Written By: Hamda Issa-Salwe / @HamdaINC
Music that gives me life is a brand new feature with GRM Daily where your favourite figures in the music industry talk us through a selection of songs and musical memories that form the soundtrack to their life.
We talked to Mabdulle, one of the hottest photographers in the music scene having earned his stripes with brands like Adidas and Daily Paper as well as joining Stormzy on the road as his tour photographer. Over the years he’s shot countless festivals, concerts and every single one of your playlist faves including Davido, Skepta, Post Malone, MoStack and Future.
And if that wasn’t enough of an achievement, he’s also the co-founder of Take More Photos, a lifestyle brand and community for photographers pushing forward the creative hustle. Here Mabdulle shares the music that gets him in his bag and tells us about tour life with the Wicked Skengman.
One song that makes me feel ready for anything
“Right now it’s “Money” by Amartey. I just love it because when I listen it makes me feel like I’m back in the motherland, the sun is shining, surrounded by good vibes with a drink in my hand.
It’s a feel good song. Lately it’s been all about that feel good positive music for me, the ones that bring up my energy, soul, everything. It makes you think of good times and those to come.”
Best song I’ve ever seen performed live
“Gotta be when Skepta did “Thats Not Me” at Woo Hah Festival in the Netherlands back in 2016. It was my first festival abroad with friends instead of work and it’s basically like Amsterdam’s version of Wireless on steroids.
There were about 10,000 people at that stage so it was packed and everyone’s energy was on ten, it was all poppin’ off. I’ve seen Skepta so many times in London, but that show was a one off. It was crazy, bare adrenaline and Skepta gave it his all.
The mosh pit was my nearest close to death experience. Crowd went wild and I went flying but luckily DJ Maximum did a quick wheel up and I had a minute to prep myself for the madness.”
The one that takes me back to festival season
“Whenever I hear “Best Life” by Hardy Caprio it takes me right back there cos that’s when I’m living my best life. To me summer means festival season, so I’m living my best life. When I’m at a festival and I hear that it instantly feels like I’m in my own music video and that’s my song like I wrote it.
Melanin is popping, drink in my blood steam, I’m with friends, good people, good vibes and enjoying good views. After a long winter spent hustling and grinding you’re finally letting off steam and enjoying the fruits of your labour.”
Song that reminds me of legendary tour moments
“Gang Signs and Prayer was the best tour of my life and “Return of the Rucksack” by Stormzy always brings back of some wild, wild memories. On the road my nickname kind of became “Return of the Rucksack” because I was constantly carrying around my big ass photography bag with all my equipment.
I’m here with all my gear so it’s heavy as hell. Basically, I was in my bag working hard, moving kilos and weight. The whole tour experience was crazy, but to me it didn’t even feel like work. I was surrounded by friends. There were the maddest stories and maddest shows, so that’s one to remember.”
A single that gets me into a creative headspace
“Soulful” by L’indécis. A friend introduced me to this song on a playlist, I can be pissed off all day but I’ll listen to this song and it automatically gets me in zen mode. It’s easier for me to show you than to explain, so just give it a listen and you’ll understand.”
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