"Zack and Cody": A Conversation with Charmaine

Interview by Imani Dominique Busby

Photography by VISUALDARREL (@visualdarrel)

We had an insightful conversation with Charmaine after her performance at NXNE. We learned about her influences, upcoming new music,and her unique approach to engaging a crowd.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your introduction to making music?


I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. Lived most of my life in Nashville, Tennessee. Then I came to Toronto. I started making music around 2015-ish. And honestly, I haven't stopped since.


You mentioned you’re from various cities, how have those places influence your sound, if at all?


I would say the place that has influenced me the most was Nashville. I definitely love my southside music, Bone Crusher, John and the Franchize Boyz, Scrappy, Juvenile. I'm definitely one of those. I find that I be tapping into what I've heard from that era into my music.

You just did an incredible show. How did you feel playing NXNE?


Oh, it was so much fun. Honestly, this is my second year doing it and it's even better than last year. The crowd was amazing. The vibes were amazing. The people that I've encountered today. Just really welcoming and heartwarming.

Your stage presence is amazing and everyone was so engaged. And you're so funny, I was just cracking up. It was like stand-up– so good. Can you speak a little bit about integrating comedy into your set and your performance?


Actually, yeah. I've been thinking about how to to merge the two because I do love comedy, and I know that I am funny. Hilarious, actually. So I'm trying to find a way to bridge the gap. But I feel like I'm already doing it because in my sets, I do give comedic relief and have people laughing and stuff like that. But I want to venture into that a little bit more and see where it goes.


I love that. I think that's the way to go. I feel like it helped bring people in and feel more connected. At least for me personally, I felt more connected.

It makes you feel like you know me, right?

You played an unreleased song. Can you speak a little bit about it?

Okay, so “Zack and Cody” is going to be out next month. I don't have the exact date yet, but it will be next month. 

I just wanted to do something that was really easy going and somewhat nostalgic. I really loved “Sweet Life of Zack and Cody growing up.” I was like, “How can I make that a thing?” So when I thought about the big black trucks, I'm saying, “twinning”. Zack and Cody. I was like, “Oh, that's where I do it”. I'm really excited about it.

What is a message or theme that you want your listeners to take away from your work?


I would say the one thing that they should take away from my work is to stop giving a fuck. Don't care about what anybody has to say about you, what they think about you, how far they think you're going to go or not going to go. Just don't give a fuck and just be you.


Aside from yourself, who is your favourite Toronto artist?

My favourite Toronto artist? I think I'm going to have to say Goldie London.

I love her. not only her work ethic, but her personality, her spirit. Having worked with her, she’s definitely my favourite.

Do you have any last thoughts to share?


Last thoughts, last words. Oh, make sure you stream my upcoming project, “Blueprint” coming out in August. Don't know what day. But August.

Thank you so much.
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