Interviews

Since releasing her debut album Mississauga in 2003, Masia One has risen to become one of the most celebrated and distinctive MCs to hail from the GTA. Masia's collaborations with such fellow artists as Isis, Death from Above 1979, Zaki Ibrahim and AL P of MSTRCRFT have cemented her place as an active and genre-bending contributor to the Toronto music scene. Her formidable skills speak for themselves though, as evidenced by her global critical and popular acclaim (she's got a hit single in Singapore, don'tcha know!).

Masia One's brand new track Alright, OK! is set to drop on the radio some time this week, but she sent it to us early, so have a listen!

Alright OK! – Masia One_master_radio MP3

Masia One performed with the Make Some Noise program in November 2008.

What is your most memorable Toronto concert experience?
Playing a low key intimate & interactive lounge and having a super fan scream "This is Masia One, everyone stand up for the Queen."

If you mean what's the best concert I've personally attended in Toronto: Esthero @ Lee's Palace. My first concert in Toronto, and what a tremendous show.

What Greater Toronto Area musician/band's album do you think everyone should listen to?
Isis, Dylan Murray, Zaki Ibrahim, Esthero, Graph Nobel… ooo, and Blake Carrington

What does the term 'Independent Music' mean to you?
I named my label MERDEKA which means "independence" in Malay. I was visiting the mayor of Surabaya's house in Indonesia and saw a giant painting of a revolution with a waving flag reading "Merdeka atau Mati" or "Independence or Death". To me, this is key in maintaining the vibrance and authenticity of the art. 

  What advice would you give someone trying to break into the Toronto music scene?   
Get a good lawyer, learn the business and DIY your merch. 

What Canadian Rapper is most likely to be a robot?
Rema Major

Could you beat Nelly Furtado in a Hot‑Dog eating contest?
I win eating contests on the regular.