Sammy Wilk is a multi-talented man on a mission. A social media sensation, clothing designer and music artist, he has set out to change the world by using his power for good. By defining his name and message as: Simply using my Actions, Music and Words to Inspire the Lives of Kids, Sammy continues to spread positivity on a daily basis and aims to inspire others to do so too.
Initially, Sammy started out his career on social platform Vine. However, he soon turned to music, releasing tracks such as ‘Aye Ma’, ‘Could Be’, and his debut album, Ready For War. He has also set up his own clothing line called Wilk. Its initial Spring collection sold out immediately and a Summer collection was recently launched. 10% of the profits go towards The Wilk Project, Sammy’s own initiative which raises money and awareness for Shine On Sierra Leone.
The star recently embarked on a trip to Sierra Leone to experience the nine mile trip kids have to make every day just to get to school. Sammy found time during the trip to answer our questions about The Wilk Project, his new music, inspiring others and much more.
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Hi Sammy, thanks for answering our questions today! Let’s talk about your clothing line, Wilk. You’ve just launched your summer collection, what can you tell us about it?
I created the clothing line because I didn’t want to continue wearing other people’s clothes. I honestly was searching for a look I couldn’t find, so I made my own.
I see a relationship between me and my fans on a daily basis so I wanted to give them something that would strengthen that connection.
I wanted to take the concept of “merch” to a different level and set a new standard and not settle with my face on a t shirt.
Your Spring collection completely sold out – did you expect that kind of reaction?
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect because I’m doing something new. It makes me feel amazing because it shows that the vision resonates with my fans and peers and that’s what it’s all about.
You also launched The Wilk Project, which sees proceeds from your clothing go towards make education accessible for children in Sierra Leone. What inspired you to set up the project?
My purpose is to Simply use my Actions, Music and Words to Inspire the Lives of Kids.
I realized I have a responsibility to use my platform to influence positive change so when I met Tiffany Persons from Shine On Sierra Leone, there wasn’t a question in my mind it was an instant connection.
What her and her team are doing in Sierra Leone is powerful and something I knew I wanted to be a part of.
You’re currently embarking on the first phase of the project, by visiting Sierra Leone. How was the experience?
As I’m writing this I’m actually currently in the middle of the Sierra Leone jungle!
It’s been an extremely inspiring and powerful journey. You see these kids having to walk over 9 miles a day with only one meal if they are lucky, to having to work in gold mines just to pay for their education and to see them making the best of every moment without complaints puts everything into perspective.
It’s an honor to be able to help them.
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What’s the next step for the project?
We are currently creating a campaign to raise money and awareness to build a secondary school for the kids, which will literally put education within reach and eliminate these issues.
I’m donating 10% of all net proceeds from my clothing line to the Shine On Sierra Leone project so if you want to learn more and get involved go to www.sammywilk.com
We love that you use your power on social media for good. How important is it for you to be a good role model and do you feel a certain pressure in being one?
I feel those with influence have a responsibility to positively inspire change. My intention isn’t to be a role model, I enjoy traveling the world and helping others- so that’s forever going to be one of my main focuses outside of music.
You’re also busy with your music – we’re loving your new track, ‘Way Up’. Can you tell us more about the song and the inspiration behind it?
I wrote this song about a year and a half ago when I first moved out to LA. I was out on my own for the first time, experiencing new things and I reflected on the fact that I was moving on from my old life into my passion and a completely new way of life.
You recently dropped the music video, it looks like you had a great time filming it! What was the filming process like?
Shooting music videos is always one of my favorite parts of bringing my songs to life, we always make sure to have a good time.
Can we expect more new music from you this year?
Absolutely, be on the lookout on my channels for new music and content.
Your last album, Ready For War, featured collaborations with Ky-Mani Marley and Jack & Jack. Do you have your eye on any other potential collabs?
I’m always working with new artists, creating new sounds. You never know who could end up on one of my tracks.
It’s hard to believe that you started off on Vine – you’ve achieved so much since then. What’s been your favourite accomplishment so far?
Every single day is a new accomplishment but to get specific with it, I’d have to say performing at the Hollywood Bowl with Ky-Mani Marley to a sold-out crowd.
Do you have a message for your supporters?
Absolutely nothing would be possible without each and every single one of them. So I’m going to do everything in my power to pay it back and hopefully inspire them to pursue their own dreams.
Thank you to Sammy Wilk for his time! Make sure you keep up to date with all of his adventures by following his social media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and his website.