Carla Prata: Meet The Unmatched Artist Set To Capture The World

We catch up for an exclusive chat on her latest single, COLORS performance, lockdown motivation and more.

POSTED 23.03.21 16:28 BY TENAI PALOMINO

After recording her first single at just 15, Angolan-Portuguese artist Carla Prata continues to prove she is set to storm the scene. The UK-born singer, who grew up between the capital, Angola and Lisbon, captivates her listeners with a unique Afro/R&B vibe, fine-tuned by the infusion of her Anglo-Angolan background. Cementing her stardom in Portugal and areas of Africa and Europe, the 20-year-old has her sights set on the UK, looking to claim 2021 as her own.

The artist’s latest steamy single “Certified Freak” is THE ode to sensuality, passion and empowerment. A combination of R&B and trap, the tune is carried by the warm and seductive currents of Carla’s hypnotic vocals and melodies. As she prepares to drop her next project ‘SEX TAPE,’ Carla shows absolutely zero signs of slowing down any time soon.

What drives your creative processes? How do you translate your ideas into tangible art?

I spend most of my time working on music. In order to do that I have to be in constant introspect and constantly observant of the people around me, so that I can not only have stories to tell, but also be authentic. My flow, tone, melody, even the key of the song, is an extension of my world.

Who did you grow up listening to?

My mom mostly played Angolan music when she wasn’t listening to Michael Bolton, George Michael, Celine Dion or Whitney Houston. A regular Sunday playlist in my house would have a lot of Paulo Flores, Carlos Burity, Yuri Da Cunha, Nelson Freitas. My brothers played a lot of 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe, even Flume. My sisters listened to Pussy Cat Dolls, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears.

Your latest single ‘Certified Freak’ is the sensual bop sweeping the Internet right now. What advice would you give to women who want to be open about sex but are held back by the stigma surrounding sexually liberated women?

Sexual liberation isn’t just about reclaiming the idea of women rooted in our patriarch society. It can look and be something different because we’re all different. Know who you are, what you like and own that. Remember, that’s the only thing that matters.

How did it feel to perform for such a unique and adored platform like COLORS?

Performing on COLORS was unreal. I’d seen so many amazing artists like Masego, JiD, Sir, Rema on COLORS prior to even thinking about going on it, so to have my name amongst these names is an honour.

One of the comments under the COLORS video read “She’s dressed like Static Shock and is just as lit.” How would you define your own personal style?

When I was 11-13 years old I got into skateboarding and naturally got into skate culture. So my style has a lot of skate culture fashion influence. Although my style isn’t really something I focus on right now.

What does authenticity mean to you?

Being true to self.

How have you stayed motivated during lockdown? What do you do to recharge in difficult times?

Since a young age I’ve had control of my time. I’ve always had a home studio so being in lockdown hasn’t really changed much in my job other than not being able to be in the studio with artists and producers. I’ve been spending most of my time working on SEX TAPE so every other day I need some quality time with friends. A game night or something.

Top 3 songs right now?

6 for 6 & Commitment Issues by Central Cee and one of the songs on SEX TAPE.

Online music magazine PAM likened your vocals to that of The Internet’s Syd. How does it feel to be paralleled with some of R&B’s most distinct voices?

Syd has one of the most soothing voices I’ve heard. Me and her could do the biggest sex anthem!

What does your future hold? What can we expect to see next?

I pride myself in saying that I’m unpredictable, constantly reinvented myself and I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon.