Hailing from the streets of Abuja, Odumodublvck spent years underground, releasing three albums before his breakthrough in 2022 with the Zlatan-assisted hit Picanto. His stellar performance on Psycho YP’s Bando Diaries also played a pivotal role in his rise. Since then, the rapper has soared to new heights, even earning a co-sign from the top English football team Arsenal.

Odumodublvck is now one of the nominees for the highly anticipated BET Hip-Hop Awards—an American awards show that celebrates Black excellence in the Hip-Hop space. He received his first major recognition in the Best International Flow category, alongside global stars like Stefflon Don. Over the years, this category has celebrated heavyweights such as Dave, Nasty C, Stormzy, Ladipoe, and others.

In an interview with NotJustOK, the spiritually conscious rapper shared his thoughts on the nomination, expressing deep gratitude. “I feel blessed, that’s what it is. Simple and short, I feel blessed and grateful,” he said. Reflecting on his nomination—an individual award that honours an artiste's skills rather than a song—the rapper credited several standout performances for his recognition. He highlighted tracks such as Dog Eat Dog, Blood on the Dance Floor, MC Oluomo, Commend, and Declan Rice.

READ ALSO - Phyno's 'Full Time Job' is a testimony to how rooted he is in craftsmanship

He particularly noted his line in Declan Rice: “Everytime I come, I go push them to the curb,” calling it “wicked” and unlike anything anyone has heard before. Odumodublvck believes his unique blend of rap and melody ultimately secured his nomination, as he doesn't merely rap—he brings versatility to his music.

When asked about his chances of winning the award, which includes nominees such as SDM (France), Leys MC (France), Racionais MCs (Brazil), Budah (Brazil), Ghetts (UK), Bashy (UK), Stefflon Don (UK), Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa), and Blxckie (South Africa), the rapper was both humble and confident. He acknowledged that his chances are on par with the other nominees but remains hopeful. “My chances are equal with everybody, I guess. That’s why they put all of us there,” he remarked.

Odumodublvck Reveals What’s Next in His Musical Journey

Outside of the BET Awards spotlight, Odumodublvck revealed to NotJustOK that his next project, Nothing’s Changed, will be a joint effort with the Anti-World Gangsters, scheduled for release by the end of the year. The project, rooted in his ongoing journey with his day-one brothers, reflects the meaning behind its title—"nothing's changed." This release will serve as a prelude to his highly anticipated album, Industry Machine.

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Since January 2018, Prettyboy D-O, full name Donald Ofik, started gaining significant attention in the Nigerian music scene. An artist known for his unique music style and relatable social media energy, he took the Nigerian alté scene by storm with his debut album, Everything Pretty.

D-O’s rise has been marked by a series of innovative releases that have focused on various aspects of his life and his relationship with those who matter to him. For many, the raw and unapologetic tracks on, his most recent album, Love is War, served as an introduction to DO's charismatic and rebellious persona. 

This writer had a conversation with Pretty Boy D-O to discuss his journey from the strict confines of Loyola School to the vibrant stages of Nigeria's music scene. Dive into his creative process, the influences that shape his music, and how he navigates the challenges of fame and controversy. He also gives us hints on his new album release date and what to expect from him.

What made your childhood special?

I wouldn't say anything that made my childhood special. Only that I got the things I wanted and my parents wanted me to be the best I could be. With that, I wasn't allowed to go out. I was in a school that was very strict and for smart people. I went to Loyola School. I didn't really have a social life. I used to listen to music, watch movies, and daydream all the time about all the things I’m doing now. I did not feel like I had the time to do what I wanted to do. In fact, I didn’t finish my Master’s, but I put my all into everything.

Why didn’t you finish your master's degree?

The dollar rate did a crazy jump, and I couldn’t pay my school fees. I had to take a loan or move back and sign with Sean Tizzle’s label (at the time), D’ Tunes, and that’s how I left school to start music.

In one of your videos, you are calling on Chelsea to sign you. Are you a Chelsea fan?

I am a very, very deep Chelsea fan. The video was to promote my song, Shege. I try to do some crazy rollouts, so that was why I did something funny, you know, something to make people tune into the next single at that time.

Can you tell me how you became a Chelsea fan? 

Picture this: the whole of Nigeria was in love with Arsenal, and Kanu Nwakwo, Nigeria, had just won the Olympics and signed for Arsenal. This was ‘96, ’97. He was one of the biggest Nigerian guys at the time. He was actually one of the people who made a lot of Nigerians start watching the Premier League. But, there was another Nigerian in Chelsea, Babayaro. So I remember that time when my father was an Arsenal fan. People were either Arsenal or Chelsea. And I always strive to be different, even in music. I loved what was the underdog or the underground. Chelsea usually came in 3rd place; I was six at the time, but I always loved Chelsea, and I've been supporting Chelsea all my life. My children will support Chelsea, and my girlfriend's father already supports Chelsea. He even has the Chelsea logo everywhere. It's a spiritual thing.

So, the D-O in your name? Is it from your initials, Donald Ofik?

Yeah, I was named after Donald Trump. In 1992, he was a young millionaire on the rise, and my mum named me after him.

How did you come up with Prettyboy D-O?

I was in university at the time, a year before I started dropping music. I started dropping music in 2012, and ASAP Rocky came out in 2011. And at the time, because I wasn't doing well in university, you know, I used to write a lot of music. I love Drake and Naeto C, and I just love music in general. I remember I wasn't really going to class at that time. Like it was out of being a really stupid young boy. I wasn't going to class and as ASAP Rocky came out, I felt so much identification with him at the time. 

He was a young guy from New York who dressed so well, the style of music was so good, and he used to call himself Pretty Boy Flacko because his style and swag were so much. I changed my whole Instagram and Twitter to Prettyboy D-O, like the way it is now. 

But I wasn't calling the Pretty Boy in my music until my cousin asked me in 2017, Why is there a Pretty Boy in your name? I gave him the same answer, He said I was a fly nigga and should definitely call myself that. So I started using Prettyboy D-O.  

What inspires you to create the type of content that you do with your music?

I will just be myself. I also direct my videos. So that's where I get the ideas for those things that you see. My ultimate goal is to make the comedy and skits go along with the song. Laughter, or comedy, is a language. I try to use the contents to grab as much attention as possible from the music, I also try to do it as naturally as I can, it's natural to me. 

I was brought up in a middle-class background and grew up in Osapa, London, and I had to live in barracks with my navy father. I could relate to both a sense of normalcy and still being able to go on summer vacation. That upbringing is what causes the relativity to the streets and alté.

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I really became a street boy when I got back from my master’s to do music. Parents have now seen a lot of artists do music, artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Rema, and are now more supportive of their children. In my case, I had to run away from home to do music. So that point of my life opened my eyes. 

What is your thought process when you're directing your music videos?

These days, it is money. ‘What is the most cost-effective thing?’ But I basically try to do something that people have never seen before. Sometimes, it’s aesthetically pleasing. The last song I dropped Sharp Shooter wasn’t my usual vibe but yeah. I like to direct my stuff and become a video director later on. 

That’s a good path, Give TG Omori a run for his money!

Yeah, Lol, Me and TG are really cool, and even though he’s a very big director, I respect him and he respects my work too. 

Do you ever feel like both of you could work together?

Yes, but He charges 100 million naira for a video and I just carry my camera. 

Before we get into your next drop, right? I would love to know what really happened between you and Odumodublvck. Was it scripted or real? 

No, it wasn't scripted. I’ll first say that everything is sorted because, at the end of the day, we're brothers, me and him. Initially, I wasn’t even fighting him. The issue taught me that if you fight in private, when it comes to the public, it’s almost like everyone wants to win. I also learned that what happens in private, the public might not even know. It was a different narrative. The problem was happening on Twitter but it was like news on Tiktok. 

