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We all know that Afro Beats is the sound of 2012. If you didn't then you must have been living under a rock for seven months. With D'Banj securing a top ten hit with his superb smash 'Oliver Twist' and other artists such Wizkid and Ice Prince receiving equal praise, it won't be long until the whole chart with be full of Afro Beats tracks. And it's not as if Africans are the only people who are perfecting this sound as musicans right here in the UK are giving us a fresh flavour on the genre. London's very own Mista Silva is a prime example of this. With tracks like Boom Boom Tah and his brand new EP Full Vim now available on iTunes, it's only a matter of time before Mista Silva gets noticed.

Mista Silva takes time out to speak to MOBO about his new EP and his supporting performance for Wizkid last month.

You were a part of Militant Souljaz…..What happened to the group?

Mista Sillva: I went to Ghana for a long while, during that time I was away, the group failed to stay together.

Are you an Afro Beat artist or a Funk House artist?

Mista Silva: I am striving to be an artist full stop. Right now that journey is taking me via Afro Beats and I love it. Funky House has been a part of my development.

When did you decide music was the path you wanted take?

Mista Silva: I took it seriously when I was in secondary school.

Who are your major influences in life?

Mista Silva: My family, mainly my two older brothers and God. The reason for my keen interest in music and my seriousness to do well in all things is because I believe it comes from my two older brothers, always pushing me to do my best.

What’s the 1st record you ever bought?

Mista Silva: Dizzie Rascal - Boy In The Corner.

You recently supported Wizkid on during his amazing show, what was that like?

Mista Silva: The Wizkid show had a great effect on me in the sense that, it was very inspirational. In many ways it acted as a reminder that I can achieve my dreams and ambitions in life as long as I work hard and smart. It's actually a great feeling witnessing how many people appreciate and enjoy your music. The response I got when performing was crazy, so I just want to build on that, one brick at a time.

Who is C.DON?

Mista Silva: He’s a very close friend and a music / business partner. We are both part of an entertainment co-op called Fresh 2 Def Entertainment's. We started as a Funky House duo together.

The Afro Beats Movement is exciting and is a breath of fresh air: What do you think about the afro beat music scene?

Mista Silva: The Afro Beats movement is great, in the sense that it gives Africans some sense of pride for their continent and more specifically their nations. It's also helping to grow positive energy amongst young Africans as well as young people of different origins in the UK & Europe. I like the fact it’s inclusive but proud. It shouts ''Hey I'm of African heritage and I'm proud and if you’re from somewhere else who cares, come and have fun with me, come and cry with me, come and laugh with me thanks for appreciating my heritage."

The Afro Beats Scene makes me feel proud and I feel that it can drive to change the perception of Africa as there is always negativity around Africa. It's also great to see that it is teaching & inspiring young British Africans to embrace their roots and their culture rather than feel ashamed.

Who do you see as a contender this year for best African MOBO Award?

Mista Silva: I'm sure D’banj will be a contender for the Award. He has definitely opened a lot of doors by getting a Top Ten single with Oliver Twist. He has been successful at pushing African music into the mainstream culture. It’s a shame it has taken so long, but everyone has their time. I hope I can build on my current success and who knows I just might get a nomination one day.

Interview by: Ponciano Junior

Download Mista Silvas new E.P. – Full Vim: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/full-vim/id537546613?uo=4

@MistaF2DSilva