Get to Know WorldPeace, the Singer-Songwriter Bringing a New Vision to the R&B World
A 90s baby through and through, singer-songwriter WorldPeace’s journey was inspired by eras of love, keeping things a buck no matter the cost, and music dripping with soul regardless of sonic orientation. For the muso born Tshiamo Pearl Sebate, music was never an aesthetic to her; it was as purposeful as the air in her lungs, something she could not live without.
The rising singer-songwriter spoke about how music has always been a part of her life, dating back to her days as a toddler.
“WorldPeace studied music. I went to UNISA for it. I’ve always loved to sing, hey. I started singing at the age of three, singing along to songs by Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston during that time of life. I could say I was surrounded by a lot of love and a lot more music. I started taking music seriously in 2015, and even though I had to switch to academics because my parents were strict, my passion still haunted me. It was also around that time my producer, Thuso, discovered me, and he was the one who motivated me to take the art seriously, growing me from being a regular girl who could sing and rap,” she said.
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Awash with avenues of instant gratification and cheat codes of shortcuts to success, the world has become a place where patient hard work is a road frowned upon, a path many prefer never travelling. WorldPeace touched on her own journey and the importance of being intentional with her musical gift and cultivating it into a professional career.
“I am proud of myself. A lot of people, I’ve noticed, stumble upon their talent. In my case, I developed my craft. I studied the theory behind it and the groundwork. It wasn’t even my intention, funny enough—I feel like music hunted me and the passion snowballed until it became its own thing, its own brand. A career. I’m happy to use the skills I’ve developed along the way to help make my music unique and stand out from the rest. R&B and hip-hop as genres are blessed with a lot of talented people, people who are pushing the envelope; however, we do need newer and fresher elements, and I do believe that I bring that little seasoning to the table,” WorldPeace said.
Touting herself as a 90s baby, she spoke about her eclectic influences, which have shaped not only her taste but her artistry.
“On the hip-hop side of things, I listen to a lot of old-school rap, such as Tupac, KRS-One, as well as hip-hop from the 2000s, such as the Lil’ Waynes of the game. They were impactful on my life and my music. If we’re talking R&B, I’ve always been a fan of Destiny’s Child—and Beyoncé, typical as it may be—Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston. There’s Lauryn Hill, Celine Dion, and a lot of jazz like Louis Armstrong—that side influenced me a lot on the instrument side of things. My parents were also influences on my music when talking about taste. I have a lot of influences,” she said.
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WorldPeace talked about the value of her music in helping others feel validated in their own skins, particularly girls, for whom she is a champion.
“I’d like to motivate all the young girls out there. I feel like we live in a very automated and digital world. Everything is peachy. I don’t want people to forget who they are, that they are human and that there’s beauty in being natural, in who they are, flawed and all. I work on embracing the imperfect parts of you and admiring who you are as an individual. It’s important to never strive to blend in and be what society wants you to be. I am here to motivate all the young girls to be themselves in their own ways,” she said.
Between music and doing shows, WorldPeace shared personal bits of her life, from working out to being a mother.
“I’m a fitness girl, and I love the gym—I’m there four days a week. I don’t kill myself with body-building, but I do spend about an hour a day just to work on my body. The physical exercise is also helpful for me as a performer in stretching my stamina and just to be strong in general. If not, then I’m working on my mind by reading fiction books. When I’m not by myself, I’m chilling with my family and my five-year-old little boy, who is very energetic and who is also my entire world,” she said.
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WorldPeace envisioned herself on the global stage years from today, exporting her music to distant shores.
“If I give myself five years, I see myself owning multiple homes. I see myself as a global performer and a Grammy winner. I want it all, and I want to travel the world and perform on international stages with big production. Seeing people appreciate my craft – that’s what I dream about when I close my eyes,” she said.