Cardiff’s Mace The Great, one of the hottest names in Welsh rap right now, sold out a Thursday night show at Clwb Ifor Bach – titled Homecoming and in collaboration with Independent Venue Week. Laura Fedeli aka Honest Rebel grabbed a chat with him shortly before he hit the stage.
Can you tell us how you are feeling about tonight? You must be buzzing!
I’m very excited – a little nervous, but more excited than anything. I’m looking forward to the show and am trying to take it all in. I want to enjoy it and put on the best performance that I can for my friends, family and people who like to support me.
I’m grateful to be able to perform live and put on a show. We’ve sold so many tickets and have an amazing turnout. I’m grateful, super grateful.
“My music is unapologetically Cardiff”
Mace The Great
For those who haven’t heard your music before, can you describe your sound?
My music is unapologetically Cardiff. I don’t have a particular type of person who listens to my music. I think, depending on what I’m talking about, a certain calibre of person will relate to it – I definitely think it appeals to Welsh people because I champion where I come from with my music, but I do have fans from outside of Wales too. I think if you come from a certain background, been through struggle, then it would appeal to you.
Your 2020 single Brave is an anthem for Cardiff and Wales. It always gets everyone bouncing – I love seeing others enjoy it.
I think Brave is my favourite too – the reaction I get off that is amazing. I performed it live last September for the first time and every time I perform it it’s the same. People go crazy and it’s nice to see.
Your stage presence is crazy – how does it feel to perform your tunes to your fans and to see the love blow up across the room?
It’s the best feeling in the world. I can’t really explain it. Sometimes it’s really emotional. I feel so blessed to be in this position.
What are you looking forward to next? I know you have some international plans…
Next after tonight is Texas in March [for the SXSW showcase in Austin]. I’m looking forward to that and to having meetings to pitch my album to labels. I can’t wait to be performing on BBC stages in Texas which will be the next chapter for me now.
That’s a huge achievement! It’s good to see you repping Cardiff and crossing borders. Where can people find you if they haven’t discovered you yet?
I’m all over social media and am very active on there; I have videos on YouTube as well as tracks on Spotify. Search Mace The Great and you’ll find me on any social network!
Thank you for chatting with us this evening! Anything else you want to let people know about before you go?
I’m working on an album which will be released this year – it’s my first album and I can’t wait to get started on it as soon as I’m home from America.
Info: www.macethegreat.com
words LAURA FEDELI (Honest Rebel) photos CHARLIE J
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