Franz Von - Nah Beg (Single) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Emma Ledwith
Born in Jamaica, but now a central part of Sheffield’s hip-hop, afro and soundsystem culture, Franz Von is a MOBO-endorsed wordsmith, fusing rap, boom-bap and dancehall stylings with spoken word to create a distinctive blend with social commentary at the forefront. Perhaps best known as the high-octane emcee of UK jazz fusionists TC & The Groove Family and much loved afrofusion kings K.O.G. & The Zongo Brigade, 2025 sees him make a return as a solo artist, sharing his debut album ‘Take What You Want’ on Friday 20th June via Bridge The Gap.
Known for his versatility, Franz mirrors hip-hop's sample culture and adaptability with his stylistic approach. Raised on a diet of Damian Marley, Lauryn Hill and Nas, he also draws inspiration from contemporary artists like Klashnekoff, Little Simz and Kojey Radical, whilst referencing African rhythms, dub poetry, reggae, contemporary jazz and UK Bass music. These influences can be heard across the nine track runtime of ‘Take What You Want’, which journey’s from the uplifting, soulful feel of ‘Make It Happen’, through to the afro-fusion, groove-heavy ‘Nah Beg’ (featuring Ghanaian vocalist Quabena Cepha) and the bassy, dancehall vibes of ‘Rumtown’.
Created in close partnership with producer Chris Mayall, the production across the album is dynamic, pulling in everything from classic Dilla swing to dancefloor-ready electronics, perfectly complementing Franz’s bouncing, patois-tinged flows. On the message of the record Franz shares: “Take What You Want is a reminder to marginalised communities that we have the right to access the same resources as everyone else, and we belong in whatever space we chose to occupy. It's not just about holding on and accepting what you’ve been given, its about being assertive and proactive to reach your full potential, to own the space you are in and to confidently move into new places both physically and mentally.”
The final single from the album ‘Nah Beg’ sees him recruit Ghanaian vocalist Quabena Cepha and TC & the Groove Family bandmate and bandleader ‘TC’ for a playful fusion of afrobeat, hip-hop and contemporary jazz. Releasing on Thursday 22nd May, the track takes inspiration from a Jamaican proverb and ode to the need to work hard for your own wants and needs. Franz shares: “Nah Beg aims to capture the juxtaposition of inner stillness against the external everyday hustle. I wanted to emphasise the importance of cultural pride and spiritual growth. The lyrics and the tone of the track are rebellious - I want the listener to embrace the mindset of hard work and claiming what's theirs without apology.”
The album follows his 2021 EP ‘PEOPLE DI POWA’, which drew widespread support from the likes of BBC Introducing, DJ Target on BBC 1Xtra, Ministry of Sound, Wordplay and Exposed Magazine. As a member of TC & The Groove Family and K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade, Franz has performed extensively across the UK & Europe, touching down at festivals including Glastonbury, WOMAD, We Out Here and Love Supreme. He has also collaborated with the likes of Tony Allen, Onipa, corto.alto and Wiyaala.
‘Take What You Want’ will release on Friday 20th June via Bridge The Gap.
Franz Von sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So, you’re about to release your debut album ‘Take What You Want’. Tell us a little about your journey in music. What have been the key moments that have brought you to this point?
My journey in music has been a mix of discovery, personal growth, and persistence. One of the key turning points was finishing in 3rd place with K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade at the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition. That experience really validated my work and gave me a huge boost in confidence. From there, I had the chance to embark on bigger UK tours and my first European tour, which were eye-opening. The response from audiences and the demand for the music made me realise that this wasn't just a passion—it could actually be a career. That was a defining moment for me, when I understood I had to take it all more seriously and fully commit to the path I'm on now. The work ethic demonstrated by some of my peers including my band members in TC & The Groove Family as well as my hip hop afrofusion band has helped to further solidify my commitment. 'Take What You Want' is the result of that journey so far
2. There’s a heavy fusion element to the music on the record, bringing in afrobeat, highlife, dancehall and UK bass music alongside jazz and hip-hop. Who have been some of the main musical influences on the project?
Some of the main musical influences on this project include a diverse mix of artists and genres as well as traditional Rasta drumming and African rhythms. These range from Seun Kuti, Nigerian afrobeat artist, to Ghanaian musicians like Blitz The Ambassador and Pure Akan. Jamaican dancehall and reggae also play a strong role, with influences from Sizzla and Damian Marley. UK bass music influences on this project are from Sheffield's strong bassline and soundsystem culture. Overall, the music is shaped by a love for a wide range of styles, blending with my bands hip-hop jazz sounds.
3. Can you give us one sentence to describe your sound to our readers?
My sound is a rebellious, empowering fusion of, African rhythms, dancehall, UK bass, with hip-hop and jazz, giving voice to marginalised communities and challenging social and political systems.
4. Tell us a little about your approach to lyric writing across this project.
My lyric writing across this project was shaped by a mix of personal experience and the world around me. Some of the lyrics were directly influenced by the young people I mentor at Tracks Music Charity. Others were inspired by the tragic loss of young lives in my community due to knife crime, gun crime, and prison sentences. My children and my own life journey have also been a major source of inspiration.
My approach is to capture these experiences, emotions, and influences in an honest and relatable way. I write in different environments—sometimes in the studio while the beat is still being made, sometimes while driving back from gigs when ideas suddenly hit, and other times I sit with a clear structure and write at home. I’m quite self-critical, so I often write multiple versions of a hook or verse before landing on the final one.
I try to avoid being too political or preachy, but I do aim to highlight social issues and challenges. At the same time, I focus on writing lyrics that are uplifting and empowering, offering hope and strength through the music.
5. The album really digs into themes of community and empowerment. Are there any up and coming artists in your network/on your radar right now that we should check out?
I'm a music mentor in Sheffield and I try to keep up with new artists and bands. There are so many talented independent musicians in this city, I would recommend checking out the young artists coming through music mentoring programs from Tracks UK, Slambars, Pattern & Push.
6. On your artistic journey so far, what are your top 3, standout moments?
Every time I play at Glastonbury festival, Headlining the Jazz Cafe with TC & The Groove Family and with K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade, Being invited on stage by Blitz the Ambassador during his live show at Cabaret Aléatoire in Marseille.
7. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
First of all make sure you really love what you do because it will be a lot of hard work, sacrifice and sometimes disappointment - the love will get you through.
Be intentional - try to make purposeful moves, make great music consistently, be patient and persistent, be ready your time will come. I think the most important thing is to really enjoy what you do and have fun with it.
8. Outside of the album, what else do you have coming up?
We have more releases coming from TC & The Groove Family, the remixes from our last EP 'We Have Each Other' there are some big features on there so keep a look out. I've actually been pretty busy collaborating with some really great artists and producers from around the UK so there will be some naughty singles popping up over the next few months.
9. With summer and festival season coming up, what albums are going to be on heavy rotation for you on the way to gigs?
I get to see a lot of bands at festivals so I add to my playlist for the drive to the next festival. I've already started with with these albums:
Shay Hazan - Reclusive Rituals
Ebi Soda - Honk If You're Sad
Rome Streetz - Hatton Garden Holdup
Plantfood - Carnivores
Snazzback - Ruins Everything
corto.alto - Bad With Names
D Double E - King of Reloads (EP)
Grumpy - IF I GO (single)
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Herbs, snacks and good vibes, no bad energy!