What is the story of Champion?

Champion is about a family who are involved in the music industry. It’s really about relationships and how the music industry affects peoples’ relationships, how it affects their mental health. It’s about the breaking up and reunion of different characters.

How did you first get involved in this project?

I initially came onto the project because they asked me to make the music for the show, that is how I was introduced to it. But, I also went to drama school and acting is a big part of my background. I started doing acting before music and I was asked on one of the calls if I was interested in auditioning for any of the roles and I said absolutely. I did a couple of auditions and landed the role of Honey as well.

How did you approach creating the music for the show?

I spent a lot of time reading the scripts and getting into the shoes of the characters, envisioning the scenarios they were in and making sure the music I was making reflected that really well. One of my favourite songs throughout was Shades of Blue because I really connected with Vita’s character when I first read about being out of the spotlight in her brother’s shadow, not singing. It was really great to step into someone else’s shoes to write that.

When approaching writing songs for Vita, I really wanted it to come from an honest, raw place. I feel like her character is someone who writes from the heart. That’s why her brother goes to her as his ghost writer because he can maybe sing bars that are braggadocios but she hits at the core and she is really raw. When I was writing for her I wanted to bring that and her vulnerability out in the music. Whereas Bosco is more braggadocious - but Ghetts did a phenomenal job writing those songs.

I was so excited that Ghetts was part of the project because he is a phenomenal rapper and someone I listened to when I was really young. When I heard about all the songs that he made, I was so impressed. As an artist he writes for himself but he was able to step into the shoes of this Bosco character and just hit the nail on the head so perfectly. I was really blown away.

How does music fit into the story?

What I love about the show is that it’s not a musical. The songs are really integrated into the stories of the characters, so the song comes out either when the characters are in the studio, making the music or on tour performing the music. That feels so much more natural to me and a great way to introduce the music to the viewers where they can really connect with not just the music but the storyline around it without it being cliché.

How important is music in Champion?

The music in Champion is integral to the characters because it reflects their personalities, it reflects what they are going through. It’s at the crux of the storyline, the music and the music business. I really loved that in the writing.

With Bosco’s character, we get to see the vulnerable side of him when he experiences a panic attacks. A lot of people in the music industry struggle with their mental health but it’s something that is kept very quiet. You wouldn’t usually see this side of a rapper, I think it’s really important to show real parts of the music industry and what the artists that we love go through.

What are your favourite tracks of the series and why?

My favourite tracks of the series are Champions to the World, which is also in the opening credits because it is just a banger. I really love Shades of Blue because I remember being in that space when I wrote it, really stepping into the shoes of the character.

Who are your top five musical GOATs?

Kendrick Lamar, that’s my number one. Kanye West, period. Lauryn Hill, one album you know and she makes it as a GOAT, that’s crazy. I have to say Drake, he is a GOAT, period. Nikki Minaj.

Why should people watch Champion?

People should watch Champion because it’s the show I wish I had when I was growing up. I wish this show was out when I was a teenager, 13, desperate to be an artist and desperate to see people who look like me on TV.

It’s a story of love between all the different characters like Honey and Vita, Bosco and Vita. Her character is really about her labour of love to her brother.

Particularly for anyone who loves music, this is the show to watch.