Nigerian artist Kitay is set to drop his new single “Joanna” in 2026, featuring the unmistakable storytelling style of rapper Magnito. The song is warm, catchy, and easy to connect with — the kind of track that feels simple but hits the right spot.

“Joanna” was inspired by a real moment. Kitay describes seeing a girl whose presence left him breathless. “Her body was stunning… in my mind I said, I no dey breathe again. Come be my inhaler, come save me.”

That playful spark became the heart of the song, and the name Joanna fit the vibe perfectly.

Born Okotete Okiemute, Kitay has grown from singing across different choirs in Warri to becoming a standout name on Project Fame and The Voice Nigeria. His sound has continued to evolve — blending melody, emotion, and Afrobeats in a way that feels authentic to him. With past releases like “Ogogoro” and “Kwete”, he has shown consistency and range.

Magnito’s verse adds flavor and personality, giving the track a balanced mix of charm, humor, and groove.

“Joanna” by Kitay featuring Magnito drops in 2026.

 

From The Studio To The Spotlight with Kitay

Issue 7.0 Nov. 2025

Interview conducted by Olulana Mofiyinfoluwa

Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q. You started singing in the church choir. What parts of that foundation still shape your sound today?

A. I started singing in church as a lead singer and the first time I ever held a microphone to sing was 2010 and that’s where I learnt how to be versatile cus I was singing in all the choirs including traditional choir groups.

Q. Growing up in Warri, what memories or cultural influences do you feel molded the artist you’ve become?

A. Growing up in Warri and listening to Urhobo traditional music which I loved because of the amazing notes and tone ,I could not but copy so much from it and shaped into my style of singing.

Q. Before Project Fame and The Voice Nigeria, what was the hardest part of navigating the early days of your career?

A. Hardest part of Navigating the early days of my career, was getting financial support or making enough money to leave everything and focus on just music, I had to work on the side and school so it wasn’t easy.

Q. Was there a defining moment when you realized music wasn’t just a passion but your life’s path?

A. The defining moment was when I noticed that every time I sing ,and I went for a Warri gospel competition and I came out the top singer  effortlessly.

Q. You’ve experienced two major talent platforms. How did Project Fame shape you differently from The Voice Nigeria?

A. Project fame taught me literally everything I know about stage performance and I’ll say The Voice just amplified all that I already had and learnt over the years.

Q. What lessons did each stage teach you about performance, vulnerability, and audience connection?

A. It taught me that it’s not just about talent but also hardwork and character.

Q. Looking back, what would you tell your younger self walking into Project Fame for the first time?

A. I’ll go into project fame and do the same thing I did.

Q. How would you describe the evolution of “Kitay” — the artist — from your early singles to your sound today?

A. My evolution as an artiste has been mind blowing, from just a vocalist who always struggled to do afrobeat to now messing around with everything I come across and becoming very versatile in Afrobeats.

Q. What elements of your music today feel like reinvention, and what feels like a return to your core essence?

A. right now I always find a way to infuse everything because I actually can do everything and add a bit of my vocals which is my core.

Q. Has your artistic identity ever clashed with industry expectations? How did you navigate that?

A. No my artistic identity never clashed with industry expectations, I just needed to define and find my sound from how good I was already vocally.

Q. When you walk into the studio, what kind of energy, mindset, or ritual sets the tone for your best work?

A. When I step into the studio all I need is space to be with myself and no matter the mood I’ll always deliver.

Q. What’s the most transformative song you’ve made — the one that changed something inside you during recording?

A. my most transformative song would be a song I haven’t put out yet but soon!

Q. People see the spotlight but rarely the struggle. What has been your most personal battle on this journey?

A. My most personal battles are mainly having to deal with life and chasing my music career, sometimes it looks like you’re not serious or putting in the work or enough work from people only looking from the outside ,but nothing good comes easy, honestly some of these issues could make you quit music for good, even with signing bad contracts and they made you look stupid and wasted your time for no reasonable reason.

Q. How did you push through moments when the industry slowed down or doors weren’t opening?

A.  Seeing my audience grow has been exciting and only gives me more reason to always keep pushing because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel already, so yeah I know I’ll get there finally.

