VIB - 10 Questions

VIB: Crafting Soulful R&B Rooted in Heritage.

UK artist VIB is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing independent voices in modern R&B. With early support from BBC Radio, Notion and Colors Studios, he is carving out a space where culture, emotion and storytelling sit at the heart of the music.

Raised in the UK and deeply connected to his Sri Lankan heritage, VIB’s sound is shaped by an eclectic mix of influences from Miles Davis and Motown to Bollywood and Arabic melodies. What ties it all together is a commitment to honesty. His music aims to offer listeners a moment of lightness, a brief escape from the noise of everyday life.

Identity sits at the core of his artistry. VIB has spoken openly about growing up in a country that did not always recognise the beauty of his background, and how discrimination shaped his sense of self. Music became a way to reclaim that narrative. As he puts it, he carries “the power of my people… all souls that have heaviness on their heart” into every track.

His latest release, Guli Mata, is a particularly meaningful step. The song is a collaboration with his aunt, Dr Taranga Vilasini, a respected Indian classical vocalist. Together, they reinterpret a beloved Arabic and Hindi classic that tells a story of love rising above cultural boundaries. It is VIB’s first featured collaboration and a heartfelt nod to the role of family and heritage in his creative life.

Away from the studio, VIB’s world is just as layered. He is a qualified doctor, a philanthropist, a meditator and even a black belt in kung fu, a combination that feeds into the grounded, purposeful nature of his music.

Balancing medicine with a rising music career is no small feat, yet VIB continues to pursue both with conviction. His long term vision stretches beyond charts or trends: he hopes to challenge injustice, champion love without condition and build a community rooted in meaning.

Thoughtful, culturally rich and unmistakably soulful, VIB is shaping a path that feels both personal and expansive. His journey is one to watch, not just for the music, but for the message that comes with it.

VIB sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My love for music started before I could process that I loved it. It’s deeper than words on a page. It’s a reflection of life, of capturing someone’s perception. Exercising their change, telling their story through notes and heart. For me music is just a reflection of life and it’s beautiful to be able to appreciate every artist's mirror.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Oof. This list would be absolutely endless. There are many that are no longer with us. Possibly the whole of Motown comes to mind first. MJ, Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Bill Withers, Etta James, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Sade, Erykah Badu. Soul music is my hearts composition. Miles Davis and any Jazz. To other genres absolute visionaries like J Cole an absolute poet, Dave, Joey Badass, Drake. Old school stuff Biggie, Tupac, Dr Dre, Ice Cube, NWA. Then way to RnB Brent Faiyaz, Tems, Bryson Tiller. To classical, to Afrobeats, to Bollywood music, to Arabic music - anywhere and everywhere inspires me. I deeply believe there is such personalisation in every genre; these artists are able to make us hold the emotions that were heavy on their hearts. Anyone that can do that inspires me. I would want to work with all these artists dead or alive, any artist that can touch a heart in the way that makes change, I would be open to working with.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I have many in the works and in my mind. Lots more singles consistently. A possible EP, maybe an album in the coming time.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound is my intention. My sound is one that reflects change. One that holds a fine line between pain and passion. To find beauty in the struggle and hear peace within chaos. To find stillness in tragedy. One that is meant to inspire intrinsic change and unconditional love. The weight of the world lives in the hearts and minds of our people, love to lighten their burden. My art is my heart and soul on a page and subsequently on a track.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

There are many moments I am deeply grateful for across my career so far. I feel like being able to balance my music career with medical school and now practicing as a doctor was a challenge that I am very proud of for persevering through. As well as the incredible opportunities with the amazing Asad and Kim Davis being interviewed on BBC London. As well as the never-ending support from the lovely Jasmine Takhar at BBC Asian network, making me her artist of the week and constantly showing nothing but love to all my tracks.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Put your heart and soul into it. Make every track your therapy. So whether it picks up or not, whether anyone listens or not, you have put your heart on the page and that is your win. Every time you write, every time you create, you succeed. Keep that as your goal and the universe will follow suit.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

So so many. Artists I’ve been listening to recently: Leon Thomas, Karri, Nemzzz, Brent Faiyaz, Don Toliver, always Drake and J. Cole.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

All of Motown's classics since birth. Take care by Drake. The best of Sade, Mama’s Gun- Erykah Badu, Kind Of Blue Miles Davis.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I am mostly working, my other passion which is practicing as a doctor. If not I exercise, gym, do a lot of martial arts and meditate. That is usually the routine.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Weird one but Honey for the voice.

Gotta come loaded with strepsils.

Never ever forget my good vibes. I go to the studio for therapy; so making sure I’m never forgetting it is a blessing to be able to create.