Emaxee, also known as Oke Emmanuel, is a Nigerian creative who gained attention with his 2020 track “It’s Not My Fault (Me vs The Educational System),” addressing educational struggles. He has released projects like Oranges & Lemonade and the 2022 EP There Are No Rules To This, showcasing his Afrobeat and rap styles while exploring various creative roles, including music executive and designer.
Hello Emaxee, it’s a pleasure to have you with us today. I’m Ayo from Solid Guy Magazine, and we’re thrilled to chat with someone who has made remarkable strides both as an artist and a music executive. We’ve been following your journey closely and are excited to learn more about your experiences and future plans.
To start, could you tell us about your early days in music and what initially motivated you to pursue this career?”
Answer:
“I grew up in Ido Osun, where I always found myself involved in entertainment activities at school, whether it was acting in drama or organizing small productions. My passion for creativity kept growing, and I often tried new things, even though my mom wasn’t supportive of rap at first. Over time, I started balancing music with other skills like designing and editing pictures and videos. This made me quite popular in school, and I even started building talent communities to nurture others.”
- Emaxee, you haven’t released singles since your 2022 EP There Are No Rules To This. Could you share what led to this creative pause?
“No excuses; I needed a break to relax and deal with some personal matters. It was essential to take some time off to recharge.”
- How did you come up with the concept for Notesphere, and what inspired its distinctive approach?
“Actually, the idea originated from TobyBanksz back in 2022 when I was working as a designer at Upperent. Toby was instrumental in fostering the creative community there, and I resonated with the vision. I became a co-founder and have been deeply involved in its development since.”
- Your music often explores societal issues, such as in your track ‘Me vs The Educational System’. What message do you aim to convey with these songs?
“I wanted my music to be an honest reflection of my experiences and perspectives. With tracks like that, it’s about sharing my view of the world and hoping others can relate to the challenges and truths I express.”
- You’ve transitioned from making music to working behind the scenes as a music executive. How has this shift aligned with your personal goals?
“This isn’t a recent change; I’ve always juggled both sides of the industry, whether it was managing a producer, editing photos, or handling logistics. It’s not easy, and not everyone understands my approach, but I’ve learned to navigate the challenges.”
- Looking back, what were the toughest aspects of creating There Are No Rules To This, and how did you manage them?
“Honestly, there weren’t many challenges. I did spend my house rent on another project, Oranges & Lemonade, which pushed me to complete the album in three days. I was actually staying with a friend when it dropped, and I was genuinely surprised by the positive reaction.”
- There are multiple versions of the song ‘About 22’. What drove you to make these variations? “I was searching for the right sound to reignite my passion for music. I even aimed for a collaboration with Buju but wasn’t ready to let go of the song until I found the right fit.”
- Given your diverse experiences in the industry, what advice do you have for emerging artists who are navigating both the creative and business aspects?
“Stay focused on the creative process, but don’t neglect the business side. Be intentional about your craft, build solid relationships, and maintain consistency. It’s crucial to be deliberate about your journey.”
- Should we expect new projects or collaborations soon, and do you plan to release more music in the near future?
Yes o!! I fit drop album tomorrow. It’s a break, being a music exco is what i love doing right now. When I’m ready, I’ll put out songs. For now, I’m enjoying my role as a music executive with Notesphere and other ventures, including fashion. When the time is right, I’ll be back with new music.”
Thank you, Emaxee, for sharing your story and insights. It’s been a pleasure learning about your journey, and we’re excited to see what’s next. Wishing you all the best in your future projects. Remember to Stay Solid!
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