5 Songs I Love w/ Marvin Chasala

As an artist, I’ve come to understand that music is not just about sound—it’s about intention. It’s about what you choose to carry, what you choose to say, and how honestly you say it. Every phase of my journey has been shaped by moments where certain songs didn’t just inspire me—they clarified me. They helped me understand who I am, what I value, and the kind of impact I want my music to have.

These five songs represent that journey. Not just influences, but defining points that continue to shape my sound, my identity, and my direction.

“Tondolo” — PK Chishala

“Tondolo” represents the beginning of my relationship with music—not as an industry, but as a lived experience. It takes me back to a time when music was part of everyday life, something you didn’t analyze, but something you felt. There was an honesty in it that didn’t need explanation.

What has always stayed with me about PK Chishala is the authenticity. There’s a naturalness in how the music exists—it doesn’t try to prove anything, it simply is. That made me realize early on that music, at its core, is about truth. It’s about creating something that reflects real life in a way people can recognize themselves in.

As I’ve grown, I’ve become very intentional about holding onto that foundation. I don’t just want to make music that sounds good—I want to make music that feels honest. “Tondolo” reminds me that my roots are not something to outgrow, but something to build from.

“Blood Diamond (Soundtrack)” — Solomon Vandy

The Blood Diamond soundtrack introduced me to a different level of awareness when it comes to sound. It showed me that music can carry emotion in a way that words sometimes can’t. It’s not always about what is being said—it’s about what is being felt.

What stood out to me was how intentional everything was. The music didn’t demand attention, but it held it. It created atmosphere, tension, and depth without needing to be overwhelming. That shifted how I think about production—not just as a technical process, but as a form of storytelling.

As an artist, I’ve become more deliberate about how my music feels, not just how it sounds. I think about space, pacing, and emotion in a much deeper way. That influence continues to shape how I approach creating music that people don’t just listen to, but experience.

“I Gotta Find Peace of Mind” — Lauryn Hill

This song challenged me to be more honest with myself as an artist. Lauryn Hill doesn’t perform in this song—she reveals. There’s a vulnerability in her delivery that is both uncomfortable and powerful, and that’s what makes it real.

It made me reflect on the role of music in my own life. I began to see it not just as a way to express ideas, but as a space to confront them. That shift required a different level of intentionality—not just writing what sounds good, but writing what is true.

As I continue to grow, I’ve become more focused on creating music that carries substance. Music that speaks to identity, to growth, to the internal conversations people often have but don’t always express. This song reminds me that honesty is not a weakness in music—it’s what gives it meaning.

“Alafuledi Ndi Dominic” — Namadingo

Namadingo represents a kind of artistic confidence that I deeply respect. “Alafuledi Ndi” doesn’t try to fit into a global sound—it embraces its identity fully, and in doing so, it becomes universal.

What I take from this is the importance of being intentional about who you are as an artist. Not chasing relevance, but defining it on your own terms. There’s a uniqueness in the sound, the delivery, and the presentation that makes it stand out without trying too hard.

That has influenced how I approach my own artistry. I see my identity not as something to adjust, but as something to refine and express more clearly. It’s about being grounded enough to stay true, but open enough to connect beyond borders.

“Onu Amonu” — Theophilus Sunday ft. Pastor Juliet Onekele

“Onu Amonu” reflects a deeper level of alignment for me—both creatively and personally. It represents a space where music goes beyond structure and becomes an experience. There’s a presence in it that you don’t just hear—you feel.

What stands out is the intentionality behind it. It’s not rushed, it’s not trying to fit into expectations. It allows space for reflection, for depth, for something meaningful to take place. That has challenged me to rethink the kind of music I want to create.

Right now, I find myself moving in that direction—toward music that carries purpose, that creates moments, that leaves something with the listener. This song represents growth for me. A clearer understanding that music can be more than expression—it can be impactful.

These songs represent more than influence—they represent clarity. Each one has shaped how I see music, how I approach my craft, and how I define myself as an artist. They continue to guide me as I move forward, with intention, with purpose, and with a commitment to creating something that is both honest and lasting.

"I Know Me" - Marvin Chisala

You can follow Marvin on socials here: https://linktr.ee/cayamusic