I haven’t encountered negative experiences on stage. The best moment was during my headline show, a rewarding experience where fans gathered exclusively to celebrate my music, showcasing the positive connection we’ve built.

What is your favourite song to perform? 

While ‘Ain’t Bothered’ is the crowd favourite, my personal preference varies day by day; it could be ‘Recognition’, ‘Can’t Tell Me’, or the more recent addition, ‘Second Best’.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music? 

Drake’s impactful ‘Take Care’ album stands out as a significant inspiration that fuelled my passion for creating music. It played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic aspirations.

What’s the meaning behind your name? 

With a love for trainers – which I still have – I coined my name, 23 Unofficial, I wanted it to be something relatable to me and something that also stood out.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead? 

Given my keen musical instincts, I envision myself thriving as an A&R professional, leveraging my innate ability to spot talent and contribute to the industry’s creative process.

What’s success to you? 

Success, to me, translates to a life characterised by peace and the freedom to pursue my desires alongside those I hold dear, creating a fulfilling existence on my own terms.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction? 

The pivotal moment when my songs gained traction marked a turning point, compelling me to make crucial decisions that would significantly impact my life and career trajectory.

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

Connect with me on all major social media platforms using the handle @23unofficial to stay updated on my latest releases and musical journey.