Mimi The Music Blogger: ‘There’s not one seat at the table, there’s a seat there, and a seat there’

Image via Mimi The Music Blogger (Instagram)

This year for International Women’s Day, we are speaking to empowering women from various industries. I was joined by Mimi the Music Blogger to find out some more about her journey into music, her inspirations, inspiring words for young girls and women, and what being a Black Brit means (and doesn’t) mean to her.

Mimi, you’re a content creator, music connoisseur – you’re doing a lot and we’re seeing a lot of your work already! Do you mind introducing yourself a bit in your own words?

I’m a creative, crazy, bold and loving person. I love music with a passion and that’s the foundation. Because I have a ‘personality’, it branches out into many different avenues.

And this is something we have seen. From hosting radio shows to content creating, New Music Fridays to articles with Complex, we’re really seeing Mimi out there. You say music is your passion, and that really comes through! How did you begin this journey to make this passion your career?

The passion has always been there since I was a kid, mainly from my dad. When I would listen to music from home [Congo], RnB, rap, I used to be like *wide eyed stare*, ‘This is amazing’. In secondary school I always wanted to the person that knew about a song.

Basically putting everyone on!

Yeah, exactly! I started writing my own blog. My music teacher didn’t really watch TV or listen to the radio so I would put him on, and he’d do the same for me. He made me listen to classical music which is why I feel like my music taste is really wide. Then the writing began in 2017. From that I started reviewing albums and then started getting recognition from the artists. And I’ve gone from there!

Wow so it seems that you had a lot of inspiration from different places, from your dad to your music teacher and then the artists themselves. Who would you say inspired you the most to keep on doing what you’re doing?

My dad definitely planted the seed. He lowkey trained me: his lectures and advice planted this seed for me to be a dreamer. ‘I can do whatever I want to do’. Looking back now, I can see that it was him who inspired me.

That inspiration definitely comes through in how you create your work too! Out of all the things you’ve done – and it’s been a lot- from hosting radio shows, collaborations with NHS, articles with Complex. What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment?

Oooh … I don’t know! When I achieve something… I want something more. I’m not always fulfilled by what I’ve done but I appreciate it. [I’d say] I appreciate the JD work most. They trained me to be as vocal and authentic as I want to be: say what I want to say without worrying. I really appreciate people like Chucky, Filly, Tazer, Marv, who have helped me to know my voice matters.

It sounds like it’s not just the accomplishment itself but the people who have helped you along the way that mean a lot to you. That brings me on to my next question … the theme of this year’s IWD is around overcoming bias. Would you say there’s anything you’ve had to overcome that’s made a difference from where you were to where you’re at now?

Firstly, my voice matters, my voice actually matters! If I say something – compared to my male peers – I’ve had to push through even more. I’m not holding back anymore. I don’t see it as a hurdle, now I see it as a breakthrough. It was a thing where I used to think I had to be careful to not come off as the angry black woman. If I’m angry you will know (laughs)

It’s clear your voice is your power. From what we’re all seeing, that really is the case. So, carry on waving that flag.

Back to inspiration, you mentioned your dad being an inspiration for you. And this last year we’ve seen black brits doing amazing things. Most recently, we saw Little Simz win an award at the BRITs and the praise she gave her mum. Are there any black women who are an inspiration for you right now?

Nadia Jae, Tiffany Calver, Little Simz. Little Simz gave me the most advice. She is the smartest person, and she is so real. She let me know again that my voice AGAIN is so powerful. Tiffany always tells me to keep on going. Nadia Jae has been such a cheerleader, always telling me ‘I’m so proud of you’. Even Ella my manager, she’s seen my growth seriously. Julie Adenuga is such a g! I’ve met so many female rappers and people in the industry who have always shown me love.

It sounds like you’ve had so much support, people to praise you and people to ground you. How have you managed to build this community?

Women in the industry are so supportive of each other. When there’s someone doing well, we all push her. There’s not one seat at the table, there’s a seat there, and a seat there.

You’re right, community is so important! What would you say to young girls trying to get into the industry?

Be yourself! Be your most authentic self. If you’re trying to be someone else, you will know you’re acting. If someone doesn’t like your true self, then you know they’re not for you. Be your biggest cheerleader, be your biggest fan. It comes back to self-belief and using your own voice.

Mimi also shared on how she deals with Imposter Syndrome.

I can’t imagine how proud of yourself you feel with your journey. What would you say brings on your impost syndrome?

I’m always moving onto the next thing and onto the next. I’m learning to love the journey rather than thinking I need to be at the end goal. But also, it’s okay not to be satisfied. I feel like I have all these accomplishments but I’m still in ends!

How do you then keep track and praise yourself for the accomplishments you’ve reached?

I’m starting to journal. I’ll write to my future self. I’ll write something to myself to look at for next year and that lets me see where I was at and where I’m at now. Also, people around me like my friends and family [help me keep track]. Hearing ‘oh my gosh, I’m so proud of you’ is refreshing to have. So my community, friends, and family, AND documenting how I feel in that moment. I can look back and say ‘okay I’m come far you know’.

So, as we are Black Brit we have to end by asking what does being a Black Brit mean to you?

I feel like I’m Black in Britain even though I’ve been born and raised here. I haven’t been to Congo, but I’m always reminded that I live here but never felt like I’m British. I’m always reminded that I’m black. When I’m doing something well it’s like then I’m British but when I’m not, they’ll remind you where you’re from. And you see it so many times – it gets frustrating. I’m proud to be Black in Britain. I appreciate some culture and some of the community. Even then, my community is other Black people in Britain. Like Dave at his BRIT performance, he was showing appreciation that he’s black and people were getting on him. Even last summer with the football and the black guys missed the penalty. When we don’t do something right, we are Black. But at the same time, I’ve lived and grown up here. I understand the mash and peas, I understand the banter. My first job was at Tottenham stadium, so I understand the geezer

language (laughs).

How do you balance the two different identities then as a Black woman in Britain?

My roots, my bloodline is from Congo and I have so much pride in that. As a kid, Congolese music was the soundtrack of my childhood. My upbringing moving from Hackney to Leicester, I’ve had so many experiences. That has been the foundation, the roots – now I’m just trying to grow the leaves.

Instagram: @mimithemusicblogger
Twitter: @mdaixo