Interview with Massuma

London-born Massuma started producing grime instrumentals at just 12 and honed his DJ skills through university parties, small gigs, and residencies across London. Formerly known as Sam Savage, he rebranded to pursue Afro house, blending UK funky house, Afro rhythms, and emotive vocals. His breakout single “Contesto” hit #2 on the Afro House charts, earning support from top DJs, and now he’s ready to share his next chapter with the world.

“Contesto” seemed to capture a global mood instantly - what do you think made it resonate so deeply across different audiences?

"I think it’s the rhythm but also the sample, it just does something to people that forces them to sing along and move. It has that pulse that people can feel no matter where they’re from. There’s something spiritual about Afro house, it carries energy that goes beyond language or culture. Contesto just tapped into that at the right moment."

How did you handle the pressure and attention that came with your debut track blowing up so quickly?

"It was a mix of excitement and chaos. I tried not to overthink it and just stayed focused on making more music. The key is to remember why you started and not get lost in the noise."

Looking back, what moment made you realize your music was breaking beyond the underground scene?

"When I started seeing clips of Contesto being played at huge festivals and the crowd reacting like crazy. That was the moment I knew it had moved beyond the underground."

What did shedding the name Sam Savage mean for you personally and artistically?

"It was a reset. I wanted to leave behind the expectations tied to hip hop and start fresh. Massuma feels more connected to who I am now, it represents growth and a wider perspective."

Your music fuses African, Latin, and European influences -  how do you balance those worlds while keeping a clear signature sound? 

"I don’t think about balance too much. Those influences are all part of me, so they come through naturally. The key is staying honest with what I feel in the moment, not forcing anything."

Do you feel your multicultural upbringing in London gives you a unique advantage in today’s global electronic scene? 

"Definitely. Growing up in London exposed me to so many sounds - grime, Afrobeat, house, everything. It taught me to see music as one big conversation, not separate genres. That mindset helps me connect with a wider audience."

The vocal sample in “Contesto” has a personal backstory - do you often draw from your own life experiences when building tracks?

"Yeah, always. I like music that feels human. Even if it’s a club track, there should be something real in it, some memory, some feeling that means something to me."

Having early support from major DJs like Keinemusik and Shimza must be validating - how has that shaped your confidence as a new artist? 

"It’s been huge. When people you’ve looked up to for years back your music, it reminds you you’re on the right path. It pushes me to go harder, but also to trust my instincts more."

Can you share what listeners can expect from your next releases -  will they continue the Afro house direction, or are you experimenting further? 

"Still Afro house at the core, but evolving. I’m exploring new textures and tempos, bringing in influences from my past in hip hop and Latin sounds too. The goal is to grow without losing the soul."

What first inspired you to start making music, was there a defining moment, artist, or experience that sparked it all?

"It started early, just curiosity. I was obsessed with how beats came together, so I downloaded Fruity Loops and never stopped experimenting. There wasn’t one big moment, it just became the thing I loved doing every day."