Another big reason why we went for peace was that there was a lot of talk behind the scenes, people springing from nowhere, wanting to fight for me. There were at least 29 people in my house. A lot of them are real gangsters, so I spoke to OD and decided to drive my way because it can’t just go with violence. Me and my people had to pick peace. Odumodublvck also saw it from that point.

Me, Odumodublvck and Teezee had to realise that we were tight and they helped me sort out my initial issue. We decided to respect ourselves and resolve any issues in private but the public circus was a no.

Would you say that you have any regrets about, having that issue come to the public?

No. I've never been in that situation before. This issue was almost 2 years old, but it was me and other members of Native (that knew). It was when I came back to the country that I spoke about it. The only thing I'll say is that I had to learn that what was private is not the same as what will be seen publicly. 

Because the day when we finished the war, a lot of videos came out and Odumodublvck posted videos on the story and stuff and they went viral. That's the only regret I have, that I did not put out a statement on my own because I don't talk, I'm not the kind of person that talks.

This is the only time in my life I've ever been in controversy. There's one popular meme about Max Air, I never explained what happened. But you learn because I didn't have the PR practice for this kind of thing. I've never been opportune to feel like I'm a celebrity, like a mainstream celebrity in our country. So I didn't know how important it is that you have to clear or put out a narrative for every single thing that was happening privately, you might not see it but that's the only regret.

Throwback to the time @prettyboyDO did this after Max Air delayed his flight. pic.twitter.com/LsmF7R3UDc

— Lucid Lemons (@lucid_lemons) May 26, 2021

Let's get to Sharp Shooter, What was your inspiration for Sharp Shooter?

Sharp Shooter was written in early 2023, but after the thing with Odumodublvk, I wanted to drop it since it described me. I'm someone who doesn’t like trouble or looks for trouble. I’m not an agitator, and I felt it best described me. 

What message do you want to pass across with the song? 

I want to tell the world who I am. More like, even though I chose peace, I need to tell the world what kind of person my Niggas are. When I dropped Sharp Shooter, a lot of them wanted war and since I chose peace, I had to release a song that described it. Basically, my father used to tell me, that “in a war, you need to know when you’ve won so that you do not end up looking like a villain” and that’s what I did.

I record a lot of songs at a time, I was working on my War is Love deluxe album when I was creating the song. When I make my albums, I basically use colours. Red is for anger, and blue is for like calm, or love because blue is a very calm colour. Green is a mix of both and also stands for Nigeria. I thought Sharp Shooter was in the green category. Initially, I was looking for either gangster or love stuff because it’s a peaceful chord. Sharp Shooter is green because there's a mix of gangster talk and talk about myself. The issue I had with OD ended with peace so I needed a song that would speak about me. 

Is Sharp Shooter still green? 

Yes, it is. I think I chose a song that describes myself out of everything. That song literally said  “Omo me no like beef like I'm vegan, But brother, most of my Gs can't say that.”

So do you think there will be features for the new deluxe release? 

There are features already. This is a deluxe of my last album, Love Is War, which will be the last anything war, and after that will be Pretty Please. You know I’ve been fighting for two years and now I want to focus on making good music. The deluxe release is named War is Love. After this is a love album for babes which is called Pretty Please.

Would there be any other features on Sharp Shooter?   

Nope, It’s a song that shows that I’m moving forward. I talked about a lot of personal things, I talked about my locked-up brother. And a lot of other personal things. I don't think I’ll do a remix because it was really just me. 

Why did you decide to speak about your brother?

I’ve seen real violence and gangsterism, and my stepbrother affected me. I’ve seen people locked up, and an example is my brother, although he’s out now. At the time I was writing this song, he wasn't out. Many people don't know this first hand and they keep on saying “If it was me, I would.. “ but I can fight, I box and I’ve been trained. But if it comes to gangs and cults, nah, I've seen many people pay penance for the things they've done. He affected me, even now in his rehabilitation, he is still affecting me. Even my mother, I talk about her in almost all my charts, she too affected me but she is not in this song.

Sharp Shooter is a more introspective look, unlike my song “tell a man pull up” in Pull Up. Sharp Shooter is more like the discussion, in the old days, when we sat at a table to talk about how to go about the war.

Without the influences of these people, what would be different?

I would be different, and lonely, but I’m not sure. For example, my cousins gave me a stepping stone. I wouldn't be here, I would probably be ten steps back, it's just like that, the people have helped me in all aspects.

Are there any live performances coming up?

Yes, I will go on tour after the War is Love deluxe release. It will be happening in June/July. I will go to my state, Port Harcourt, as well as overseas. But I have a single coming up this May. I don't want to disclose it because it also has a feature.

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In an exclusive interview with Capital Xtra at the illustrious red-carpet event of the 2024 Brit Awards held in London, United Kingdom on Saturday, March 2, 2024, the Calm Down hitmaker disclosed the reason behind his distinctive eyewear.

During the interview, the host seized the opportunity to delve into Rema's personal life, urging him to share a secret he had never revealed before. Prompted by the inquiry, Rema hesitated briefly before candidly admitting, "I use glasses. I'm suffering from long-sightedness."

Long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common refractive error where distant objects can be seen more clearly than nearby ones. It often necessitates the use of corrective eyewear to aid vision.

Rema's revelation sheds light on the personal challenges he faces behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, the Nigerian-born singer-songwriter remains candid about his health struggles.

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In an interview with The Honest Bunch Podcast released on Monday, February 19, 2024, Abdulkareem credited his 2004 rebellion against mistreatment of Nigerian artists by concert promoters as the catalyst for the global rise of Nigerian music.

Abdulkareem recalled the pivotal moment when he stood up against concert promoters' exploitation, which culminated in a physical altercation with American rapper, 50 Cent and his G-Unit associates during a visit to Nigeria. Despite acknowledging that his rebellion had repercussions on his own career, Abdulkareem emphasized its positive impact on the Nigerian music industry, attributing the emergence of stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido to the revolution he ignited.

Dismissing claims of unaided success from some contemporary artists, Abdulkareem asserted that the groundwork laid by pioneers like himself paved the way for the current generation's achievements. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made to elevate the Nigerian music industry to its current global stature.

Addressing criticisms and lack of appreciation from some quarters, Abdulkareem remained resolute, stating that his primary concern was fulfilling his purpose as directed by God. He expressed indifference towards recognition, emphasizing that his focus was on leaving a legacy of empowerment and paving the way for future generations of Nigerian musicians.

In his words, he stated that, “I f you don't fight for your industry, nobody will fight for you. You heard someone like Burna Boy said nobody helped him in Nigeria. Would you have been a star without some people starting the revolution? That is a stupid talk. You wouldn’t have been where you are if we didn’t make this industry what it is; if we didn’t fight for it. Unfortunately, most of them don’t appreciate it. And I don’t give a dime."

“It [fighting for Nigerian music industry] affected my career but it was a beautiful sacrifice that gave birth to Davido, Boy, Wizkid, and everybody today. For me, what’s more important is that I have done what God asked me to do and our music is now allover the world. I have opened the road for them. It’s their responsibility to appreciate the fight. And if them don’t, I don’t give a dime,” he added.

Abdulkareem's remarks serve as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices endured by early pioneers to establish Nigeria's presence on the global music scene. His perspective adds depth to discussions surrounding the evolution of Nigerian music and the debt of gratitude owed to those who laid the foundation for its international success.

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Lifesize Teddy is a confident, unique personality who creates and makes music in the Afro-fusion genre of music. Mavin Records recently unveiled her as their newest signee. Home to Rema, Ayra Starr and Johnny Drille, we anticipate great things from Lifesize Teddy. Her ability to mix traditional afro-soul sounds with rap and other genres in a seamless, ear-pleasing blend is part of the reason this multi-dimensional artist caught the eye of Mavin. Lifesize Teddy's music is deeply inspired not only by the extraordinary but also by the mundane.

She sits with us and talks about her inspirations, her workflow and her plans for the future.

Can you tell us about your musical background and what inspired you to kick off your music career?

