Get to know 2023 Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year nominee, SAFE in our “7 Questions With” series where we speak with first-time JUNO Award nominees from all genres.
In 2016, the then 18-year-old SAFE became Toronto’s secret weapon, working closely with Drake and OVO. SAFE came up through the Halal Gang collective, consisting of Mustafa The Poet, Puffy L’z, Mo-G and Smoke Dawg. On June 30, 2018 Smoke Dawg was killed, sending the city into a state of shocked mourning. “He was the voice of the streets,” mentioned SAFE in an interview with Vice. After the tragic loss, SAFE took some time to himself and relocated to New York. Since then, the city of Toronto has been waiting to hear what’s next. In 2019, he released “Paid In Full” featuring Playboi Carti. Pitchfork reviewed the single, stating “his light and buttery melody shines over the gloomy instrumental.” Now in 2022, SAFE is looking to elevate. The impact he made in Toronto back in 2016 still remains and he is looking to spread that impact to the rest of the world.
1. How does it feel to be nominated for a JUNO award?
It’s a great feeling as an artist to make songs with no expectations and getting recognition. Its pretty dope if you ask me lol.
2. Tell us a bit about your JUNO-nominated project.
Get Home Safe Part 1 is a Lofi/R&B EP that I made about family, friends and love. I had written these songs a couple of days before COVID reminiscing on my life.
3. What has been the craziest moment of your music career to date?
My track, “Feel” had no idea that record was going to change my life.
4. What’s your favourite lyric from this project, and why does it resonate with you so much?
“Sometimes I just sit and ask myself, is what I’m doing really worth it? Does my message have a purpose?”
When I overthink, I remind myself that I’m doing the right thing, nominations like these reassure me.
5. Which Canadian artist would you like to collaborate with and why?
Bieber, I’ve always been a fan of his work and I think sonically we can create a masterpiece.
6. What would you like music fans to know about you? How would you introduce your music to
new or soon-to-be fans?
I’m an eclectic artist, but R&B will always have a place in my heart.
7. What’s next for you?
Releasing more records and doing more live shows.
Rewatch every performance and memorable moment from The 2023 JUNO Awards broadcast, on CBC Gem, CBCMusic.ca/junos and The JUNO Awards social channels.
