Meet Manny Valentine

What’s your name and where are you from?

My name is Manny Valentine, born and raised in the Bronx of New York City but hail from Ghana in West Africa. Hip-Hop/Rap, Afro-fusion, Afrobeats, R&B, and Dancehall have always captivated and inspired me as an independent musician, songwriter, leader, and educator. My storytelling approach, which incorporates a variety of styles, is one of a kind, which contributes to the distinctive sound I produce.

Why do you love what you do?

- Initially, I loved making music for fun, but I eventually decided to take it much more seriously and turn it into a career rather than a hobby. I love being able to make music because I’m big on gift-giving and giving people the gift of good music makes my heart happy. Being able to release new music sends me a surge of resurgence that makes me want top any of my previous works.

What makes you different?

- What sets me apart is my love, passion, and commitment to constantly captivating listeners with my sound. Being the first of many people in my city to have the ability to combine all of my cultural influences allows me to be more than just myself and connect with others on a deeper level. All the storytelling in my music will instantly put you in a trance, it will either have you remembering a time or have you imagining a time.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

- In 5 years, I envision myself stable enough to keep enjoying my gift, having a high influence on the younger generation in my city [The Bronx] and Ghana, showing them that it’s possible to turn your beloved hobbies into a successful and professional dream. I want my happiness, pain, struggles, and vibes to encourage someone. I also see myself collaborating with many afro genre artists from all over the world. I'm a fan of the art of music, every kind of song no matter the language tells a different story. I plan on cementing my name in the history books, whether I'm loved or disliked, CONSISTENCY, DEDICATION, AND RAW TALENT will always win!

What do you want to accomplish in life?

- My aim in life is to use my music to make a difference in someone else's life. I thrive more when I am aware that my music can evoke a feeling that not many people are able to experience. If I am successful as a result, then I have achieved my life's objective.

What do you bring to your industry?

- I bring something different to the industry that is long overdue and much needed. My city desperately needs an African symbol, someone to represent the afro genre, someone who can help expand the culture past New York and show everyone that this place truly births stars. I am the star of the industry and what my city needs so I am prepared for all love and scrutiny that may come with it!

What do you want to be remembered by?

- With Afro-music slowly getting the love and recognition it so desperately needed in America, I plan on being remembered and leaving a legacy by being the city’s Chosen One for truly opening that door for it to never leave this city again. I want everyone to know that NYC is more than just Hip-Hop, Drill music, it’s an extremely diverse music scene out here! I want people to able to see me or hear me and say, "That's Manny Valentine, he changed the city with his style and sound."