Q. What story are you telling right now as Kitay — the artist in motion?

A. The story I’m telling right now is a lot, but mainly focusing on love and connections felt between two people.

Q. What does performing live do for you that recording can’t?

A. Performing live helps me to express the song better and fully with no restrictions.

Q. What impact do you hope your music has on young artists coming from places like Warri who look up to you?

A. I hope my music inspires younger ones from Warri about pushing for excellence, because when it comes to my music I put out, I give my best always.

Q. You’ve teased new music and a forthcoming EP. What should fans expect from this next chapter?

A. from this next chapter fans should expect all the heat because I have so much coming that I am certain they are not ready and it will definitely be I believe, because now they get to really hear me in my full afrobeat element.

Q. If you could leave your listeners with one line that captures who Kitay is right now— what would that line be?

A. Just a boy from Warri Wen get big  dreams.

I don face Many pains, Many defeats..

Even some Family Members dem nor to believe…

But Me I head on strong, Cus na me get the Dream!!!

 “Banga!” – RewardBeatz Talks Hits, Hustle, and the Future of Afrobeats.

Behind The Booth with RewardBeatz "Banga!"

Special Issue Nov. 2025

Interview Conducted by Ayo Fabiyi

Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba

From crafting beats that make the streets move to producing records that top global charts, RewardBeatz has carved his place as one of the most influential producers in Afrobeats today. With smash hits like Buga, RTID, Xtra Cool, and most recently the Kidd Carder and Young Jonn collaboration Calculate II Remix, his sound has become a cultural marker that travels beyond Nigeria to every corner of the world. In this exclusive interview with Solid Guy Magazine, RewardBeatz opens up about his journey, the magic behind his signature tag “Banga,” his creative process, and his vision for the next wave of producers coming after him.

Q. You’ve been behind some of the biggest Afrobeats records of the last few years. Take us back.. how did your journey into music production begin, and what was the turning point where you felt things were really starting to click?

A. My music journey actually started back in my university days. I needed something productive to pour my energy into outside of schoolwork, and music had always been a passion since childhood. That curiosity pushed me into learning production. Then COVID happened, suddenly I had time to really lock in, practice every day, and improve. After the lockdown, I met T-Classic and we created La Cream. From that moment, I knew this wasn’t just a hobby anymore.

Q. You’ve produced massive hits like Buga, RTID, and Xtra Cool. What was it like working on those records, and did you ever imagine they’d travel so far and connect with the world the way they did?

A. Honestly, every time I’m working on a new song, my mindset is always to make something great, something that will connect. So seeing those songs travel like that, makes me so proud. I am so happy to be part of records that became cultural moments. And yes, I always imagine the music going far. You have to believe in the sound first before anyone else does.

Q. You recently produced Kidd Carder and Young Jonn’s Calculate II Remix, which is already buzzing heavy. How did that collaboration happen, and what makes the track special for you compared to your previous works?

A. At the time, I was actually living in the same place as Kidd Carder, so the connection was natural. We’d create just based on vibe... no pressure. Calculate was one of those ideas that felt special from the beginning. The remix with Young Jonn elevated it even more. What stands out for me is the energy and how fresh, youthful, and authentic the song is.

Q. Your producer tag “Banga” has become instantly recognizable. What’s the story behind it, and how important do you think a tag is to a producer’s identity in today’s music scene?

A. Producer tags are like a signature, they give recognition to the mind behind the music. “Banga” came from wanting something short, catchy, and memorable. The moment you hear it, you already know RewardBeatz is responsible for the vibe. In today’s world where producers are stepping into the spotlight more, that identity is important. Plus, a lot of consumers just don't have the energy to go and check the credits.

Q. Your sound balances street vibes with mainstream appeal. How do you approach creating beats that speak to both the culture at home and audiences abroad?

A. Omo i really dont know how to respond to  this question, I just create from the heart. I’m inspired by the streets, the rawness, the bounce but I also pay attention to melodies and elements that feel universal. I don’t overthink it. The music finds its balance naturally.

Q. As someone who’s worked with big names in the industry, what do you look out for in an artist before deciding to collaborate with them?

A. For me, it’s all about the energy and how good the sound is. I’m always open to working with new talents just as much as established names. If the vibe is right and we can make something beautiful together, I’m in.

Q. Producers are often the unsung heroes of the music industry. Do you feel like producers in Afrobeats are finally getting their flowers, or is there still more work to be done?

A. We’re getting more recognition than before, for sure but there’s still plenty of room for growth. Producers are a huge part of Afrobeats’ global success, and the industry is just beginning to fully celebrate that.

