The Oslo-based Somali artist Swank Mami makes global-minded electronic pop music, supercharged by an eclectic variety of inputs, both club-focused and more experimental in origin. Her new EP, Worldstar, jumps from baile funk to R&B to anthemic electro-pop; anchored by Swank Mami’s voice and a certain production sheen, it’s a quite cohesive collection of pop. In our interview, we talked about Worldstar, vocal inspirations, and the state of the scene in Oslo, which the artist reports is “finally lit.” Give it a read and listen to Worldstar below.
Where does the EP name Worldstar come from? Have you spent any time on WorldStarHipHop?
Worldstar is the continuation of Eurostar. I just loved the sound of it—it clicked immediately. It also feels like a manifestation. Something that’s always been there, but now I’m actually trusting it.
Who are some of your vocal heroes? People that inspire how you approach singing?
Beyoncé—she’s a genius, period. And SZA. I love listening to her, her tone just does something to me.
Tell us about “MC69,” both the song and the video.
The song is heavily inspired by baile funk. My friend Didi lived in Brazil before we met, and honestly, that was all we talked about at first. Brazil became this obsession for me, so I started diving deep into Brazilian music. It felt so raw, so real. The video was pure fun. I wanted it to feel chic and cunt—expensive, bold, unapologetic. Shoutout Claryn for fully making the vision come alive.
What feelings are you trying to transmit in a “typical” Swank Mami song?
There’s no such thing as a typical Swank Mami song. I make swank music. That’s it.
You seem very open to folding ideas from different genres into your sound. Is there any style you haven’t referenced yet but want to?
I want to lean more into rock, ambient, and classical.
What is the GOAT Eurodance song and why?
The only correct answer is "Amazing" by INNA. No one can touch that song. I love her so much—she’s my ultimate Euro queen.
When was the last time a piece of music made you cry?
"Baby" by Jessica Pratt is so beautiful. I don’t know. I’m a Cancer. :(
What is the scene like in Oslo right now? Any clubs or artists you want to shout out?
Oslo is finally lit. Shoutout Crash Club, the ballroom community, and Fakethias.
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