Name: Angie Perera
Occupation: Singer, songwriter
Nationality: Sri Lankan/Malawian
Current release: Angie Perera's new single "Changu" is out now.

If you enjoyed this Angie Perera interview and would like to stay up to date with her music, visit her on Instagram.



On the basis of a piece off your most recent release, tell me about how the lyrics grew into their final form and what points of consideration were.

Regarding my most recent release, the song "Changu," the lyrics evolved through a process of careful consideration and personal reflection.

Initially, I was hesitant to write this song because it’s about welcoming people to Malawi—a place where I was raised, but not ethnically from (I'm Sri Lankan, and not fully fluent in Chichewa, the language). I didn’t want to risk misrepresenting or oversimplifying something so culturally significant.

However, I realized that it was important to incorporate even the little knowledge I had of the language into the lyrics. I wanted to create an authentic experience that honors Malawi’s spirit, even through my imperfect Chichewa. So, I focused on capturing the essence of welcoming and the vibrant energy of Malawi, blending it with a bit of funk to make it lively and true to the vibe I wanted to convey.

The points of consideration were about authenticity and respect—making sure that the song reflects the genuine warmth and culture of Malawi, even from my perspective. In the end, "Changu" became a heartfelt tribute, a fusion of my background and my love for Malawi.

What are areas/themes/topics that you keep returning to in your lyrics?

In my lyrics, I often find myself returning to seemingly insignificant memories—moments that, in the grand scheme of life, might seem trivial but become meaningful through the act of remembrance in my songs.

For example, in my debut single, "Rent," I paid tribute to the café I used to work in in the middle of the East Midlands in the opening line of the single. Without listening to or reflecting on that song, I might never think about that café again, but it remains alive and vivid in my lyrics.



These small, everyday moments—places, conversations, feelings—become powerful because they are preserved through music.

They remind me and others that even the simplest memories can be transformed into something special and enduring, simply by giving them voice and meaning through song.

Creativity can reach many different corners of our lives. Do you feel as though writing song lyrics or poetry is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more mundane tasks?

From my perspective as a singer-songwriter, I believe that writing song lyrics and creating a great cup of coffee share more similarities than one might initially think. Both are acts of artistry that require a sense of balance, intention, and a deep understanding of what resonates with people.

When I craft a song, I’m not just stringing words together; I’m carefully selecting phrases, melodies, and emotions that evoke connection, just as a skilled barista crafts an espresso with precision, selecting the right beans, grind, and extraction to create a perfect shot.  Ultimately, whether it’s through a song or a cup of coffee, I believe the goal is to connect, to make someone feel seen or comforted.

The artistry lies in the details, the passion, and the understanding of what makes that experience meaningful—elements that are at the heart of both songwriting and crafting a great espresso. Listeners and coffee lovers alike appreciate the elements that touch their senses and feelings—whether it’s the vulnerability and storytelling in lyrics or the rich aroma and bold flavor of a well-made espresso.

Just like how some people might like an acidic americano, while others prefer a nutty mocha, I have to remind myself that not everyone will like the pop or afrofunk music I create and it does not have to be 'everyone's cup of coffee' - because there is no such thing.