Brooklyn-based musician and producer, Simon Mansa, unveils his much-awaited debut single, “Indefinite War.” Written, produced, and arranged by the artist himself, this stirring and impactful song will be featured on Starz’s popular series, Power Book II: Ghost, following his remarkable 20-year career in the industry.
Mansa seamlessly blends elements of electronic, soul/R&B, and hip-hop in the track, incorporating synths, piano, Hammond organ, sound design, drum programming, and electric guitar. In addition to producing and singing, he expertly engineered, mixed, and mastered the song, demonstrating his remarkable skill set.
Simon’s creative process is all about following his instincts when writing and recording, taking on multiple roles throughout the process, and making adjustments as needed to achieve the perfect sound. Through his new single, he aims to highlight the significance of mutual support and empathy during tough times. Despite the ongoing struggles, Mansa encourages listeners to hold on and keep the faith.
In regards to the inspiration for “Indefinite War,” Mansa says: “It’s a culmination of all that went on in 2020 to 2022 from COVID, police brutality, to the change of leadership in America, the war in Ukraine, it was an intense time to be living in New York City and on top of that I discovered that the grandparents I grew up with had actually adopted my father, which affected everything down to the family name that I carry which really blew my mind!”
He confesses that the news completely shook him to the core, causing him to question his own identity. Simon found himself rediscovering a part of himself that he never knew existed, leading to a flood of emotions ranging from confusion to betrayal and disappointment. “Indefinite War” served as a therapeutic outlet, allowing him to express his struggles and the feeling of being trapped in an endless battle.
Mansa’s musical journey began in his early years and evolved into a full-time profession after working at Sony Music Australia. Over the years, he has recorded and performed with renowned bands and artists across the United States and Australia, touring more than 20 countries across six continents. His talent has graced some of the most prestigious venues around the world, including the Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and Blue Note NYC.
His musical contributions extend beyond the US and Australia, as he recorded an album in Mali, West Africa, collaborating with the Grammy Award-winning artist Toumani Diabate. Simon Mansa’s work has also been featured on Hulu’s The Watchful Eye. With great enthusiasm, he looks forward to sharing “Indefinite War” with the world and hopes that the song’s message of empathy and support will resonate with listeners.
Listen to “Indefinite War” here: