MUSIC AND MOMENTS WITH SMADA || Solid Guy Magazine™

 

Music And Moments With Smada

Issue 11.0 

Oct. 2024

Credits 

1. Producer: Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu (@agozieee_)

2. Project manager & Co director: Mofiyinfoluwa Olulana (@finnnnix)

3. Creative Director: Oyeleke Pelumi (@oluwaabonnie)

4. Stylist: Micheal Chidozie (@n0tdozie)

5. Photographers: (Oluwaabonnie & Tbk1600)

6. Gaffer: Tbk1600

7. Additional credits: Ben Odikpo & Majek Olaolu (@dfw.benn & @Iconnu studios)

Question: Looking back at NÜNIVERSE, what was the most unexpected lesson you learned from releasing that EP while still in school?

Answer: The most unexpected lesson I learned from releasing NÜNIVERSE while still in school was realizing I couldn’t push it fully the way I wanted to. I even had to move the release date because NÜNIVERSE wasn’t supposed to drop in December. So, that was a big lesson for me—moving forward, I don’t release projects in December anymore. It just doesn’t work for me

Question: Let’s take a trip back in time. It’s 2022, and Smada just released Ye Anthem. Fast forward to now - how important would you say that record has been to your career?

Answer: Ye Anthem was a beautiful phase in my life. I loved everything about it—TikTok was popping, I had shows, and Gen Z was locked in. Performing Ye Anthem was one of my best moments ever because everyone knew the lyrics. Big shout-out to the DJ Kade for the beat and to Toye and King Perry for helping make the song a masterpiece.

Question: You’ve grown rapidly in just a few short years. How do you stay grounded amidst the growing fame and success?

Answer: I just thank God for the growth and for keeping everything running smoothly. I wouldn’t say “rapidly” is the word, though. There have been some bumps along the way, but we thank God we’re here now.

Question: NATIVE Records and Def Jam—big names! What’s one thing you've learned from working with them that you didn’t expect?

Answer: NATIVE is family—big ups to Teez and Sholzz. But one thing I didn’t expect was that everything would come back to business. In my head, it was all family, but business is business. That’s the game, and it’s a lesson I had to learn.

Question: Your first single of the year, Baba featuring Odumodublvck, is a banger. The same can be said for Papilo and Pattern Gang. What’s the creative process like when you're both in the studio?

Answer: When OD and I are in the studio, it’s crazy. We just connect and click on beats. We make songs quickly because we’re two different guys, two different artists, but we understand each other’s vibe. That’s why we keep dropping bangers, and there’s more to come.

Question: Congratulations on announcing your first album, NOBODY BADDER! What’s the story behind this title, and what can we expect from you on this project?

Answer: NOBODY BADDER” is actually an EP. I haven’t dropped an album yet. The title is a statement—there’s nobody badder than Smada. It’s something I say in my songs. On this project, expect me to show everyone that, truly, there’s nobody badder.

Question: You’ve been labeled as the “King of Gen Z.” What does that title mean to you, and how do you see your role in shaping the future of Nigerian music?

Answer: Being called the King of Gen Z means a lot. A lot of young people reach out to me, saying I inspire them, and that makes me happy because I’m here for the impact. I just want to do my part and inspire the next generation.

Question: You've hit milestones with projects like NÜNIVERSE and Ye Anthem. What’s a personal achievement in your music career that isn’t measured by numbers?

Answer: Performing in Madrid and having people know my records there—that’s big for me. Yes, numbers matter, we all have to make money from streams, but the impact is what counts. I want people to play my music, sing along, and connect with it. That’s more of an achievement to me than just numbers.

Question: As a superstar, you're bound to face challenges. What has been the most difficult issue in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Answers: One of the hardest things has been dealing with public opinion. People will talk, and there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m the type who doesn’t engage—whatever you think about me is your business. But it can affect those who support me. That’s been tough, but I’ve learned to control the narrative. Smada is still here, and Smada will always be here.

Question: If you could create a ‘perfect world’ soundscape or environment, what elements or emotions would be essential in that space?

Answer: Happiness, definitely. And I’d want to relive memories, because I tend to forget things a lot. So, I’d find a way to add that element too.

Question: If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking up to you as an inspiration, what would that be?

Answer: Be yourself. Believe in yourself and keep pushing. I don’t want to sound like one of those motivational speakers, but I really mean it. If you truly believe this is for you, don’t stop. There will be challenges you didn’t expect, but keep going.