Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with WeeLye

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I was born in the Congo, in Kinshasa, the capital of Congolese rumba, now recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Music was everywhere. I have vivid memories of rehearsals in our living room—voices rising, instruments filling the space, that vibrant energy that was part of everyday life. I was born into a family of musicians, including my aunt, a singer in the legendary OK Jazz. Music was never just background—it was a language, a living transmission.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I believe it truly began the day I heard my aunt sing for the first time on vinyl records my father played at home. I remember thinking very simply, I want to become like her. Music always attracted me, but even before singing, there was dance. I was already passionate as a child. Apparently, I even danced in the subway… (laughs). Creating music became an obvious path, a natural way for me to express myself.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

It is music that speaks about life—its contrasts, its movements, its emotions. Each song reflects a balance between my two cultures, Congolese and French. My project is a space where these two worlds meet, dialogue, and complement each other, without ever being in opposition.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

French and Lingala naturally intertwine in my music, and I deeply love that because it truly represents who I am. This blend reflects my multicultural identity, and it’s exactly how I want the audience to discover me in all my plurality. I don’t try to smooth or simplify it; on the contrary, I fully embrace this richness.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I learned that I don’t need to fit into a box to be legitimate. Accepting that I don’t have to choose a single style or label freed me. From the moment I started trusting my intuition rather than external expectations, my music became more sincere, more alive.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

The voice is my first instrument. Everything begins there. Often, a melody comes before the words. Then piano or guitar follow, depending on the energy of the moment. I like to keep things simple and organic, leaving space for emotion before technique. Tools are there to capture an intention, not to constrain it.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

There are many, but lately I’ve been listening a lot to gospel music from all over the world. These songs nourish me deeply, both vocally and spiritually. They remind me of the power of the voice as a tool for transmission and elevation.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

My personal experiences are at the heart of my music. They’ve shaped the way I write, sing, and inhabit the stage. Movement, silence, challenges, as well as joy and encounters, taught me how to listen differently. My music has become a space for transformation—a place where I can lay down what needs to be expressed.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

If my music can offer a moment of well-being, escape, or breathing space, then it has fulfilled its role. I want people to enjoy the moment, to let themselves be carried away, to escape a little, and to leave with something lighter or brighter.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Music taught me how to truly listen listening to others, but above all, listening to myself. It taught me patience, humility, and trust. It showed me that vulnerability is a strength, and that the voice, when it is true, can become a real act of healing.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

La Cigale in Paris is a venue I truly dream of performing in. I love its energy, the sound quality, and the fact that it’s large without being overwhelming. It allows a real sense of closeness with the audience, and that connection is essential to me.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Oh wow… that’s a very difficult question (laughs). I love so many artists. But if I had to choose, I would say Erykah Badu, with whom I had the chance to open a show, and D’Angelo.
I’ve lost count of the hours I’ve spent singing along to their songs, training, exploring their music, and immersing myself in their worlds. The sound, the creativity, and the originality of their artistic approaches are simply unmatched, whether it’s their vocal signatures, the way their songs are arranged, or the freedom they bring to their music. Discovering them was a real musical shock for me, a profound awakening that deeply shaped my artistic sensitivity.

And of course, Papa Wemba, a true monument of Congolese music. He deeply influenced me. He showed me that Lingala could be international, sung all over the world, and carried through every musical style. I truly believe it’s thanks to him that I love singing in Lingala so much today. He proved that this language can resonate with everything. If you ever get the chance, listen to his album produced by Peter Gabriel, especially the song Show Me the Way, which I often perform live.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Listeners can find me on streaming platforms and on Instagram: @Weelyeoff, where I share my music, behind-the-scenes moments, and pieces of everyday life connected to the project.

🌍 Website
👉 https://www.milesfender.com/weelye/

🎧 Spotify
👉 https://open.spotify.com/search/WeeLye
(profil artiste WeeLye)

📸 Instagram
👉 https://www.instagram.com/weelyeoff/

📺 YouTube
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@WeeLyeMusicVEVO
(clips, lives, sessions)

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

My dream is for my music to travel even further, to cross more borders and cultures. To keep meeting new audiences, building bridges, and letting this music go beyond what I first imagined.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope they discover a joyful artist who truly loves expressing herself, sharing, and meeting others. Someone who takes real pleasure in passing on her passion. Above all, it’s a human adventure, because music is a powerful bridge between people, cultures, and emotions.

If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂

TIKA