Q. Every producer has their creative process. What does a typical studio session with RewardBeatz look like, from idea to finished song?

A. The best way to understand it is to experience it. It’s all vibe-driven. There’s a lot of experimenting, a lot of energy, and most times magic just happens unexpectedly.

Q. Many young producers look up to you. Do you see yourself starting an academy or a platform to mentor and support upcoming producers in the near future?

A. Definitely! At some point, I’d love to mentor upcoming producers and provide opportunities I didn’t have early on. When the time and structure is right, it will happen.

Q. Finally, when people look back at RewardBeatz years from now, what do you want your legacy in music to be?

A. Greatness. I want people to look back and say RewardBeatz played a major role in shaping Afrobeats and pushing the sound forward globally. That’s the mission.

RewardBeatz is not just creating music, he is shaping the culture. Every time you hear that “Banga” tag, remember it is a stamp of history being made. For us at Solid Guy Mag and for every reader tuned in, his journey is a reminder that Afrobeats is in safe hands and the future is already here. Remember to Stay Solid!

 This November, influential designer Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA) celebrates 20 years of defining fashion and creativity by unveiling her Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) line, “The Anniversary Collection,” at a grand showcase in Lagos on November 16th.

For two decades, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi has remained a trailblazer in African fashion, celebrated for her timeless elegance and unique ability to blend vintage glamour with bold African identity. Her journey, from her 2005 debut to international features, has been a masterclass in consistency and reinvention.

The high-profile anniversary event will feature celebrities and models gracing the runway, alongside live performances by two surprise musical acts, creating an unforgettable blend of fashion and art. The production will be led by Elizabeth Elohor, Founder of Beth Model Management, whose creative direction ensures a world-class experience.

In line with her passion for mentorship, LDA will also relaunch the Runway Renaissance, supporting three emerging designers who are redefining sustainability and craftsmanship in Africa.
Reflecting on her journey, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi shared: “Fashion has never been just fabric and thread for me. Clothes hold memories, the scent of celebrations, and the pulse of our ambitions. They are silent witnesses to who we are and who we’re becoming.”

The collection features LDA’s signature grandeur, sculptural sleeves, flowing silhouettes, and meticulous
detailing. Traditional adire fabrics meet modern textures like Chantilly lace, brought to life in a rich color
story: emerald green for growth, gold for triumph, and sunlit yellow for joy.
This milestone celebration is proudly supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,
Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Bank of Industry, Standard Chartered Bank, Heineken, and Privé Events; 
brands that share in LDA’s vision of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural excellence.
Two decades later, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi remains not just a designer, but a storyteller shaping how Africa
expresses beauty, confidence, and culture through fashion.

Delta-born rapper Rukky Trigha, returns with a raw and electrifying new single titled “BANDO BOYZ.” The track is a gritty street anthem built from the ground up in the trap house where real hustle, hunger, and survival shape every bar.

With a powerful blend of drill choruses and heavy trap verses, BANDO BOYZ paints a vivid picture of life in the bando, shorthand for an abandoned house where the struggle unfolds: sleepless nights, recording sessions fueled by ambition, cheap meals, and a constant fight to rise above harsh conditions.

“We are the boys who came up from the bando,” Rukky Trigha states. “We couldn’t afford luxury, but now we’re living good drippin’ in Louis V, iced out, because we never stopped grinding.”

Rebellious and unapologetically authentic, Rukky Trigha embodies the voice of a generation striving for more. The release marks a major milestone for the rising star, who uses his music to honor the pain and perseverance that shaped his come-up.

“I made Bando Boyz to remind myself where I came from. The pain, the hunger, the dreams all started in the bando”. - Rukky Trigha

BANDO BOYZ is more than a record, it’s a statement. A soundtrack for real hustlers who understand the code.

Listen HERE.

                                                

Lagos, are you ready? 

GreencampNG, the home of underground artistry & culture is back with

the 9th Annual Arts & Entertainment Festival! This year’s edition will take place on

November 29th, 2025 at Freedom Park, Lagos, and you already know it’s going to be one for

the books.

From day one, GreencampNG has been all about spotlighting raw talents and building a culture

around Nigeria’s underground scene. For 2025, the festival carries the bold theme “Rushmore

Naija Underground” a nod to the greats shaping our creative landscape and a celebration of

the future legends rising right now.

What’s Going Down This Year?