My mom, and my whole family have always had music playing in the background. I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t playing in my head or around me. It has always been the way that I thrive. It has always been my coping mechanism. I started writing my own music when I was only nine years old. I started doing text battles as well on Facebook around that age and I used to beat grown people. Like grown rappers because no one knew it was a kid behind the keypad spitting bars. I just knew that I could do this so easily and thankfully it's been so easy.

How would you describe your music style and what do you think sets you apart from peers?

For me, my music is a breath of fresh air. That in itself is what sets me apart. I have my own unique blend of afro and rap, my own fusion. It's new, exciting, and fresh. Nobody has been here before. I’m really happy for people because they’re going to be listening to this!

READ ALSO: 5 things you need to know about Mavin Records’ Lifesize Teddy

Can you share some insights into your songwriting process? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I just go to the studio really. I lock in with my producer and I get to making music. I don’t really know what I’m going to work on before I get there. I’m a little bit of a daydreamer and I draw inspiration from my surroundings, and the energies around me so I draw the energy from my surroundings and I just create.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far and why?

(She laughs) I would say the day I got signed to Mavin. To have a label like Mavin hear my music as unconventional as it is and still sign me on means that my music is good and this was always meant to be."

How does your personal fashion help you to self-express as an artist?

It’s a big sign of living in my skin, wearing myself out and just showing how I feel. I'm also a big fan of pop culture and depending on how i feel, I just express it in how I dress.

So what would you call this era of your fashion?

I call this my poison baby era, this is the poison baby era.

Read Also: 'Hypnotic' Lyrics by Lifesize Teddy

How do you approach connecting with your audience and creating a strong fanbase?

I'm definitely getting better at it. I recently started taking engagement with my fans more seriously because I mean they make the artists. I like to talk to them everywhere. I have a newsletter but my favourite place to interact and connect with my fans is on the X app.

Are there any specific artists or musicians who have influenced your musical journey? If so, how have they impacted your sound or style?

I draw inspiration from everywhere really. With the type of music that I make, I've been really influenced by people who go outside the box. I've been doing research on artists like Brenda Fassie. I wasn't ever really sure why she inspired me so much when I was a kid but then I realized it's because she was that girl. I love Brenda Fassie, Rihanna is such a big inspiration, Eve, and Beyoncé! I love how they command power in their artistry. I bring it back down to Nigeria, I admire a whole lot of people, Wizkid, Burna By MI Abaga, Eva Alordiah and more.

Have any of them impacted your sound or music style?

Yes, they definitely have, I get inspired by every song I've listened to. I have a wide musical palette and I listen to so many different genres of sounds. I’m always on the hunt for a new underground artist. I find that I am what I listen to, they give me perspective and push me to experiment more.

Can you talk about the importance of image and stage presence in the music industry? How do you work on cultivating a unique persona?

I think as an artist it’s very very important to have a thing that makes you special. By your personality, your image, anything really. I've been cultivating my image for a while because I have an idea about how I want to be seen. As an artist, you need to know how you want people to accept and approach you. It's one of the most important things.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music? Is there a particular message or emotion you aim to convey through your songs?

I want people to know that they can do anything because my music is unconventional, it's different. They are going to listen to my music and be like who is this? That’s just a nudge for you to be set apart. You can be different, you can shine, be your own person and show people how awesome you are and just be free.

Your song John Wick is a pumped-up, high-energy track. Can you tell me what inspired the track? What’s the story there?

I was really just having fun in the studio that day. And it was just a great vibe. When I heard the beat I just wanted people to know that I am that girl and that I never miss.

How do you think artists should handle criticism of their work? How do you handle it and stay focused on your artistic vision?

Honestly, I don’t think anybody can really criticize me and I take it to heart.  I don’t think anybody can outright tell me that my music is bad or anything like that. The prophecy is surely on the way and everyone will see it when it unfolds.

What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about being a musician? How do you challenge those misconceptions through your work?

I think the biggest misconception people have about being an artiste is that everything is great. It takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of hard man hours, patience, learning and growth so it's a whole journey.

What is your absolute favourite thing about being a musician?

That I get to express myself so openly and so freely and also inspire other people to do the same.

How do you balance your personal life with your music career? What are some strategies you use to stay grounded and motivated?

I have a very strong sense of family I have a team that keeps me together. It takes a village really and my village is wonderful.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future? Where do you see yourself in the coming years as a musician?

As the best thing to ever happen!  I want to inspire a whole generation of women, girls and people in general and I want us to have fun together.

Finally, do you think you would get aux in a car ride?

Definitely! I would get the aux. My aux game is really really dope.

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Iconic Nigerian rap duo Show Dem Camp have spoken about activities that have been happening on their ongoing North American tour.

The Alte originators and leading Nigerian hip-hop duo Show Dem Camp expanded their Palmwine Music Festival to North America.

The original African music festival, Palmwine Festival, was launched by Show Dem Camp in Lagos and held its fifth edition in December 2022, with over five thousand people in attendance. Since its inaugural event in 2017, it has become an annual event staple in Lagos and London, with New York, Montreal, Chicago, California, Toronto, Atlanta, and others now in the mix.

READ ALSO - Davido Reveals How He Sent Fans To Attack American Show Promoter & Club

Speaking in an interview with Notjustok TV, the duo, who have so far performed in more than seven cities in North America, made it known that the tour has been very energetic. They stated that their fanbase has grown from what it was last year, which has therefore introduced them to new markets.

Speaking about the best city they've performed in so far, they made it known that it has to be Toronto. The award-winning rappers also gave credit to the New York and DC shows, which also gave so much energy, but Toronto takes the win in the end.

Watch interview below

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On this episode of Moni Talks, she gets a hold of the man with one of the hottest EPs released in Q1 of 2023 -Mr. Gangster Romantic himself, LOJAY! They discuss the fire EP, how he met producer extraordinaire SARZ, breakfast stories and much more.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW BELOW

LISTEN TO "GANGSTER ROMANTIC" BELOW

https://music.apple.com/us/album/gangster-romantic/1662531615

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He sheds light on his new Album 'Songs of Limitless Optimism - S.O.L.O' and goes deep into what makes him one of the most consistent Afrobeat Act in Diaspora artists till date.

The conversation gets deep and personal at times as Duncan shares surprising information about himself that has never been made public till now. The interview cuts across varying topics from personal life, to his music, and relationships with other artists such as Burna Boy, activism to politics. It's definitely worth the time, so seat back and enjoy.

'Songs of Limitless Optimism - S.O.L.O' Album drops August 12th.

Pre-save S.O.L.O Album Here

Part 1: Duncan Daniels: A Consistent Afrobeats Act in US and His Kinship with African Giant, Burna Boy

Part 2: Duncan Daniels stamps Peter Obi, Re-ignite #Stopthesoot

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Music for him is a means of expression where he conveys thoughts in his head and loves to communicate with his listeners. 

Fittyfour derives his inspiration from real life occurrences and happenings in his environment, constantly wovening them into music.

Since the release of his last single “Freaky4u” back in 2020 Fitty four has returned with a brand new single “Angelina”, a mid tempo song that touches on the issues of love, emotions and affection. 

Q1: What is real name?-  I’m Ayomide Arokoyo

Q2:. So how did “Fitty Four” come about?- Actually, XENON was my first artiste name *laughs* I thought the element was cool & my close friend told me it meant being badass at something. Then I fell in love with it’s atomic number “54”. I attached it to XENON, after a while I took xenon out & was addressed as FITTY FOUR

Q3: Knowing fully well that the music industry is saturated, why should Nigerians listen to your music above listening to that by anyone else?- I believe they’d listen to my music because the lyrics are relatable and I also take my time with songwriting.

Q4: As an artiste, what are the things you do or get yourself involved with that helps your creative process and make you very productive?- Firstly, being in a good place mentally. I wouldn’t say I just write all the time, but it definitely comes to me at random times. -If I want to get in the mood to create it springs out of an accumulation of listening to good music from various sources & then maybe having these emotions I’m writing about.  

