INTERVIEW:
Leila Lopes
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THIS is the first time…
I have interviewed a businesswoman on this site. I have been speaking with Leila Lopes about her record label, The Uprise, and why she set it up; the artists on the label we need to look out for – I ask whether more attention is being paid to female business owners.
Lopes talks about her work in Angola and transitioning from beauty pageants to music; what she hopes to achieve before the end of this year; what advice she would give to anyone wishing to follow in her footsteps; where the Uprise label is headed – she picks a classic tune to end the interview with.
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Hi, Leila. How are you? How has your week been?
Well. My name is Leila Lopes and I would say I’m a humanitarian/entrepreneur that also has a love and deep passion for music!
The Uprise is your record label. What inspired you to set it up?
The Uprise came about coincidentally. I have always loved Funk music. In Angola, we are heavily influenced by Brazil and Portugal - and Baile Funk is huge there. One day, about three years ago, I started playing these Funk songs for my husband and he absolutely loved it - but he had never heard that sound before and he is a big music lover also.
So, the idea occurred to me to bring those same beats and rhythms and mix them with more conventional music and see if it sounds great. So, we now started the long process of trying to discover great artists who could produce the specific sound and also perform. It took us over two years of looking and researching but, finally, we found the artists and producers.
IN THIS PHOTO: Mikespro
What is the ethos of the label, would you say? Which new signings should we keep an eye out for?
Our ethos is to connect various cultures through music. It’s the universal language. We are mixing Brazil with Europe with America and Africa to create one sound. That’s what we want for the world: to be brought closer together
We have Grace Rhodes and Andi Mcernest as artists as well as Mikespro and Zeeko as our producers. We also have a French artist named Wizzy. They are all very good.
As someone who has competed in beauty pageants; have you faced any judgements and doubts from those in the industry?!
Of course. There are always judges and doubters. People want you to ‘Stay in your lane’; be a beauty queen and that’s it. But, I did nothing to achieve beauty. It’s superficial. I actually worked super-hard on my other interests and I’m trying to do so much more for people and humanity than just being a beauty queen.
You are an Angolan native. How did you get into business and music? Was there a moment when you decided to move into the industry?
Music, I’ve always been into. For as long as I can remember. Business, I got into because of the various opportunities that presented themselves. For instance; I own a company that produces diapers and sanitary pads in Angola. We take the profits from the sales and give them to charity. These are the types of things I love to do for the people.
Where is the label heading? What are the ambitions behind The Uprise?
We are headed in a global direction! We want this music heard all over the world because that’s what this music is. It incorporates elements of music from so many different cultures.
Do you think there is still little awareness about female business owners and those creating huge innovations?
I think there is but day by day it is definitely increasing. The world is finally taking note of the contributions and, honestly, it’s about time.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
We just hope to get the music heard and for people to give it a chance. It’s very unique but sounds so good. There is so much of the same stuff out there: we need something new…and that’s The Uprise.
Have you got a favourite memory from your career so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
I would say it was the day my products were launched in Angola. That was a great day; knowing how it would help people.
What advice would you give to those coming through who want to follow in your footsteps?
I would say belief in yourself and what you’re doing is the most important thing. People will doubt. People will judge. But, if you believe wholeheartedly in what you are trying to do, go for it. You can never regret it. You will only regret the things you didn’t try to do.
IN THIS PHOTO: Grace Rhodes/PHOTO CREDIT: Grace Rhodes
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yes. My artists! Grace Rhodes and Andi Mcernest.
IN THIS PHOTO: Andi Mcernest
Do you get much time to chill away from music and business? How do you unwind?
Not much time, honestly. Those are twenty-four-hour-a-day kind of jobs. But, fortunately, I don’t consider it work. It’s passion. So, I’m able to do it and still enjoy myself.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Not any of our songs?! (Laughs). Ok. I’Il go with To Zion by Lauren Hill (ft. Carlos Santana). One of my favorites