Moses Pelham, aged 53, concluded his live performance career with emotional concerts in Frankfurt and is set to release his final album, ‘Letzte Worte,’ on January 24. In a revealing interview, he discusses the creative process of the album, his reconciliation with Xavier Naidoo, and the supportive responses from fans and peers. Reflecting on his departure, Pelham expressed satisfaction with his journey and hinted at potential future projects, including podcasting and visual art exploration.
Moses Pelham Bids Farewell to the Stage
Moses Pelham, at the age of 53, marked his exit from live performances with heartfelt final concerts in Frankfurt last December. On January 24, he is set to unveil his last album. In a candid discussion with spot on news, he shares the journey to his final record, the unexpected revelations during the creation of ‘Letzte Worte,’ and the meaningful collaboration with Xavier Naidoo, with whom he reconciled following a business disagreement. The rapper and producer from Frankfurt am Main also hints at future projects that are on the horizon.
Reflecting on the Final Shows and Album
Regarding his last concerts, Moses expressed immense satisfaction. “The energy, the love, the gratitude – it was truly everything I wished for and more,” he said, reflecting on the memorable experience. When asked if he regretted announcing his final album amid such emotional farewells, he reinforced his decision with gratitude, stating, “The wonderful experiences on my ‘Letzte Worte’ tour in December reinforce my choice. It is right to complete my work.”
Pelham shared that the reactions from his personal circle and the music community have been overwhelmingly supportive, highlighting the significance of this pivotal moment in his career. When discussing the timing of his departure, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the right moment, noting, “I felt completely capable of implementing what I envisioned, and so I did it by God’s grace now, before it might be too late.”
As he worked on his final album, Moses experienced a unique creative process. “I have never consciously made a last album. It was remarkable to shift my focus from what I want to leave behind to what I would like to create,” he revealed. This shift led to a multifaceted album that reflects various phases of his career, surprising him with its lighter tone.
On the topic of the album title ‘Letzte Worte,’ Pelham explained how the opening track ‘Der Anfang vom Ende’ and the closing piece ‘Alles verschwimmt’ form a cohesive narrative for the album. These tracks, alongside ‘Besseres für uns’ featuring Böhse Onkelz, symbolize the musical and thematic heart of his work.
Addressing the pressure of this being his final album, Pelham shared his approach of thorough preparation and creating more pieces than necessary, allowing him to distill the essence of his work. “Despite the pressure, I found the process enjoyable. It is a privilege,” he added.
Integrating Xavier Naidoo into the album was a significant choice for Pelham. “Xavier is one of my most important musical companions. When he sings, it feels like home to me,” he explained, praising their collaborative efforts on tracks such as ‘Sound Good’ and ‘Der Anfang vom Ende.’ Their relationship remains strong, further enriching the album’s depth.
He also spoke highly of Haftbefehl, noting the unique qualities that make him stand out in the music industry. “Love and passion certainly play a role,” he said, reflecting on the joy of witnessing his artistry firsthand.
As Moses contemplates life after his farewell, he remains uncertain about how he will fill the void left by music. “Maybe I’ll work with others again or explore instrumental albums. I’ve dabbled in visual art as well. We’ll see,” he mused. Whether as a producer or a mentor for upcoming artists, his future in music remains open-ended.
Additionally, Pelham hinted at the possibility of expanding his podcasting endeavors. “I cherish the dialogue with my podcast partner, music journalist Jan Wehn. We even wrote my biography together, which remains unpublished. Perhaps we’ll complete that and embark on a reading tour together,” he concluded, leaving fans eager to see what lies ahead.