Meet Ella John, the leading lady stirring up the Dutch trap scene with eccentricity

Interview by Inya Tennyson - Photography by Andrea Amponsah

Soundwise Ella John likes to intertwine trap, hip hop, and dancehall. Her well-received 101Barz sessions are proof that she spits fire. The Surinamese artist who calls the Netherlands home has hopped on festival stages in Amsterdam and has performed in Senegal. Next to raising the bar for Dutch trap music, Ella is committed to uplifting the youth of her neighborhood. “There is so much talent where I grew up but a lack of facilities to help artistic youngsters develop.” The Homebase Connects platform was brought to life by Ella John to provide a space for young creatives in her hometown. 

So, Ella, you've been making melody for a while. How did you start your career? 

I’ve been making music from a young age but in 2016 I started seriously pursuing a musical career. I picked up the habit to go to the studio and I released my first official project in 2017. I put two music videos on YouTube that got a load of positive reactions. Later I did two 101Barz sessions, performed at a Boiler Room show and at SMIB x TNO Fest. In 2019 I did a show in Senegal too. 

You write each and every punchline yourself. Where do you get your inspiration from? 

My inspiration comes from life… The situations I go through... When I'm in the studio with the producer, the beat they create determines which feelings, moods, and thoughts arise within me. Say it’s a really dark beat, then I might be reminded of difficult times and feelings of aggressiveness. If the beat is very lively, then I’ll write something cheerful because my mind automatically is brought back to joyous memories. When I’m in the studio with other artists we inspire each other because everyone comes with their own energy. 

You just had a release party for your newest EP. Tell us about the ‘FLOWSGAANKO’ project. 

The sound of this EP is underground trap. I’d describe it as unconventional and quite dark because it’s a reflection of a dark period of my life. But at the same time, it’s high energy. Like something that I’d make a moshpit for at a festival. We made a music video for the track ‘Tweebarkie’, which is my favourite production on the project because it’s very raw. The EP features Crystal Chanay, Silvio Cohen and Leeroy, known from the Amsterdam rap formation Zwart Licht. Leeroy did the mixing and mastering of the entire project and gave great advice on the release process. For the beats I linked up with Mastah William, Ducktape, APTrax and El Duro. We celebrated the result of our hard work during an intimate release party. 

How do you experience the female rap scene in the Netherlands? 

There used to be fewer women in Dutch hip hop but nowadays more and more female artists are emerging, like Crystal Chanay who I have a single with on the FLOWSGAANKO EP. Latifah was one of the first ones to blow up in the Netherlands. Lately I’ve mainly been listening to upcoming female artists because I enjoy seeing an artist developing throughout their careers. You can really see the growth from when they started off to where they are now. It’s like you're part of their journey. 

We’re curious about your playlist. What are the top five artists you currently blast through your speakers? 

*Goes into her playlist*. BbyMutha… Vybz Kartel… Oh, this is a tough one... If we’re talking old-school then Kempi’s old music. I used to listen to him a lot when I was younger. Then, John Negus. He’s not known yet but that’s my little brother. He was in my first 101Barz session. We’ve been making music and inspiring each other. That’s why he’s one of my top artists. And finally, @Ray Fuego. Because he gets creative with different genres. 

Wait… I’m not in my own top 5. In that case, scratch Kempi. I love his old music but I feel like I should have a spot in my top 5. Actually, can I change it to a top 7? Because Miss Angel definitely deserves to be on the list too. I find her music very powerful and uplifting. We have a song together titled “Di Gyaldem” which we’ve also performed a few times. 

Which musicians do you dream of collaborating with? 

In the Netherlands, Mula B and LouiVos. BbyMutha from the US. There are many people I’d like to work with but features are not my top priority. I get features usually very naturally. Either someone hits me up, or if I make a song, I know exactly which vocals I want on there and that’s separate from my favorite artists. I base my choice on the sound of the song so truly anyone could hop on… But if Vybz Kartel ever gets out of prison and is willing to work with me… *laughs*. I’d love Popcaan and Spice featurings too, if we’re talking dancehall. 

What do you ultimately want to achieve with your music? 

I’d like to have my own festival, but performing at Lowlands and Wireless is on my list too. Other goals are releasing music on vinyl and learning how to produce beats myself. 

If you'd have your own festival, what would it sound and look like? 

The music would be super trappy and very raw, with a predominantly female lineup, from countries like the US, Brazil and the Netherlands. The ambience would resemble a small town. It’d be like visiting a whole new city that looks like the inside of my headspace. There would be African soul food and a lot of chill areas. Location-wise I’d pick my home area Zaandam, the Netherlands because I’d like people from outside to experience its vibe.

Actually, there is an upcoming festival that you’re a part of called Homebase Connects x Live at the BBQ. How was that baby born? 

The art center Het HEM approached me for ways to create a connection with the Zaanstad area and its locals. So we came up with the Homebase concept, in order to give youngsters in Zaanstad a place where they can create and join forces. Last year I helped host a festival called Homebase Connects and this year I’m organising a festival in collaboration with the Live at the BBQ community. It’s all about fashion, skating, and music. I’ll be performing there alongside Backroad Gee and many female artists like Reanny, Bao G and Fabs on the 16th of July in Zaandam. Be sure to get your hands on a ticket.

You can also see Ella John performing live on the 8th of July as support for Key Glock at Melkweg, Amsterdam.