From the heart of Zambia’s Copperbelt province, rising artist Uncle Ticky delivers a sound that’s as heartfelt as it is fearless. Blending elements of soul, funk, and alternative R&B, his music strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and groove. With “Big Bad World,” Uncle Ticky opens up about personal struggles, inner battles, and the redemptive power of music, proving that authenticity still resonates deeply in today’s world of overproduction and image-driven artistry.
In this exclusive conversation with Exposed Vocals, Uncle Ticky reflects on his creative journey, the inspiration behind “Big Bad World,” and the resilience that keeps him grounded. From navigating depression and loss to finding purpose through art, he gives us a glimpse into the man behind the music — honest, unfiltered, and passionately dedicated to his craft.
Exposed Vocals: “Big Bad World” is incredibly raw and honest. What inspired you to write this song, and what does it mean to you personally?
Uncle Ticky: Big Bad World is as you described it—raw and heavy on the honesty. Safe to say the message was delivered. I composed the song at a dark time. My grandma passed away, family struggles, relationship issues… so much. What ticked me off the most was everyone told me to man up. I was this close to ending it all. So, the song was more like a saving grace for me.
Exposed Vocals: You mentioned hiding depression behind humor—how has music helped you navigate mental health?
Uncle Ticky: Music is an outlet (I’m pretty sure every artist says this). Sometimes I choose not to open up much about a lot because I try to think of solutions first. Music enables me to express the words I often suppress to avoid judgment. Besides, the creative process is an escape from the BS and struggles life puts on us, especially for me living in a third-world country.
Exposed Vocals: What was the creative process like producing this track during such a difficult season?
Uncle Ticky: My guitar was my best friend. The moment I sat down and composed the guitar melody, I knew my message had to be heard. Music and sound are my survival job. We currently have an electricity problem in the country, so maneuvering a 3 or 4-hour power supply daily came with its fair share of frustration. I made it work by spending an hour or two on clients and the remaining hours were devoted to myself.
Exposed Vocals: Your sound blends soul, funk, and alternative R&B. How did you develop your unique musical style?
Uncle Ticky: I’ve listened to so much music and those specific genres spoke to me the most—not forgetting Hip Hop. I’m a very critical listener when it comes to sound, so I’d pick the very small, often overlooked elements and amplify those. I’d say that’s how my style came about. I’m now looking into breeding a new flavor from our Zambian sounds like Zamrock and Kalindula.
Exposed Vocals: Can you tell us a bit about your roots in Zambia and how your environment influences your storytelling?
Uncle Ticky: I was born in a small mining town called Mufulira in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. Mufulira being small doesn’t have much to it; however, my storytelling came from a place of big dreams—taking the little town to the world. Mufulira means “Place of Abundance and Peace.” Trying to paint a picture of an overlooked or disregarded place that houses so much gold (or in our case, copper). This ties into my brand and what I stand for—a voice, role model, and inspiration for the overlooked, giving them hope that you can achieve and conquer the world.
Exposed Vocals: What message do you hope listeners take away from “Big Bad World”?
Uncle Ticky: It gets better with time. Like I said in the bridge, “I’m not the only one.” Remember to be kind to everyone you interact with because so many silent battles are being fought behind smiles and “I’m fines.” Also, pay attention to lyrics—they contain a lot of hidden messages, lol!
Exposed Vocals: What’s your typical songwriting process like—do lyrics come first, or do you start with melodies?
Uncle Ticky: My process varies. Since I’m self-produced, there isn’t any exact formula. It could be a lyric that hits me, a random freestyle that births a concept. Sometimes I can make a beat and sit on it for weeks or months till the perfect idea hits me.
Exposed Vocals: Are there any artists or movements that have shaped your sound or approach to music?
Uncle Ticky: Yes! Some of my influences are Anderson .Paak, Mumba Yachi, Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Marvin Gaye, Lauryn Hill… the list is endless. However, movements or eras that have shaped my approach and sound? I must give it to the 70s Motown era and the 2010s hip-hop renaissance.
Exposed Vocals: What challenges have you faced as an independent artist, and how have you overcome them?
Uncle Ticky: Money/funding is always the issue… lol! Funny but true. Other than that, issues such as lack of systems or relevant structure in the music industry in my country, balancing music and it being a job as well, does take a toll on my motivation. I overcome this through prayer and consistency. I have a gift and the world deserves to hear it. That’s what keeps me going.
Exposed Vocals: Looking ahead, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects, performances, or releases we should keep an eye out for?
Uncle Ticky: I haven’t been the most consistent artist, but my promise to everyone viewing this—old or new listeners—is that “All For A Heartbreak 2” is coming, and it’ll be a wonderful listening experience, just as much as the next music and new era of Uncle Ticky. I’m working around having more local performances and, if I’m favored, visiting other countries to further expand on the dream!
Closing Thoughts
Uncle Ticky’s journey is one of resilience, honesty, and evolution. “Big Bad World” doesn’t just tell his story—it reminds listeners everywhere that vulnerability is strength and that even through life’s darkest moments, creativity can be a lifeline. As he continues to shape his sound and expand his reach, there’s no doubt that Uncle Ticky is set to become one of Zambia’s most compelling musical voices.
