Rising Stars: Meet Anthony Wantuadi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Wantuadi.

Hi Anthony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had this desire to perform for people. Since I was a child, I would daydream and spend hours in my room conducting performances to my imaginary fans. The sad thing is I never had the guts to actually perform in front of people. I was a really shy kid and dreams were just dreams. You have to focus on the real things in this world and understand that not everyone can do the impossible. Not everyone can make it. So I was told. I never gave up on the dream but as I grew older, other things caught my interest but I could never get the music out of my head. It was so hard to focus in class. Even till this day, I’m always daydreaming. I’m always creating a song or a beat in my head. At times I would think it was a curse but little did I know, it was a gift sent straight from God. It wasn’t until my 2nd year attending Georgia State University that I made the decision to pursue my dream as an artist.

My two closest friends were the ones who pushed me to work on my craft. They were the ones who gave me the jump start I needed to actually move. We use to spend hours just freestyling with each other and they saw the potential I had and I’m so thankful that God placed them in my life. 2020 was a year for me to put a lot of things on hold, including my music and to direct my focus on my relationship with God. I was going through a lot that year and the only thing keeping me together was God. He was my escape and he helped me overcome the Goliaths that I was facing within myself and because of it, I dedicate my music to him. I am now an alternative Christian artist. I say alternative because it’s not like the Gospel or church music you hear at church. All I listened to was hip/rap, R & B and most of all alternative music like The Internet, Smino, Childish Gambino, etc., so those types of rhythms and flows naturally transferred over into my music. It took a minute for me to fully commit to this transition because of fear and I had doubts that it would be good but boy, was I wrong. I have a new single, “Forever my Friend,” coming out in the month of May and I can’t went to bring a fresh tune to the world.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like everyone else in this world, my road was nowhere close to smooth. There’s always been a roadblock that happens to show up randomly in my life. My biggest struggle was a sense of love or high self-esteem for myself. I didn’t have a lot of confidence growing up and for most of my life, I lived in fear. I don’t know where it came from or how it started but it was a barrier that I grew tired of. Like why would I hold myself back? I should be my biggest supporter. I didn’t have a feel for self-worth until I found my identity through Christ. I felt like I had a purpose in life and I wasn’t here for no reason. Through him I was able to be more confident in my skin. I didn’t need to walk around in fear or in doubt of my possibilities because he is God of doing the impossible so why should I limit what he can do? I use to hate world for the problems it brought but once I accepted it, I was able to prepare myself for the challenges and obstacles I would meet. Staying in prayer and resting in God has helped me not only overcome the challenges I face but be at peace when I am in an obstacle. I trust that he has everything under control so I try not to worry or be too anxious.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a rapper/singer. I produce Christian music with a mix of hip/hop and alternative flare. I also do freestyle and choreography dance. I love being original with all my art. I try to be as far out and as different as I can be and I believe that’s what sets me apart. I have created my own style and flavor. It’s really fresh and unique and I am so proud of myself for that. When I started, I had a tough time trying to figure out the words to say in a song or the right rhythm to use. I spent a lot of time comparing instead of creating. When I let go of the comparison type of thinking and the overthinking of what people would think when they hear my music or what they would like to hear, that’s when I began to flourish and have fun with the writing process. I’m most known for the time and effort I put into my songs. I can be an overly perfectionist.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’ve learned to use your time to the fullest. Time is not guaranteed for anyone and as cliché as it sounds, live it how you want it. Don’t waste your time. If you have a vision or dream, go after it now. It has also taught to rest. I am not a fan of resting and I like going hard 24/7 but your body can’t perform 24/7 because it needs it’s rest so go hard in the lab but don’t forget to take your rest.

Contact Info:

• Email: antwant2id@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_callmetoni/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user630088776
• Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/toni7/wish