Interview: Manfred Inc- Talks About Growing Up On The Cape Flats, Busking And Releasing Debut Single Mr. Real
Intro
Manfred Inc (real name Manfred Petersen) is a Soulful South African Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter born in Cape Town, South Africa. Manfred grew up on the Cape Flats with an innate love and passion for music. He takes listeners on a captivating journey through a musical world where freedom and joy balance out social injustices internalised and transformed by street performers. His lyrics are reflective of his Cape Flats roots and embrace the essence of Manfred’s life from an urban perspective.
Questions
Hi Manfred, welcome to Fanbase Music Magazine., can you give us a brief background on who you are and where you grew up?
I grew up in a small suburb called Netreg which is in Bonteheuwel on the Cape Flats.
How did you come up with your name Manfred Inc, is this a band or are you a solo musician?
Given my name is Manfred (Manny), I wanted to make it unique to not be confused it with other Artists, so I thought Manfred Inc.
Can you tell us your earliest memory of what got you into music?
My love for music started with my mother and father who inspired me to follow in their footsteps. My mother had a musical voice and sung in Church and my father stirred on the creativeness in our family with his harmonica. They encouraged me to be musically active with musical nights that would lead me to participate in Primary School Auditions and Christmas Carols from the age of 7 at Klipfontein Primary School. My teacher gave feedback to all the boys that I was the only one with a voice.
Growing up in the Cape Town Flats couldn’t have been easy. Can you tell us what it was like, and how that helped to form the kind of musician you are today?
It was really hard growing up poor. This poverty-environment made me want to get out and established a better life for myself. I could not stand the negativity and youngsters with no future being sucked into gangsterism and drugs!
How would you describe your genre to people who are not familiar with your sound?
Soulful Acoustic Folk Pop with RNB influences.
What are some of the bands that have influenced you?
I am inspired by artists like Maroon 5, One Republic, Coldplay, John legend, Bruno Mars, Usher, Jason Mraz, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, and Enrique Iglesias.
Okay, let’s talk about your debut single Mr. Real, can you tell us what the song is about and what is the inspiration behind the track?
My debut single ‘Mr Real’ tells the story about a man having to convince himself of being a real, genuine gentleman to the lady he likes. He finds it difficult to prove his point, as she always wants to feel loved.
Where was it recorded?
Cosher Studios in Cape Town.
Who worked on the track in terms of producing and who did the different instruments, can you tell us the process of all that?
I wrote and performed the song, and we did a drumbeat playing on the guitar to give a beat.
This is your debut single; will you be releasing an album or do you only plan to release singles at the moment?
Yes, definitely singles, with the main objective is to release an album in the future.
You are also a busker and can often be found busking around Cape Town, can you tell us what it is like to do busking?
It is very creative and spontaneous. That’s where I find new inspiration for new music.
Where can people find you busking?
The Brass Bell in Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, and The Cape Botanical Gardens.
Thank you for dong this interview, can you give us your social media links?
