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LAVI$H was born in Lusaka, Zambia, to parents who emigrated to Winnipeg, where they sought a better life for their seven children. The stark contrast in climate and culture to his home in Central Africa was underscored by the new music that LAVI$H heard in this new land. “When I came across all these other genres, it was crazy,” he recalls, as he combined his African roots with hip-hop, heavy metal, screamo, and pop. “I couldn’t stop searching for more.” Young LAVI$H was transformed and empowered when he discovered fellow Canadian Drake’s “Headlines.” LAVI$H cut his teeth recording songs on a computer with headset mics and using the family’s soundbar as a makeshift studio monitor. Believing listeners would embrace him, he continuously uploaded songs online, seeking validation.
Chubbs from OVO heard LAVI$H’s music and played it for his team. Before long, LAVI$H had decamped to Los Angeles, where he began recording at one of Drake’s L.A. studio houses. While honing his sound, LAVI$H developed his vision as an entrepreneur, building his CLUBBLVD brand in Toronto with Michael “Trizz” Williams and Christopher “Criti” Jack. Now, LAVI$H shares his highly anticipated debut EP You Made A Big Mistake.