For Mashawi Riley, creativity is limitless. “I would say my personal identity is vast,” he says. “Singer, songwriter, performing and recording artist with a fashion styling background who also models.” Blending pop, hip-hop, R&B, and alternative, Mashawi’s work reflects a constantly evolving vision rooted in music, fashion, and movement.
His background — growing up in a musical family and working as a celebrity stylist — continues to shape his multifaceted approach. “I believe in having as many experiences as possible.”
“I thought to myself — I could do this forever”
A defining childhood moment happened at a local carnival: “There was a singing competition, and whoever won would get a new TV — and we needed one,” Mashawi remembers. “I sang, and I actually won.” That performance, and the roar of the crowd, marked a turning point. “In my head I thought to myself I could do this for the rest of my life.”
From early projects like Rise N Shine and DEMENTION, to writing increasingly refined material, Mashawi’s growth has been steady and intentional. “You’re always growing your process… and I’m learning what I really want to say to the world.”
“This song was made for the runway”
His latest single PHENOMENA was created for a very specific moment: walking the runway at Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) during LaceL’s fashion show. “It was a match made in heaven,” he says. “I wanted a dance, upbeat fashion show song — and I performed it live while modeling.”
Fashion and performance are inseparable in Mashawi’s world. “Music and fashion go hand in hand,” he explains. “You can’t live one without the other.”
PHENOMENA is not just a song — it’s a runway anthem built around power, confidence, and motion.
“Visual storytelling lets me say what I need to”
Movement plays a critical role in Mashawi’s artistry. “It gives me a sense of being free,” he says. “Let your body do anything — just be in the moment.” Whether it’s choreography or spontaneous expression, visual storytelling allows him to build emotion beyond lyrics.
“Seeing is everything,” he adds. “We create a picture about our story and translate it into something totally unique.”
“A bold goal I’m manifesting is doing this full-time”
Mashawi Riley’s dream collaborator? “Let’s be honest — it’s Beyoncé.” But his current mission is just as ambitious: “Doing this full-time, every day, all the time.”
With visual-forward tracks like PHENOMENA, an evolving sound, and a distinctive creative identity, Mashawi is carving out a lane entirely his own. “Each song is different, but I want people to feel good, dance, and believe they can accomplish anything.”
To get into contact with Mashawi, contact at: [email protected] or his social media agent Frederick at [email protected]