Q5: We’ve listened to your catalogue & heard you rapping & singing,  What would you describe  your sound as & are you much of a rapper or a singer? --  I’m just expressive, I rap & I sing, depending on the kind of emotions I’m trying to communicate. You know to me it’s like painting a picture in people’s minds through words [lyrics] 

Q6: Let’s talk about “ANGELINA”; What was the inspiration behind the song, and what were you trying to achieve when writing & creating this song?- Partynextdoor, TY$ ‘s music  inspires me a lot. The thought to express the ‘Emo gangstar/ playboy in love” side of me. 

Q7: There are lots of new-age talents in the industry currently. Who are you feeling currently?- - Big ups everyone that’s in the game right now man! It’s not easy and i’m glad to see them pull it off. I’m really with Gabzy, Ruger, Buju, Rema, asake, Ckay, Fireboy, Oxlade  and some other amazing talents I’m probably missing out at the moment. 

Q8: What should we expect from FittyFour in the nearest future? A project, collaborations, kindly tell us- Uhmmm, Can’t say for sure but it’s definitely going to be singles back to back, expect content videos as well. Don’t snooze.

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In an age where everything is digitised and documented, every wisp of a public figure’s personal life that makes it to the endless abyss that is the internet is not only fodder for the blogs but a treat for interaction-hungry fans and netizens. And while it is argued that the pathway to stardom has been marginally decolonised, the evident downside lies in how the art of balancing the ball of relevance has become a much tougher and fickle task as stars are born and burned everyday, sacred sabbaths inclusive. 

In Nigeria where the entertainment industry has become the new crude oil, with music being at the center of it, the demands of fame are equally hellish with the need to please standards in multiples. Yet, like the proverbial birds in the wide sky, stars continue to soar, at different degrees and with unique trajectories. 

The latter has been the case for Terri Akewe, popularly known as Terri, and fondly as Starboy Terri, a nod to his Wizkid slash Starboy Records cosign as well as his social media usernames. 

A singer with a unique blend of melodies and a compelling command of two of the major indigenous Nigerian languages, Ibo and Yoruba, Terri has been able to defend his seemingly sudden rise to fame, from his teenage years when Wizkid’s Soco had dropped till date without courting the media or playing by the unspoken rules that prompt social media virality. While only openly acquiescing to his star power with his social media handles, Terri has quietly established himself as a young star. 

Recently, Terri released his sophomore project, an EP titled In Transit which has now become a tacit reminder of his melody-weaving ability as well as an indicator of his current state of mind where he feels the need to blend his musical skills into a more socially-forward version of himself.  In this story, Notjustok chats with Terri to meet the man behind the enigma, learn about the boy before who’d wowed the nation on Soco, stolen their hearts with Bia and Ojoro and also chop it up on his recent EP, In Transit, to see where he’s at and where he’s headed. 

Interviewer: We know you but not entirely, we just see this very calm persona that we also know as ‘starboy Terri.’ That has lowkey become your name but I can’t speak for you. So how would you describe yourself and what is it like being starboy Terri, who is starboy Terri?

Terri: first off, my name is Terri not ‘starboy Terri’, my social media handle is ‘Starboy Terri’. I’m just a young kid growing up going through young people problems, like I’m going through every other thing that every other person is going through, and I’m definitely shaping myself like every other person nothing extraordinary per se. I’ll just say what’s different would be the discipline that I have instilled and tried to live by all of these years. Because being signed to someone as big as Wiz was something that was initially such a joyous thing. Like it was so joyful that I couldn’t see or I couldn’t put myself in a head space to see everything that could possibly come with it. Growing up, I liked to be out there but I don’t like to be very loud, especially if I have to deal with a lot of people, I feel like a lot of people bring a different energy and a different vibe and I always have to go back and filter through what I get in. I want to know that I’m receiving the right stuff out of everything. I’m on my social media from time to time, I don’t even take breaks, I do not go off, I just don’t speak if it is not necessary for me to speak, I like for people to see me more as an artist as a musician than any other thing else. I do not have issues with people who do their music and every other social activity in entertainment but, I don’t feel like everybody needs to be that type of person. I’ve been trying to do something that is actually like my own kind of thing aside from music on social media because I only know how to sing and just put my music out there but I’m currently learning everything else that I have to do that is necessary.

Interviewer: Would you say reaching the point in your life where you had to teach yourself discipline was tough? What was that like?

Terri: it was sort of tough because you know when something hits you unexpectedly. I thought I was just going to get into it and just live my normal life, do my normal stuff. I wasn’t really like an introvert, I wouldn’t even say that I’m an introvert right now, but I wasn’t as distant from social media I was more expressive growing up. In high school I got into a lot of school troubles, I was like a troublesome kid.

Interviewer: you were a bad boy?

Terri: yeah, sort of like a bad boy 

Interviewer: Nollywood type of bad boy or just your own wave?  

Terri: I don’t know what Nollywood type bad boy is but I mean like a bad boy, I was quite influential in my high school, in my area where I grew up, I was quite influential because I was really out there. When I got into music I realized that most music people have a form of introduction or exposure to what the music industry really is, before they have major deals. 

ALSO READ: Interview: Young Jonn is Ready For a New Dispensation

Interviewer: their big break

Terri: yeah exactly. I didn’t really have an idea of how the industry works before I got my big break on Soco. I’d never been to Lagos island, I was living on the mainland and I just had limited knowledge and when I eventually got this big break I find out that there’s a big world here, there’s a big market here, there are different orientations, there are different ways people do things, there are different things people do even with the music. So it was different, the approach had to be different, I had to reshape my mindset, I just had to do so many things and I wanted to make sure I was doing it the right way, and that I wasn’t doing anything I ought not to do. 

Interviewer: That must have been a huge culture shock. You went from being this kid that was gifted to getting a Wizkid co-sign at 18. So, what was that like and as well what was meeting Wizkid like, how did that happen? 

Terri: It was on Instagram, I made a cover to one of his songs and I tagged him and I got a call and it just happened.

Interviewer: from that moment till now how would you say the journey has been for you?

Terri: I'm grateful for everything that has come with it, I'm grateful for everything that I have learnt because so far, there's nothing that has happened that has damaged me and I think there's nothing that could eventually happen that would be damaging. Everything is like a learning process there are a lot of wins and there are a lot of things to take into the future.

Interviewer: To take it to the very beginning of this journey, what was growing up like, would you say that was where your music journey started from?

Terri: My interest in music started from my childhood, my family weren't really music people, so my love for music started from me listening to a lot of music, then it was mostly Afrobeats. At times I mimed songs and I used to introduce people to new songs and then it started to become a thing, people used to expect me to give them updates on music and artistes and it was only a matter of time before I took it to the next stage which was recording my song. And when I recorded my first song it dawned on me that I had to make it a career path and I have been chasing since that time.

Interviewer: So, the minute you made your first song you were like "woah, this is it for me." 

Terri: yes 

Interviewer: So, when did you make your first song and what was your first song?

Terri: I was in high school, it was called Jeje, I remember it went viral in my high school and I really had the attention of everybody and I liked that, that's one of the reasons I followed through.

Interviewer: So, speaking of journeys, your latest EP is titled In Transit, it sounds like you're moving from one place to another. What is the inspiration behind the title, where would you say Terri is moving from and to, and where would you say you are right now? 

Terri: like you rightfully said, it's like a movement, it shows off where I was as at the point of my last project up till now, growth basically and where I'm headed. The people clearly also hear that because the music gives that feeling. And so far, since it's dropped I can see that people can see growth from my last releases and where I'm heading and it's an exciting ride, people are excited, I for one is excited for where it is that I am now and where it is that I'm heading and my fans want to remain on that journey with me. It's exciting to see and that motivates me to do even more. 

Interviewer: we've seen several times that a sophomore album or your second project after your debut is also really important, it could literally be the make or break point. What was the process for you making this EP? What was it like and how was it?

