If you’re not already familiar with SPVNNI, now’s the time to get acquainted. With the weight of his latest mixtape RealEstate of Mind still settling on the city’s soundscape, he’s stepping onto the stage at Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre to open for none other than Curren$y. SPVNNI spoke with A&R Factory ahead of the May 11th show to reflect on what it means to perform in his current hometown, how his set will bring the mixtape’s themes of integrity, ambition, and identity into focus, and why leaving a lasting impression on his audience matters just as much as the sound itself. From his plans to tour globally to the emotional resonance he threads through his performances, this conversation unpacks the artist’s intent, energy, and aspirations with a grounded sense of purpose and momentum.
Welcome to A&R Factory, SPVNNI — thanks for taking the time to chat with us ahead of a big moment in your career. You’re set to open for Curren$y at the Phoenix Concert Theatre on May 11—how are you mentally and creatively preparing for that set, and what does that stage mean to you right now?
I’m here to welcome the opportunity and put my best foot forward. Dropping this tape meant a lot to me, and now it’s time to create an impactful experience for everyone who shows up. We’ve made sure to create a mix that captivates the audience while ensuring those in attendance get the very best of what the tape has to offer.
Performing in your current home city of Toronto must hit differently, especially with a show of this scale—how do you think the local crowd will respond to what you’re bringing to the table?
With how we’ve set up the performance, the crowd is going to thoroughly enjoy the show. I’m ready for the city to hear the variety of rich sounds and the many styles infused into the tape. This is going to be one for the books, for sure!
With RealEstate of Mind still fresh, are you building your live set around the mixtape, or mixing in older material to give fans the full picture of who SPVNNI is?
Every piece of material I drop depicts who I am, so this tape is an extension of that. With that said, the live set will be exclusively devoted to the mixtape.
What matters most to you when you’re thinking about the impact of your performance?
The performance will be memorable for not only the music but also the energy. I’m here to leave the crowd with a piece of me as a testament to what’s to follow.
The themes in your tape—integrity, ambition, identity—land heavy. Do you try to reflect that emotional weight on stage, or is the focus more on energy and connection?
The emotional weight will carry strongly in both the energy of the performance and the intentional messaging behind the songs I’ve selected to perform. The connection will brew naturally, and my main focus is to create a unique experience for the crowd as I want them to feel like they’re part of something magnetic from an entertainment aspect, and furthermore, to see I’m here to stay while continuing to make waves with every step I take.
You’ve spoken about pushing boundaries in hip-hop—do your live shows follow that same ethos?
The quality of extending past limits is embedded in our everyday life, so it’s only fair we bring that same level of confidence throughout the night, come May 11th.
With momentum building globally, is touring something you’re looking to expand on this year? Any dream cities, venues, or collaborations that feel within reach after this Toronto date?
If the timing and opportunities align accordingly, then touring abroad would make sense. My goal is to continue building on this foundation between Canada and the United States with more established artists in the scene. However, with greater sentiment, going back to the motherland and performing in front of my people in Jozi is ultimately where I’d feel most proud of my accomplishments.
Discover SPVNNI on Spotify & connect with them on Instagram.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
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