Look Sharp : Clencha

Location:
 Dougwells, Highlight, Lock 17, Camden

Category
: Music

Artist
: Clencha

Genre
: Rap, Grime & Pop (even though there was a bit of jungle 
and bashment in there)

"Meet me at the lock"


Walked past security, past the crowed, straight back stage and into a cramped room full of hopefuls. 








This lot know each other like a family; music the common bond. Hyped up on some well known doughnuts breezing past like a lucky give away. Pictures and videos being taken for charity documentaries as people talk amongst each other and performers walk past as they come off stage. Its havoc in here, and I'm wondering how am I going to do this interview, in this madness. 
The vibe is sugar rush with butterflies, banter, and worries on the vibe from the crowed.

Clencha, a long time friend and an energetic, positive, people person, is chilling, offering doughnuts, cursing banter on his co performers dock martins in between chatting to me.

"You know they not in fashion"

"What? I'm representing in Camden... OMG hey tell Clencha they in now"

What's life like for an up and coming artist?....

Why Clencha? 

When I was a kid we used to play this game coursing, dragging each other by the clothes and I would always hold on... Tight grip... Clencha... I haven't seen the name on another artist before so it got me thinking of the meaning... the symbol of the fist... Black power... clench your dreams your family.. Firm grip... It came from mucking around to something serious. Derrick is personal... Clecha is who I become my alter ego.. Derrick is exclusive to my family.

When did you start rapping and realise you want to do it for a living?

Started at 14... Make a living out of it at 17... I was developing my style and skills between that time and doing pirate radio where I got the recognition and realised that's what I want to do. Be known for the music... Better then a 9-5 and I get to please people.

What is it that makes you different?

I'm fearless 100% fearless... Innovated... Will try anything to be unique... When the lights hit me they see how I'm unique.

Where are you in life, where are you now and, what do u hope to achieve?

I was just making music for the sake of making music... it was a freedom of expression... Now I'm making a living and raising the bar! Getting recognised... Put the name to the face now... Unlike radio before.

If u were stranded on an island what 3 things would u bring?

I'm trying to preserve life so what food?? Water?! You're gonna die ain't you so water to survive... Can I say my phone? So I can contact someone to get off the island? And a watch so I know the time and not lose track...

Why would you want to keep track?

You want to know and I doubt I'll be on the island for a year?! Forget it a fillet o fish!! That's it that's my answer! your f*&%ing with me on my answers

If u could have dinner with anyone and meet anyone who would it be?

Alisha keys... 100% omg my man knows! 
(Friends helping out with the answers)

Proudest moment?

Getting to kiss Alisha keys on the cheek! And she let me! 

What shall we expect in the future?

Anything and everything... More music and some acting... Everything!!

Favourite quote?

I got a few but my fave for a while is "nothing happens before its time"

Best event?

Wow let me come back to that... Probably a performance one

Best place in London?

Was gonna say central but I love bricky... Brixton... everything is there for me... My home town! Garms, clubs.. And its expensive to move there now...

Best fashion item or style?

I just love a hoody its been misconstrued... It doesn't mean who you are, doesn't define you... but I can sleep in it and go gym... a hoody straight!

As the wait to the performance nears the vibe goes down as the others exit, and Clencha goes back stage to support the act before them. A few last min rehearsals to ease the nerves and some dancing muck around.

Watch out for a well connected, radio known, face soon to match, blazing the club trail Clencha supporting Mz Bratt..

Contact: @clencha