Terri: I didn't think of that because you can't give what you don't have basically and first of all I'm chasing this because I and my team think that we have something that should be out there, that we can sell. So, I’m most importantly working on getting better, I know I have the ability to do stuff but I know that my abilities can be enhanced by a lot of things so I try to put my energy into trying to make myself better whatever the outcome. I trust that if I put work into myself I trust the outcome would be great as well cause all you need is to put in the work and I try to do that.

Interviewer: In Transit also has some interesting elements it touches on love, understanding and all other related elements that and we are in this era where people are against love "e go spoil", "it will end in tears," " breakfast" all of that and we also know that you had Ojoro from way back. So, what was the major inspiration for you and what were the major elements that you put together to make this EP?

Terri: basically my experience and everything that I try to write about or I try to write a fictional story around is something that you've probably heard before or I've expressed in the past or present. I feel like we are just catching cruise in this country cause regardless of how you try to prove the narrative of no love, heartbreak and all we are still built on love, we still exist on love, like we still do everything every day, we still look forward to loving, love is like the most beautiful feeling that you can ever experience so because of people's unfortunate experiences don't mean that you shouldn't be an advocate or you shouldn't try to express a loving moment. Most of the songs were expressions of love moments and I don't think that would ever happen or stop me.

Interviewer: so what song would you say was the most personal to you off the EP? 

Terri: Wanna Know, because I took a lot more time recording it.

Interviewer: why was that? Was it difficult to just put it out?

Terri: the process was just difficult, in the sense that it was just a bit more difficult to get me in the right space, sometimes it happens. So, that’s why it was longer and I think I enjoyed doing it, taking that long and I didn’t try to be in a rush or anything I just followed the flow.

ALSO READ: Amaarae Interview: From Apple Music Rising Act to Topping Shazam and Global Charts

Interviewer: on the EP you actually have only one feature and it's Mugeez from R2Bees. So how did that happen, how did you get Mugeez on it? And what was working with him like?

Terri: Mugeez is my big bro, we always get to see each other and I’ve been around him a couple of times, we’ve gone to social events, the studio and I know his way of life and I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration from him so it was  really down to when we would record something. I made Chargie in Lagos, from the time that I made Chargie till when he jumped on it was a lot of time. One day I was just playing all the records that I had made and I asked him if he liked Chargie he said he loved it and he wanted to do a verse and that’s how it happened. He blessed me and I’m grateful for it. Right now it’s going really great.

Interviewer: there’s something about how the entire EP, it feels very you, its refreshing, and then again there’s this thing where you switched effortlessly, one minute you’re singing in Yoruba and we literally have you saying “Ngozi ka o” in another one. It’s like you’ve just blended all the things that make you Terri perfectly into making music. So, how do you make music the way you do? When do you realize this is the track I want, is there a formula for you? 

Terri: I like to be inside of the music, I like to be really connected to the instrumentations, I get my inspiration from really getting into the music, when I get into the music, I understand better what should be sung about and I just try to experiment with real life experiences. Energy is important as well, I make the best of music when I’m happy.

Interviewer: energy is important, even for work, music, what have you. And then you had the song with Bella. What is collaborating like for you? What are the things you look out for when you’re collaborating? 

Terri: I look out for the person that fits right for whatever I want to say or whatever I’m trying to do, whatever type of music I’m trying to do because I like to experiment a lot and sometimes I’d do stuff that I really would not do on every other day or probably mix the beat or I get to hear the beat accidentally or someone just plays the beat to me or I’m in a space where I just want to experiment. For Money, I just felt like that song was right and that Bella Shmurda and Mohbad would kill it. So, I’m like okay why not just do it. I made the hook and sent it to both of them and they liked it.   

Interviewer: And you were really shining on that track. So, are collaborations something we’re going to see more of you doing?

Terri: Yeah, definitely. I have like remixes on the tape ready, I’m gonna put out a remix for some songs on the tape in a short while. They’re like huge ones so I’m excited for that. 

Interviewer: now we’re going to talk about the co-sign, but from the fact that it also looks when it comes to that, there is a change. We can see the growth, we can see where you are at right now, we’ve also seen questions being raised on whether you’re going solo. And we know you as one of Wizkid’s biggest protégés, but in recent times, your records haven’t been distributed under Starboy records. What are the current music arrangements for you right now? 

Terri: I never said anywhere or made any suggestions to anybody.

Interviewer: But in your apple music description it actually even references you going solo…

Terri: The idea of my contract was to have people who were going to nurture me and make my music decisions, Which was Starboy, and the only thing that has changed is that they no longer make the decisions as per release dates and when to put out music, who to feature, who not to feature, what to do and what not to do. I was literally left to myself to get through this industry and know what it is and the in and out and what could work for me or not. They feel like now, I know all the things that I need to know and I can make those decisions myself, not like I’m independent, I still have to consult them, they’re like my biggest family, I go to Wizzy’s house from my house almost every other day, like we see each other every day. We have our different types of relationships, nothing has changed in fact throughout my time with them, there was never any day that we had any misunderstandings that were brutal or tough, everything just had to be understood. If you noticed, before I didn’t even have a feature but right now like you mentioned, I had a feature with Bella and even now even for my project I have more features. The independence is in that sense, they’re still my family. I’m not consulting or working with anyone it is still them.

Interviewer: Would you say that over time you’ve had to prove yourself to some people, to prove that I am this and more, going from the fact that you were launched off a really huge co-sign   

Terri: yeah, a lot of people had wanted to, because nobody has really been signed by Wiz except L.A.X. and it’s more like a trend in Nigeria to have a big artist like Wiz signing more people. So, people were really interested in knowing what I really was about and normally I would just make music without having to worry about those people that are waiting to see something. But still everything pushed me to be better and it’s to my advantage.

Interviewer: going back to the EP. What are the key points that you want your fans and listeners to take from it, and what do you want them to know about Terri?

Terri: that I’ll always be here, I’m always here making music, I’m always gonna make music and put something out for them to enjoy and there’s always definitely more to expect and more to come and they should enjoy this music that is out now and just wait for more stuff that we have coming. 

Interviewer: Also, I see that like despite everything you seem to have an actual relationship with your fans, like they send you messages and things like that. So, what role would you say your fans play in your artistry, do you have any plans for them as well?

Terri: Yeah, they play a major role, they motivate me, they show me what it is that my music represents and they just give me the vibe to keep on going and definitely we have a lot of things in store for them especially for shows and most importantly I’ll be dropping music. Then a concert, I have a show coming up in December for my fans, I’m doing that in my hometown, the area where I grew up In Lagos. 

Interviewer: That would be wild, that would be fun to see. So, what next for In Transit, Danger has a video now, what next for the EP, what next for Terri as well  

Terri: so more music videos off the tape, like I said remixes and shows. Basically, just connecting more to my fans and putting out more music. I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m hopeful.

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In the mid-2010s, the tag ‘Young Jonn the Wicked producer’ had sprung up on the airwaves, and shortly after, had it in a chokehold with Olamide-bearing street jams which had spiralled past the traditionally structured airwaves, turning into viral sensations to become the people’s favourites on the streets of different corners of the federation. Udomboso John Saviours, popularly known as Young Jonn; the man with the tag which was the harbinger of beats that made Olamide and YBNL hits such as Falila Ketan, Story for the Gods, Bobo, and more, had with this success been able to bridge the gap between producers and the music listeners who were wont to only pay homage to the frontend developers of the tracks they loved; the artistes. From that period on, Young Jonn’s tag had blossomed into being a well-loved household one, with listeners conditioned to expect a jam whenever they heard said tag as a result of his formidable track record as a hit-making producer. Young Jonn was also instrumental in laying down a blueprint for producers to make a name for themselves, with beats that spoke of the intricacies of their minds, and a producer tag music listeners were able to guess identify without hearing it play. 