Expect nothing short of a full-on cultural takeover:

● Live Performances – A lineup of Nigeria’s most promising underground artists bringing

sounds straight from the heart of the streets to the big stage.

● DJ Sets That Don’t Quit – Some of the hardest selectors in the underground keeping

the energy alive from start to finish.

● Fashion & Art Showcases – Curated exhibitions and runway moments spotlighting the

best of underground designers and visual artists.

● Pop-Up Culture Market – From exclusive streetwear to hand-crafted pieces, discover

underground brands you’ll definitely want to rep.

● Food & Drinks – Because good vibes deserve great munchies, our vendors will be

serving up everything you need to keep the night moving.

Fuel the Underground, Power the Culture

GreencampNG has grown into a cultural mainstay, and it’s all thanks to the community that

keeps showing up for the underground. We’re calling on you once again let’s keep building.

Contributions to our fundraising campaign help us sustain this platform, create even bigger

moments, and give more artists the spotlight they deserve.

Tickets & Press Info

Early bird tickets will be dropping soon (and trust us, you don’t wanna snooze). For creators,

influencers, and media reps looking to cover the festival, press passes are available by reaching

out to Greencampevents@gmail.com.

Stay connected for ticket announcements, lineup drops and all updates by following

@greencampng or emailing Greencampevents@gmail.com.

We can’t wait to shut the year down with you at the 9th Annual Greencamp Festival —

November 29th, 2025, at Freedom Park, Lagos. It’s going to be a celebration of music, art,

and everything that makes the underground unstoppable.

About GreencampNG

GreencampNG is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to spotlighting

exceptional underground artists, entertainers, and creatives across Nigeria. Our mission is

simple: fuel the underground, power the culture.

                                

“This is not just music, it's consciousness brought to reality 

through sound and storytelling. 

I really wanted to name the project Conscious music but I felt 

Life in the Trenches fits better.”- TillDayBreak 

TillDayBreak pka TDB is a Lagos-born storyteller capturing the 

unfiltered reality of the average Nigerian youth. 

Through the lens of hip-hop and Afro-fusion, he documents the 

everyday trenches lifestyle - a relatable cocktail of societal issues. 

The thematic focus of Life in the Trenches spans from domestic 

violence to the hustle spirit and even black tax to the hidden costs 

of survival in modern Lagos. 

Of notable mention is the theme of the glorification of fraudulent 

businesses in our society today. His latest project, Life in the Trenches, 

is not just music; it’s a social diary.

Following the successful release of Love in the Trenches EP (2023) and Heartwork EP (2024), an emotional and vulnerable exploration of love, passion, tough decisions, and losses, Life in the Trenches is set to drop on the 10th of October, 2025. 

On this project, TillDayBreak transforms youthful struggles into sound. The project is not about glorifying hardship; it’s about documenting it using music, real community stories, and viral social experiments to hold up a mirror to the life many live but rarely hear about.

Creative Currents with Barbara Alli

Issue 5.0 Sep. 2025

Interview Conducted by Motirolaoluwa Kolade

Design by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q. Who is Barbara Alli?

A. Barbara Alli is a singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and storyteller. At my core, I am a woman who believes in using creativity as a tool to inspire, uplift, and connect people. I like to describe myself as a dreamer and a doer, someone who channels her African roots and global experiences into music and art that speaks to the heart.

Q. Your style of music (Afro-soul) is peculiar. What inspires your music?

A. My inspiration comes from life itself; from my journey, from people’s stories, from love, faith, and even struggles. Afro-soul allows me to blend African rhythms with heartfelt emotions, creating music that is both deeply rooted and universally relatable. My greatest inspiration is the desire to heal and to give hope through sound.

Q. You have been quite an adventurer. From being born in Ghana, to growing in Nigeria, and now living in Vienna. Would you say that influences your creative process?

A. Absolutely. Each place has shaped me. Ghana gave me my cultural foundation, Nigeria gave me strength, energy, and resilience, and Vienna exposed me to diversity, art, and new perspectives. All of these experiences influence my sound, my lyrics, and even how I perform. I like to think of my music as a bridge between Africa and the world.

Q. Your new single, ASIKO which means “time” in Yoruba; what was the inspiration behind the title?

A. ASIKO came from a place of reflection. I was thinking about how everything in life has its own timing — whether it’s success, healing, love, or even pain. Sometimes we want things to happen quickly, but God has His perfect time. That’s what inspired me to call the song ASIKO. It’s a reminder that we are exactly where we need to be at this moment.

