From Addis to the Diaspora: Rawmny Wildcat Redefines Afro-Soul with “So Many Miles”

In the ever-evolving landscape of global music, a new voice is rising—soulful, sharp, and saturated with both nostalgia and forward-thinking vision. His name is Rawmny Wildcat, born Rasselas Asfaw in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, now calling Toronto home. With his latest release, “So Many Miles”, the artist offers more than a song; he presents an emotional passport through time, distance, and the heartache of displacement.

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The Journey Begins

Rawmny’s story is carved into every chord he sings. “I grew up on a very wide variety of music from east to west and across many decades,” he tells Beatcavd. His parents—true audiophiles—cultivated his sonic palette with records from around the globe. The seeds they planted took root in Montreal, where a local studio owner became an early mentor, and later flourished in Toronto’s multicultural musical ecosystem. “I continued to make music, especially fused with my Ethiopian culture, which found great listenership around the world in the diaspora community,” he explains.

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So Many Miles, So Much Soul

Released under his current moniker, “So Many Miles” is a heartfelt Afrobeat ballad that channels the immigrant experience—yearning, distance, and the undying bonds of love. "The story is partly based on my personal experience,” Rawmny says, referencing a long-distance relationship made even more fragile by COVID-19 lockdowns and the political turmoil in Ethiopia. “I couldn't get up and go see her… the only thing I could do—as my usual way of expressing my pain—was to sing about it.”

Crafted in collaboration with longtime friend and producer Nabsolut, the track fuses emotional lyrics with warm percussion and melodic guitar riffs. The song’s structure mimics a series of letters sent across time zones and war zones—an aching testament to love tested by miles and memories. “It’s a soulful Afrobeat ballad that weaves deep emotion with irresistible rhythm,” he describes.

From Basement to Studio Spotlight

The creation of “So Many Miles” began with improvisation and intimacy. “I wasn’t planning to write this song,” he admits. “But one day, a beat was given to me by Nabsolut… and I came up with the hook just vibing on it.” What began as a basement recording session transformed, through fan encouragement, into a studio-polished single recorded at Toronto’s Lynx Studios.

The process pushed Rawmny outside his comfort zone. “It required me to stretch my boundaries vocally and creatively… I had to re-record the song a few times to get the sound I was hearing in my head.” This perfectionism isn’t just about sonic quality—it’s about honouring the message.

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A Collaborative Canvas

Rawmny isn’t flying solo on this journey. The single’s visual storytelling was brought to life by Solomon Abebe of Black Zion Films, while dancer Lindsay Cottin, a friend and creative partner of over a decade, gave physical form to the song’s emotion. “She has boundless passion,” he says. “I’m glad we finally got to collaborate on such a milestone project.”

The track’s mastering, also handled by Nabsolut, brings another layer of internationalism to the sound—Moroccan and Ethiopian diasporas meeting in rhythmic dialogue.

Fuel for the Soul, Fire for the Youth

More than anything, Rawmny sees his music as a tool for empowerment. “I want my listeners to feel inspired. Life is not easy, but it's definitely worthwhile,” he says. His goal is to be the sonic equivalent of a Bruce Lee film—igniting ambition and courage in listeners. “Hopefully, the stories and messages that I display in my art will let them know that anything is possible.”

For Rawmny, this release marks more than a new track—it signifies a personal transformation. “So Many Miles represents my transition from a boy to a grown man,” he reflects. “My family has paid the cost for me to get to this level.”

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Rooted in Identity, Reaching the World

What makes Rawmny Wildcat’s voice so compelling is its duality—both rooted and roaming. He credits his multicultural upbringing for this versatility. “Being born in Ethiopia and growing up half my life in Addis, then moving to Canada as a teen, gave me the opportunity to experience both sides of the world,” he explains. “I enjoy making a song that can reach both audiences.”

The beat for “So Many Miles” originated from a guitar riff by Nabsolut, which Rawmny then layered with emotional resonance. “Perfection isn’t the goal at first. We just let the creative juices flow.”

What’s Next for the Wildcat?

While performance dates remain under wraps, Rawmny hints that big moves are coming. “Stay tuned on my Instagram @rawmny,” he teases. He’s also got his eyes set on something even bigger than playlists and venues: putting Addis Ababa on the global music map. “I have a ton of stories to tell and ideas to bring to life. As long as I’m breathing, I shall keep the music flowing.”

And to those navigating long-distance love, diasporic identity, or just searching for their voice, Rawmny has one last message: “Fear and worry never fix anything, but faithful action always does. Listen to your heart—it’s never wrong.”

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Stream “So Many Miles” now on all platforms and follow @rawmny for upcoming shows and new music.

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