On the 18th of March 2022, armed with the belief that life itself is a journey and the burning conviction that everyone’s role is a dynamism bound to the twists and turns of life, Young Jonn unveiled his secret weapon and ace-in-the-hole as he was unveiled by Chocolate City as a singer, off the back of his single, Dada. The precursor for his forthcoming EP, Love Is Not Enough, on Dada, Young Jonn exhibits skill and experience in creating sweet riddims and catchy tunes, hinting at the fact that while this facet of his musical journey may be new to us, this is not his first rodeo. 

To mark his transition from Young Jonn the Wicked Producer to Young Jonn the melodies weaver, Notjustok caught up with the sound maestro to discuss his new dispensation as a music producer and recording artiste, the factors that led to it, as well as the story and the process behind his soon-to-be-released Love Is Not Enough EP.   

We've known your producer tag “Young Jonn the Wicked Producer” for years, what's the story behind it?

Shout-out to Esther, an old-time friend, she's the one that voiced it. My friend had come up with the tag jokingly and we just attempted to record it and then it stuck.

ALSO READ: Oxlade is the Desert Rose Breaking the Mould with His Love-Torn Melodies

Some weeks ago you were unveiled as a recording artiste and released your first single, Dada, no one saw that coming though. Talk to us about the transitioning process. 

It felt good cause I've been recording and making music for a while and finally letting the cat out of the bag was a really good feeling and the acceptance of the song made me realise I should probably have done this earlier cause it was pretty good. 

If you've been recording for a while, why did it take so long for us to hear it?

I don't exactly have an answer for that but I feel like everything happens at the right time. 

So how did you decide that this was the right time?

I got to the point where I felt like I needed to take my music more seriously and step it up a notch and a lot of people heard my music and were like ‘This is good stuff, you need to take it seriously and put it out.’ And one thing has led to another to bring us to this point. 

You once mentioned Pheelz being like a mentor to you, and he's someone who has made that transition from being a producer to being a recording artiste as well. Presently, he has a hit record with Finesse, would you say his journey has inspired you?

Pheelz and I have been friends for a long time and have spent a lot of time together producing. So the journey from being a producer to also being an artiste didn't begin today. We've both always been recording we just kept winging it. In fact, a few weeks to the release of Finesse, we were together, sharing our unreleased works but you never know when the big hit is coming and to an extent, we've rubbed off on each other and we're all on our individual journeys. 

It's been a common narrative that producers don't get proper recognition for their work like artistes do, was this in any way one of the inspirations behind putting your music recording skills out?

It's very true, I feel like producers still don't receive the kind of recognition and credit they deserve but that narrative has changed to an extent cause I can see producers doing big things and putting out number one records. Back then it was difficult for producers to make waves but these days it's easier for us to step up. And I always said to other producers that the revolution we want is not going to be handed to us, we need to step up ourselves, put out our own music, run collaborations and everything should correlate with the interest invested. We see all that artistes are doing; selling out shows so we all need to step up to the big picture. Once that happens everyone will definitely follow suit. 

Would you say since the unveiling you've witnessed a different perspective on how artistes are treated in comparison to producers?

I won't lie, the acceptance and buzz has been crazy.

Will you still be working as a producer/ producing records?

Of course, I'm a music maker, I love to create things and make stuff out of nothing, it's not just about music. Creating stuff is a core part of who I am and I'm going to keep doing that. 

While it seems one skill overshadows the other, you produced Dada. So are the other songs on your upcoming EP self-produced?

On Love Is Not Enough, there are 4 records and I produced two; Dada and Next To You. But the other two, one is produced by Type A and the other by Smiley. So I'm working with a lot of capable producers that are going hard. 

But for production, I don't think I'm ever going to stop doing that, it's a very major part of who I am. 

ALSO READ: Ayra Starr is the Aptly Named 19 & Dangerous Singer with A Melodic Message for Every Ear

Talk to us about the EP, Love Is Not Enough, what is the message behind the title?

I think it's self-explanatory; along the journey of life, I realised that love is really not enough for all the things we were told it's enough for. It's not just about a man or a woman. Like when we were taught as kids in school love was supposedly the answer to everything. It's supposed to make you feel good, provide for you and more but you realise that due to our human nature, other things have replaced the function of money in our lives and that's just what it is. 

Is this a breakfast EP or simply your way of telling that love is beautiful but isn't enough?

Well, it's relatable to different aspects of love, if you just chop breakfast, you're definitely going to see it from that perspective. At the same time, it could be a family dysfunction because there are other relationships in life that are important apart from romantic love. And love is supposed to be the answer to these problems but in modern society, we see that love is not enough for any of these. 

It sounds very close to your heart, are there any personal experiences that have inspired the EP?

Yes, it's very close to my heart; this explanation I just gave you is based on my life. I'm big on love and I'm just talking about the romantic form but every form of it. I'm a family person and I'm big on my friends and my baby girls but I realised love is not really sufficient these days. Like in the places we look for it, love is not there. It's a personal project for me. 

On Dada, which is the promotional single for Love Is Not Enough, you served Afropop vibes and it's very catchy and rhythmic. Are the others similar or do we get other genres on the EP and what genre of music do you enjoy making?

I don't like to classify my works under any genre of music because I go with the flow. I always sing how I feel. That's probably why this project is titled Love Is Not Enough because at the point of creating it, that's where my mind was. Tomorrow, I fit go dey one place wey anoda thing dey my head. So whatever is in my head is what I put on a record. I don't like to classify my music, what you see is what you get. 

What about the 4 songs on the EP, are there any features?

Yes, I have a collaboration with Vido. He's an American singer and songwriter. There's this record, Next To You, I really love it, I recorded it in the middle of the night and it captured how I felt at that time. Luckily for me, Vido connected to the song and it's a beautiful record, I can't wait for it to be out. 

You were unveiled with Chocolate City, previously we've seen you aligned with YBNL and Hit Factory, so why did you decide to partner with them?

I believe life is a journey and at a particular time, certain things are suitable for a certain situation. I'm still affiliated with Hit Factory and YBNL but I'm currently at a point where I want people to see me as an artiste and working with Chocolate City is perfect for the situation. As I said, I've been recording since and coincidentally, we concluded all of these late last year. At that period I had so many people coming to me telling me my music is good and they'll like to work with me so I was really patient in making a decision. By the time I considered all factors, I concluded that Chocolate City was the best for me at this point. So far it's going really well and I hope it continues this way. 

In the past, we were briefly entertained by songs from Maleek Berry, is Young Jonn the artiste here to stay or is it going to be a phase like that?

By the special grace of God, I'm going to be here for a long time. As a producer, I've been here for close to a decade and I always want more so I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. Shout-out to my team, they always work so hard, my manager and Chocolate City so I don't see us stopping anytime soon. 

If you were to describe Love Is Not Enough to provide a taster on what to expect, what would it be?

They're going to have to listen but it's basically jams and ‘gbedus’. 

If you enjoyed this Young Jonn interview, get updates from Notjustok as they drop via Twitter and Facebook.

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Ace Nigerian producer Peace Emmanuel Oredope, popularly known as P.Priime, made it known that he wasn't interested in producing a song like 'zazoo zehh' initially.

The Grammy-nominated teenage producer, who in 2021 alone was responsible for orchestrating hits like Wizkid's 'Anoti', Reekado Banks' 'Ozumba Mbadiwe', Zlatan's 'Cho Cho', Asa's 'Mayana', Teni's 'Jo' amidst other smash hits, in a short run-through he uploaded on his YouTube page, made it known that he wasn't interested in producing a song like Portable's 'Zazoo Zehh' which, surprisingly to him, became a mega hit.

READ ALSO - P.Priime Breaks Down The Making of Reekado Banks' 'Ozumba Mbadiwe' | WATCH

The street-hop tune 'Zazoo Zehh' owned by Portable & Poco Lee features iconic rapper Olamide, topping charts after charts since its release. P.Priime insinuated that it was Baddo's influence that made him produce the song, as he wasn't interested in making such sounds again.