Q. You have said ASIKO is a very emotional piece for you. How was the creative process through the writing and recording of the song?

A. It was a very emotional and spiritual journey. I wrote ASIKO during a period of transition in my life, so every word carried a piece of my soul. Recording it was almost like therapy for me — I had to be vulnerable and honest, and I allowed myself to feel every emotion while laying down the vocals.

Q. Was there any point during the creative process that stuck out to you or made you almost give up?

A. Yes, there was a point where I questioned myself  wondering if the world was ready to hear such a vulnerable side of me. But that doubt was exactly why I knew I had to release it. Music isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth. That realization pushed me to keep going.

Q. What is your biggest motivation to keep releasing music?

A. My biggest motivation is the people. Every time someone tells me that my music gave them strength, peace, or joy, it reminds me of why I started. Music is my gift, and I feel a responsibility to share it with the world.

Q. As a personal piece to you, when people listen to ASIKO, what do you expect them to feel?

A. I want people to feel hope. I want them to know that even if life feels delayed or uncertain, their time will surely come. ASIKO is about patience, faith, and trust in God’s timing. If listeners walk away with that reassurance, then I’ve done my job.

Q. What is one event that has stuck out to you since the release of ASIKO?

A. One moment that touched me was when a fan reached out and said the song helped them through a very difficult season. That feedback reminded me that music is bigger than charts or numbers; it’s about touching lives.

Q. What’s next for Barbara Alli? Should we be expecting a new single, concert, or anything?

A. Yes, there’s so much in the works! After ASIKO, my ILEYA is coming soon, and it’s a body of liberation and empowerment. I’m also planning live performances and collaborations that will allow me to connect with my fans more closely. The journey has just begun.

Q. What is your advice to people, especially women, who want to get into the entertainment or music industry but feel like it is too constricted?

A. My advice is: do not wait for permission to shine. The industry has its challenges, but your uniqueness is your power. Stay true to your vision, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and never underestimate the strength of consistency. As women, our voices matter, and the world needs to hear them.

Rising Nigerian artist TØDI OJ (formerly known as Pricelessay) is set to release his debut single under his rebranded identity, “Fall,” on September 26th, 2025. A confessional Afro-house track that blurs the line between love song and emotional outpour, Fall captures the intensity of yearning, vulnerability, and the fragile balance between desire and despair.

Built on sultry, percussion-driven production, “Fall” pulls listeners into a whirlwind of passion and mental fragility. TØDI OJ delivers haunting lyrics like “If you ever leave I’m suicidal” and “Need you closer, girl I am going blind” with unfiltered honesty, revealing the darker edges of attachment. The verses shift between raw confessions and vivid nightlife imagery, reflecting both his inner turmoil and the rhythm of the world outside.

At its core, “Fall” is both deeply personal and universally relatable; a tragic love song that still moves with the energy of the dancefloor. The hypnotic “Be re ko jo oh” chant anchors the track, offering a rhythm that’s as addictive as it is cathartic.

“Fall is more than a love song, it’s a confessional. I wanted to explore the messiness of love, dependency, and mental health with no filters. It’s vulnerable, but it still has that pulse you can move to,” says TØDI OJ.

Formerly known as Pricelessay, TØDI OJ has spent the past few years refining his artistry, experimenting with sound, and building a voice that fuses emotion, rhythm, and reflection. Born and raised in Lagos, he draws inspiration from his environment and personal experiences, crafting music that always stems from truth. With “Fall,” he steps fully into his new era — one defined by fearless storytelling, melodic intensity, and raw honesty.

“Fall” is a must-listen for fans of emotionally charged storytelling layered over irresistible rhythm. It’s a song that dares to say what many feel but rarely admit.

Listen Here: https://onerpm.link/-fall

Follow TØDI OJ on: 

Instagram: @todi_oj | X/Twitter: @todi_oj

Big Banju: Go Big or Go Home

Music And Moments with Big Banju

Issue 13.0 (Sep. 2025)

Interview Conducted by Olulana Mofiyinfoluwa

Design by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q: You were born in Akwa Ibom, grew up in Ondo, and now you’re in Lagos. How have these different environments shaped your music?

Big Banju: The music scene in Ondo is very different from Lagos. Lagos is the best place to make music; it pushes you to adapt. Before I moved here, my sound was different. But Lagos changed my style and I like the direction it’s taken.

