AN AFRICAN IN NEW YORK

Singer-songwriter Paolo Raul Adefemi Prudencio, affectionately known as Shirazee, is fast becoming a global sensation. His crossover appeal and seamless transition between genres reflect his innovative approach, which knows no boundaries. Here, he talks about his musical journey, iconic collaborations and future projects

- Thobeka Phanyeko

PREVIOUS SPREAD Shirt Good Good Good; knit jersey and knit pants both Thebe Magugu; hat Shirazee’s own; shoes and socks both Zara

SHIRAZEE, BORN IN BENIN, WEST AFRICA, relocated to the UK at an early age, then to South Africa and finally New York, where he’s currently based. When we catch up with this citizen of the world, he’s still trying to wrap his head around the success of his version of Sting’s ‘Englishman in New York’ from his latest EP Lost. As the world looks to Africa for inspiration, Shirazee pursues dreams so big they terrify him.

GQ: Why that name?

Shirazee: There’s no big story behind it. It was a nickname I picked up in high school that I continued to use as an artist. Once it was time for me to go into artistry, I was, like, all my friends already call me Shirazee, so it’s going to stick. People called me Zee in my football days. When I started rapping, a kid in my history class would talk about this group of conquerors he’d heard of called the Shirazee, and he’d say that when I rapped, I conquered. That’s how the name stuck.

Blazer vintage Gianni Versace; pants Chloe Welgemoed; shoes Converse at Shelflife; hat Shirazee’s own; scarf Lukhanyo Mdingi x COUTTS Collection

GQ: You also sing, right?

S: I used to rap. I’d say I evolved in the sense that I found my voice as a rapper, and I was, like, nah, that’s not me. When I started singing my hooks, one of my friends heard my voice and said, ‘I think something special happens when you sing; your tone’s different. As a rapper, I didn’t particularly stand out, but when I started singing, it was clear I had a good voice, so we just went for it.