In the interesting run-through, the award-winning producer spoke about working with Wizkid, Asa, and other interesting topics.

Watch full interview below

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The post I Wasn't Interested In Producing 'Zazoo Zehh' - P.Priime | WATCH appeared first on NotjustOk.

READ ALSO - Throwback Thursday: Onyeka Onwenu's 'One Love' is a message for the times

Iconic Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, Onyeka Onwenu, has opened up about why she had to leave her marriage.

The music veteran, during an interview with Kikilomo Atanda-Owo on her show Real Talk with Kike, made it known that she had to leave the marriage because it could have resulted in her death if she had stayed.

She stated that her husband was not supportive as she single-handedly raised all their children. According to the author and the right activist, it wasn't her wish to leave the marriage, but it was a situation she could not manage anymore. She said:

I went through it. It was difficult because I really didn’t want my marriage to end but I could not take it anymore. It would have killed me. I always say and that is the truth

Watch full interview below

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The post Staying In My Marriage Could Have Killed Me - Onyeka Onwenu | WATCH appeared first on NotjustOk.

Talented Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, Tomi Thomas, made known how he got an award-winning Jamaican musician on a record.

The instrumentalist, who recently released the remix to his soothing tune 'Hopeless Romantic', featuring Nigerian-American ace rapper Wale, spoke about his music, his visions, as well as his personal life in an interview with Nigerian UK-based media personality Adesope Olajide.

READ ALSO - Tomi Thomas Teams Up With Wale For 'Hopeless Romantic (Remix)' | LISTEN

Speaking on the podcast tagged "Afrobeats Podcast," the singer revealed how he got to feature Buju Banton on his last project, on a song titled 'Hurricane'. According to Tomi, the Jamaican legend reached out to him and said that he liked the song and the rest was history.

Watch full interview below

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The post How I Made A Song With Buju Banton - Tomi Thomas | WATCH appeared first on NotjustOk.

Ace Nigerian singer and songwriter, Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, popularly known as Mayorkun, opened up about his latest album, 'Back in Office,' amidst other interesting topics.

Speaking on urban media platform That Grape Juice, the singer stated that he named his last album "Back to Office" because he knew he wasn't going to drop music for a long time before the project, hence the title was perfect for the body of work.

READ ALSO - Mayorkun Sparks Up Reactions With 'Holy Father' Video | SEE

Speaking further, he made it known that Afrobeats poster-boy Davido influenced his sound, career, and general way of life greatly, citing that he lived with the DMW frontline act and owner for about three years, which was a major reason why he got influenced by him.

Asked who he would like to feature, Mayorkun wasted no time in declaring Canadian superstar Drake as his dream collaboration. Surprisingly, he mentioned multiple award-winning rapper Eminem as someone he would like to work with as well.

Watch full interview below

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The post Mayorkun Speaks On Davido's Influence, Collaboration With Drake & More! | WATCH appeared first on NotjustOk.

Amaarae - Apple music rising

Now for some, the heady, brilliantly-fusioned 14-track platter of hedonism and sexiness that Amaarae served on the album, was an induction into her immersive and cherubic voice. But she'd been an underground sweetheart for years, finding acceptance in the alté movement of neighbouring country, Nigeria, where she'd first made an appearance on Aylø's Whoa!

It's four years after that debut and her status is changing as her brand of not just hedonism but gender-bending, and supreme Afro-expression attains recognition on the continent and international planes. 

Notjustok links up with Amaarae to hear from her on her state of mind following her release, the core of her expressive non-conformist artistry, and how it feels to finally be getting due props.

It's been almost 3 months since you dropped TADYK, what are the different phases and stages you've been at since the release, and where are you right now?

I've been so focused on pushing this album and making sure it gets to as many ears and eyes as possible that I think creatively I'm in a very conflicted space in a sense where I want to create right now but I'm not in a creative space. 

Like I'll go into the studio sometimes and I'll try to get into the music space and it's just not coming. 

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I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that over the last year, late 2019 all throughout 2020, I spent so much time focusing on working on this album and building it musically that right now I'm just drained and I need some time to settle down and refresh and see where I wanna go next. Cause I know that whatever that I do next I can say for a fact, will be a thousand times bigger and better than TAYDK, like I have those expectations for myself so I just need to get into that mind frame. 

So it sounds like you feel pressured. 

Yeah, a little. 

This pressure is it coming from within you or externally, where do you think it's coming from? 

It's a little bit of both. It's internal pressure from me cause I think that once you have the momentum, you can't stop. Like for me, I think about when Burna came out with Outside and how much momentum he built especially after Ye started picking up and he immediately started dropping singles consistently and he had that run throughout African Giant. I think he took max, 3 months break and he was back on the go again with Wonderful. When you have momentum like that and you have certain career goals and orientation for yourself, I feel like you can't stop, the music has to be non-stop and it always has to be fire. 

So that's sort of the internal pressure I'm experiencing; I don't think I can stop and I feel like every single time now, the drops have to be amazing and the records have to be undeniable. 

Then I think I feel external pressure from some of my peers because everyone is like ‘Can we do this feature together?’ And I want to work with everybody and I want to give everyone my best but I'm literally tired and I don't have it in me. 

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It's more so internal and from my peers as opposed to my fans. I think right now, they're very happy with the album and they're just enjoying it. And I'm very engaging with my fans, I go on Instagram live, I play them new music. So with them just the fact that there's a constant development and conversation going on, they're cool with that. But for me, I want more and I want it now. 

What are you doing to help balance how you feel and what you're trying to achieve? 

I'm still figuring it out. Right now, we're expanding our team and we're growing a bigger team that can help the project expand over territories but then also that can give me more access to producers and artistes that I'll love to work with. 

And just overall, improving what we're working on. So, finding the balance between pushing the album, growing my brand and my team and putting out content or just trying to make sure I'm in a creative space is really tough right now and I think I'm going to have to give up creating for now just so I can focus on growing my team and this album. 

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In 2018, you were named one of Apple Music's favourite artiste, later on that same year you were Apple Music's Beat One Artiste and now you're Apple Music's Africa Rising Artiste, it seems like you've been on a trajectory. What do you think about these heights you've achieved and was it deliberate?

I think at every stage of my music career, I'm always trying to achieve the next step. For me it's interesting you see a consistent trajectory because I feel like I still haven't even done enough and I need to do more;

I want to be bigger and better and I want everything to happen at a faster rate. 

So I aim as high as possible and then even if I fall short, I aim so high that me falling short is still something of value and worth being proud of. It's intentional, the trajectory that I've been on and it's something that I plan to continue but I definitely want things to be bigger and faster. 

Sounds coming from Africa are beginning to get a lot of attention from the global world. You're one of the flag bearers for the alté scene, how do you feel being in this position and what do you think of this attention we're now getting? 

I think it's very interesting because I've always said that alté is so specific, it has a very specific sound and energy that I've actually never thought of myself as alté and I understand that because of the work that I've done with so many of the artists that are at forefront of the alté. Now, because I'm more visible, I've become sort of a flagbearer which I think is interesting. 

But in terms of the whole African movement and just African artistes getting more attention, I think it's about time. They're so many crazy talents coming from this space, it's mad. 

The other day, I was on my Instagram live and people were coming on and playing me music and these two Nigerian boys that live in Hungary, played me some of the wildest music I've heard and I was wowed. 

They're still undiscovered gems that I know in the coming years are going to be huge. And I think it's only going to get better and grow faster as well. And I also think we'll probably have a very long span where Afrobeats and African music, in general, will grow like hip-hop grew, it started from something niche and then it became a cultural phenomenon, I think that's what's going to happen next. I'm excited to be part of the people that carry that flag across. 

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Amaarae

It's a big shift. What's your favourite thing about this shift right now and what do you hate about it if there's any. 

