Meet Lowkita- In Perpetual Celebration of Women in Music with Music BC
The inspiring Music BC is a not for profit BC-based organization dedicated to empowering musicians. The small team is paticularly focused on amplifying marginalized and emerging artists across our province. They just aired the latest digital performance showcase “Let’s Hear it! Live” that illuminates women in music.
This is the second showcase in a wonderful seven-part series that honours underground talent. One of the performers is the remarkably talented hip hop artist Lowkita. We had the chance to interview this incredible artist, read more below.
Lowkita is A Vancouver-based Rapper and Singer originally from Calgary. She combines her love of Caribbean Culture and Hip Hop to create her unique sound.
““I WANT YOUNG GIRLS, AND WOMAN OF COLOUR TO KNOW THAT YOU DO BELONG, LIKE YOURSELF. EVERYTHING THAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT IS WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE, HONOUR THAT AND TRUST YOURSELF. TAKE UP SPACE AND LET YOURSELF BE SEEN, YOU BELONG. “”
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Citrus Magazine: You are truly unique in the Vancouver scene. In a town known for its coffee shop folk and over-the-hill white rapper feuds, has it been difficult to carve out a spot for yourself locally? Where are the spots that you play frequently?
Lowkita: Thank you so much, haha yes I think I'm in my lane anywhere go. It hasn't been too hard to find my lane either. I'm just being me and either you like it or not. I think the difficult part is trying to work with people who understand my sound but over the last few years, I think it's changed. When I first moved here I played at Venue I think it's my biggest crowd I've played for in Vancouver which was crazy looking back at it. But I love playing at fortune. I've probably played there the most for various events. The first time I opened for Jean Grae, I still remember the crowd rocking heavily with me it was so much fun.
Citrus Magazine: How did you and DJ Floetic link up?
Lowkita: Well, we knew each other because we both worked in the club scene and friends of a mutual friend (shout out Dynasty Boys and OchoKeke) Back in 2016, he said yo let's do an EP I said YASSSSS let's do it. He sent me the beats we went to the studio and boom we did our first 3 track EP. We've been rocking together since then. He's like my Jazzy Jeff and I'm Will, or to keep it Canadian I'm Michie Mee and he's L.A. Luv.
Citrus Magazine: It seems like you write a lot of your stuff, tell us more...
Lowkita: Most definitely. I haven't had anything written for me but I'm open to working with writers in the future. I think to be a true artist and to feel what you're saying and representing you have to have your hand in the writing process. For me, it comes across better, especially when performing.
Citrus Magazine: Tell us about your blog- ‘Issa Rude Ting’?
Lowkita: Issa Rude Ting was started to share my love for all things that I love about my Caribbean culture and to show love to people in it. I've taken a few breaks from the blog posting and starting creating a streetwear line which is another passion of mine. I want to make Issa Rude Ting an umbrella of all my creative endeavours. I've done podcasts as well as every year in May I get a few of my Dj friends to play at a party called Issa BashTing which is my birthday celebration but also a celebration of Caribbean Music.
Citrus Magazine: Lastly, any words of encouragement for the young female-identifying artists out there?
Just do you! Be you, write about what you know and who you are. Even if you think your not inspiring people someone is watching and appreciates your work. Not to sound cliche but Nike hit it on the head with JUST DO IT period!
Check out the digital performance here.