- Words Solly Warner
- Interview Tiffany Calver
- Photography Stefy Pocket
South London psychedelic soul songstress, Greentea Peng, takes you on a thought-provoking journey through sunshine rhythms and heavy sounds.
Influenced by all the places and experiences she holds most dear, half soul-searcher and half wise-cracking, Greentea Peng offers honest lyricism and broken flows. She’s creating a variety of soundscapes of a hectic city contrasted against a space of zen.
Greentea first gained attention with the release of her critically acclaimed debut EP ‘Sensi’ in 2018, which paired hazy production with her instantly recognisable vocals and blissful harmonies. Greentea’s follow up, ‘RISING’ arrived last year, and whilst it felt more uplifted and pushed forward her strong sense of spirituality, it also still celebrates an explorative period for the artist. With an innovative blend of psychedelia and soul, Greentea’s cosmic themes on ‘RISING’ further explored vulnerability, break ups and anxiety.
The 25-year-old has had a steady stream of singles in 2020, including “Revolution”; a track filled with resilience and inspired by the protests at the start of lockdown, “Hu Man”; a song that acts as an exploration of self and our attachment to identity, and the enchanting “Spells”. Greentea continues to provide blissed-out auras and chilled-out vibes, coupled with poignant messages of love and hope.
Notion 88’s guest editor and Radio 1Xtra host, Tiffany Calver, picks Greentea Peng as one to watch for next year. Learn more about the artist on the rise below.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Smoke a zoot with my man and put the plants on the balcony, if it’s sunny though the first thing I do is smile and say thank you.
Tell us your first musical memory…
Standing on tree stumps in Burgess Park singing Oliver Twist songs with my dad.
A song that sums up your life so far?
Afro man – ‘Because I Got High’.
If you were Prime Minister for the day – what would you do?
Sack the majority of the government, send Tony Blair to prison for crimes against humanity. Legalise weed, release anyone on a weed charge from pen, maybe even a drug charge. Make healthy food cheaper and ban smartphones to under 16’s. Lastly, I would commission a fat Ashram somewhere in the countryside for homeless people and people affected by drug addiction.
What’s your biggest learn from 2020?
Nothing is as it seems.
You’re stranded on a remote island – you can only have five items. What are they?
As this is theoretical, I’m imagining weed already growing there in abundance so – matches, long rizlas, machete, paper and a pen.
How did your parents react when you started making music?
They were relieved and very happy I had gone back to my truest passion, in all honesty I think they were just grateful that I was able to express myself creatively as it helped me to release a lot of anger.
You can only eat one meal for the rest of your life. What is it?
Curry, 100%.
What has been the defining moment of your life so far?
Probably my step dad passing on.
If you could curate the line-up for the next Tiffany Calver & Friends, who would you pick?
Denzel himself, Keeyah Blu, Wulu, Kid Cruise & Simmy and Greentea Peng & The Seng Seng Family.
If you weren’t making music – what would you be doing?
Bartending on a hot beach in my bikini somewhere by now surely.
Cats or dogs?
I love my cat Buju so much but dogs.
If you woke up to 1 million pounds in your bank account – what is the first thing you would do?
Buy Mum a yard.