My favourite thing about it is the music that's coming out of it and it's the fact that we're so pure and untouched right now that we're at the top of our creativity. So right now African artistes are creating in whatever ways they want and there's no box and people are now willing to put money and time and energy into making sure that this creativity is visible. 

One of my biggest fears though is that once things start to get a bit corporate and more monetised, you'll start to see that they become more formulaic. That's what I'm afraid to see, but as at now, African creativity is at its top and within the next five years, it will get crazier. 

You've mentioned previously that you get more love from the international media than the local ones, is that still a thing now? 

When you say local, I don't know if you know I'm from Ghana. I was saying this because if you meant local in terms of Nigeria, I can't say I don't have support from Nigeria. But if you mean Ghana, Accra, I'm more recognised in other parts of Africa and internationally than Ghana for sure. 

What do you think is holding Ghana back and why aren't they showing you as much love, do you have any idea why? 

I don't really know o. And I don't think I've spent any time thinking about it or investigating it because there's that saying that says go where you're loved and the rest will follow. So I'm really not sure but for some reason, it just hasn't picked up here, and it's cool, I'm okay with that. 

Earlier on you mentioned that you don't really consider yourself an alté artiste but you've also mentioned previously that you don't like labels. So if you were to give your sound a name, how will you describe it?

I actually think it's more like Afro-fusion, if I have to put a name to it. Because it takes from so many different sounds across the continent. My album samples everything from punk rock to Japanese club rock, to Wizkid and Rema and Runtown, to dancehall. 

But at the end of the day, everything I'm doing still has African rhythms, sounds and energy to it and the way that I'm presenting myself too. So it's Afro-fusion for sure. 

Your artistry is a rich blend as well, from your music to your style and your music videos. Do you think down the line you'll ever go into any other creative interests? 

I'll love to explore film and fashion but most importantly, I'll like to dedicate my time getting more into activism and philanthropy and see how I can genuinely give back to African youths and mentor them. And be a part of the process of raising the next generation of artists, business minds, creators, tech minds, I think that's what I'm most interested in in terms of exploring a new creative field. 

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With these interests, do you think your diversity is political?

I think it is but I don't think I mean for it to be. I think I kind of set myself up because no matter what I did, my art and my expression were always going to be in a sense that is political and defeats the status quo. 

One of your biggest messages in TAYDK is feminism, hedonism and you keep demolishing a lot of gender lines. And when it comes to feminism, you channel this in different ways, what is the importance of doing this to you?

I grew up with a very liberal mother who allowed me to express myself in every single way possible and explore every part of life. I think that that allowance of expression has allowed me to see the world in a wide way. 

So, when I see the average everyday little girl who maybe might not have had access to the things I had, whether it was travel or being allowed to watch TV or MTV and seeing so many different types of expression, I think, how do I get all the things that I've learned to them? How do I synthesize it so that I can give this information to them? Because those are the next generation of minds that we're going to raise. 

So it's so important for me to always find the safest and clearest way to express what is not necessarily feminism but the religion of internal self-belief and self understanding because it's so important. 

And that part of my expression is so important to me because I know what was done for me, my confidence, and the way that I operate in the world that I feel like it's something I have to pass on, not just to my children and the people around me but to the young women whether Ghanaian, Nigerian, South African. You need that energy because it's changed and transformed my life and that's why I'm able to do what I do today with full confidence.  

And if a young woman somewhere in the world wanted to be a rocket scientist, there has to be a way for her to access that thought to know that she can do it. So it's important for me to pass that message on. 

So on the other side, what would you say are the challenges you face as a young creative woman in Ghana?

The challenges are plenty. I think for one, it's getting respect from your male peers. I honestly thought that with the fact that I have a bit of a masculine edge, it would be easier for me to evade the wandering eyes and minds of male peers but what you find out is that it's not necessarily true. 

And then there's always learning how to manage situations in such a way that you don't end up in a space where someone is asking of you things that you don't want to give in order for you to advance. Knowing and understanding those nuances is very important but is one of the challenges I have and is one of the things I've continued to sharpen and learn as I grow. 

There's also the aspect of people in your field not taking you seriously. For example, usually, when I go into shows, I always go in the deck and I mix my own vocals for my show. A lot of the time, it's male engineers and they're always confused and apprehensive to allow me to do something that I know is best for me because they think they know me more than I know me. 

And it happens across the board, whether you're working on videos or music, there's always that ‘I know more than you’ push and pull. And the music industry is so small, you have to navigate those types of conversations with a lot of finesse. 

So women face a lot of challenges and me personally, I've faced and continue to face them. But I realise that as I'm growing and building, I am getting a lot of respect in my field. 

Africa, in general, is a very normative society yet in your music and lifestyle, you come off as a norm-bender and have a strong androgynous aura. What do you think of where Africa is right now liberality-wise and why do you think it's important to channel these narratives through your art? 

I don't think I'm a norm-bender or gender-bender just for the sake of being edgy or cool. I just think it's important for people to understand that there are so many ways and forms of existence and human beings really and truly live on a spectrum, and nothing is binary the way we've been taught to believe. 

So through my art and my general being, I enjoy expressing that idea of the fact that we're all malleable humans living on a spectrum. 

Your emotions are on a spectrum, your mental state, your self-expression, your masculinity, and your femininity is on a spectrum. 

Human beings aren't made with 50% masculine, 50% feminine, 50% sad, 50% happy. It's like everything is so nuanced and my expression is about showing people this. And that we have to start approaching things in more open-minded and nuanced ways because it benefits society if we're able to apply more understanding, not just to the things that shock us like ‘oh my God, you're androgynous’ or ‘Oh my God, why do you have drag queens in your video?’ 

I think it's more even of basic human understanding and communication. Sometimes, someone might say something to you and you might take it how you take it, but you have to also take into consideration the fact that you don't know what happened to them that morning, you don't know what they're going through or their life situation or mental health. So it's much less about tangible things, and more so about the fact that it's about a way of thinking. You have to be empathetic and compassionate and understand that we're all operating in a 360 sense. 

On your album, there were really cohesive and interesting collaborations, what are your thoughts on collaborating? 

I love collaborating because I don't know everything and I don't have all the creative sauce in the world. So for me, collaborating is just a way for me to learn new things and to learn a new way to approach your art. 

Odunsi probably doesn't know this, but a conversation that I had with him while we were working on Party Sad Face is what helped me create a song like Sad U Broke My Heart cause he was playing me a bunch of his new music that he was working on and as I was listening, he was making this very interesting fusion between afrobeats and very cool spacey trap. He did this by melding local sayings and local language on these fire beats and he'll mix a bit of broad slang with it. 

When he did that I was like “ahh, okay, this is how I can also do it.” And I just took that from him and applied it in my own way. 

This is why I love collaborations because you stay with people, you have conservations; you watch them work and you learn things that help you better your art.  

So what artiste would you love to work with? 

I'll really really love to work with Rema, I love him. 

One other thing, I watched the Instagram live where you played your unreleased tracks. Will there be a deluxe or will you be releasing any of them?

Well, we're working on a remix EP so definitely, that would be out and that would be an interesting way we approach some of the songs that are out. But there will be one or two new songs on the remix EP as well. 

Lastly, congratulations on your MAMA awards nomination. How does that feel? 

It feels really amazing. Never on earth did I think that I would even be recognised within Africa so quickly, to the point where I'm in a category with Adekunle Gold and Simi. 

Like Simi low-key had a huge year, Duduke was huge. And Adekunle Gold also had a really good year. Also, these are people that have been building a fan base for the last 7/8 years. So to be a part of that category and be a part of the MAMAs as a nominee is a really big deal and I'm really honoured and super thankful that someone thought “Yo, we need to give this girl her flowers.”

P.S: This Amaarae interview was earlier published on the 2nd of February 2021 with the title, 'Amaarae, the Apple Music Africa Rising Artiste, is Finally Getting Her Flowers.'

The post Amaarae Interview: From Apple Music Rising Act to Topping Shazam and Global Charts appeared first on NotjustOk.