Today we’d like to introduce you to Hafto.
Hafto, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a 18-year old recording artist from Dallas, Texas who is currently in high school. I started my career by writing poetry and playing the piano and guitar. I now am a rapper, singer, songwriter, and other such things. I got into music at a very young age. I was in 5th grade and my English teacher gave us the assignment to pick a song and add a school or educational twist on it. I worked on it with some former schoolmates of mine and the song that we chose to make a remix of was Empire State of Mind by Jay-z featuring Alicia Keys. We wrote the lyrics, recorded the song, shot a music video, and gave a presentation. I then moved schools and they were known to be strict or conservative with the idea of music. So, I would tread carefully and make sure to make music carefully and on the low. I would write poetry and perform it and would not be able to showcase my musical ability. I then switched schools again and they were more accepting and I was able to adjust better. I made music and let’s say it was not the best and then, I moved on and was able to make music for myself.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I were to say that it is a smooth road. Like I mentioned before, my school was known to be conservative and would consider music to be wicked. The idea of someone like me becoming a musician is considered to be “dishonorable” in my culture or the society that I am a part of. So, I have to not use my real name due to certain people’s lack of understanding. There have been some struggles were as adjusting to new environments or keeping my head up high when things feel down. Like I mentioned before, where culture plays into the idea of music not being seen as something that is considered or in some cases, downgraded. But, I have been able to keep a low profile still while also being known for my music in my daily life. But whether people think this about me or that music is a wonderful thing and it has helped me in some difficult situations and times. It feels amazing to create something and be able to one day, say that you helped people with it, is truly and amazing experience.
Please tell us about your music.
So, I am considered to be in the entertainment industry and be part of the music business. I am a rapper, singer, songwriter among other things. I release music and try to uplift other fellow musicians who may be in the same plight as me or need help getting their music out there.
I specialize in rap music and some cases, r&b. But, I enjoy making music or being creative as a whole. I am starting, so I guess it is too early to say what I am known for. But from my understanding and experiences, I am best known for being there with my friends and family, a caring personality, and just being well-rounded altogether. What I am most proud of is the journey that I have been to. I can say that I was for sure a different person when I started and music had been able to give me an identity as well as giving me an opportunity. There is a quote where it goes, “I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be” by Joyce Meyer and I think that applies very much. I think what sets me apart is that I am private and a bit introverted but, I still know people that make sense. I guess it is just me being me or being able to showcase different parts of myself in music or any creative art. Here is the link to the EP: https://unitedmasters.com/m/alteredreality
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The essential qualities that I feel is to have a conscious mind, be able to keep your head up and to have an open mind. I am lucky enough to have people that have my back and want to see me succeed. It is a blessing to have such people that push me forward and tell me the advice that I need to hear. I feel me being the person that I am and how I interact with people is important to my success. I try to bring everyone up and want to see every one of my friends to be on the top. So, it is difficult for me to determine which quality or characteristic is most important to my success as I do not have one characteristic that defines me. It’s the same thing where I am not just one definitive thing but different to different people. But, I hope that I am successful as to my standards than to be successful in the eyes of someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unitedmasters.com/hafto
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hafto_?igshid=w4rbnhvpzcxc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hafto7
- Other: https://unitedmasters.com/m/alteredreality
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