Q: You’re quiet offstage but your lyrics are powerful. Who influenced your sound as you were coming up and any chance of a collaboration with them?

Big Banju: The big names; Olamide, Wizkid, and Davido. It will happen definitely. Maybe not right now, but it will.

Q: I’d say ADA really put you in the spotlight. What’s the story behind creating that song and why did you feel it was the right way to introduce yourself as an artist?

Big Banju: I record music based on real experiences, not just random ideas. Honestly, I went through a heartbreak, that’s what inspired ADA. I wanted people to first hear the truth of what I was going through.

Q: Before the EP dropped, while you were making music, when did you realize you weren’t just making songs you were actually preserving culture?

Big Banju: After I released ADA, I saw how people responded even artists like M.I, Blaqbonez and Zlatan commented. That made me feel like, “Okay, I’m not small. I’m making an impact”. That’s when I decided to drop the Who Is Big Banju EP.

                                                 

Q: What’s the story behind creating “Who Is Big Banju” and what did you want people to discover while listening to it?

Big Banju: When I released ADA, people kept commenting, “Who is Big Banju?”
So I decided it was time to show them that Big Banju isn’t small at all. That’s why I dropped the EP to let people know exactly who I am and what I stand for.

Q: How did the name Big Banju itself come about?

Big Banju's Manager: The industry is crowded, so we wanted something that stood out. His name was already Banju, and we thought, “That’s simple but how do we make it bigger?”
We said, “Go big or go home.” So we added “Big” to the name. It’s a mindset: in everything; music videos, collaborations, marketing; we go big or we don’t bother.

Q: Tell me about the creative process behind the seven songs on the EP. What’s the theme?

Big Banju: If you listen from track one to seven; Bless Me to Taboo you’ll notice different moods. Some songs came together like freestyles.
One day I was in the studio with Cater and we just started vibing no lyrics written down, just energy.
But Bless Me is different; I started writing it back in 2018. Every line is intentional. For me, once you’re in the studio you should create something meaningful that people will want to listen to.

Q: The EP features two notable collaborations. Let’s start with In Love With You. How did that track happen?

Big Banju: I had already recorded the song. Then Zlatan commented on one of my posts, something like, “Big Banju, what’s happening?”
My label boss asked me which artist I’d love to feature, and I said Zlatan. I thought he was joking when he said, “No problem.”
The next day he told me, “You and Zlatan are recording together.”
I went to Zlatan’s studio, played him my songs and he said, “This In Love With You is the one.” We replaced my second verse with his.

Q: Those hyper-aggressive ads were my first introduction to you. I remember Zlatan saying, “Why would you spend 400 million naira on ads?” Was that actually real? Whether it was or not, the rollout was perfect. After the buzz everyone kept asking, “Who is Big Banju?” and then you dropped the EP. I think it was genius.

Big Banju: The credit really goes to my record label Explorer Music Group. They were the brains behind that entire rollout.

Q: You’re known to be very reserved. Even though your name is out there and you’re in the spotlight, you’re a very private person. How do you balance that quiet personality with the demands of being a public figure?

Big Banju: Growing up, I mostly stayed with my dad and I wasn’t the type to make a lot of friends. I got used to being on my own.
But even if you’re naturally quiet, when it comes to business you have to show up. I take my work seriously, I’m focused and I don’t play when it comes to business.

Q: In an earlier interview you said, “Listen to my lyrics, not my personality.” What do you mean by that?

Big Banju: When you go to church, you’re there to worship God, not people.
It’s the same with music: don’t judge the artist, just listen to the music. Don’t listen because you like or dislike me; listen because of what the music says.

Q: Have you ever performed any of your songs live?

Big Banju: Yes, I have.

Q: What was that experience like? What moment on stage has stayed with you the most?

Big Banju: There’s nothing like performing and having your guys show up to support you. That kind of energy, I don’t take it for granted.

Q: What’s been your biggest challenge breaking into the industry?

Big Banju: I come from a family where nobody is in the public eye.
Even as a kid, I told myself: when I grow up, I want to be a musician, an artist, to be famous. I prayed for it.
My biggest challenge was simply making sure I broke into the industry because I knew if I didn’t, I’d regret it.

Q: If you could lock in a dream collaboration, who would it be and what kind of record would you want to make?

Big Banju: For now I can’t name anyone specific. I just pray that whenever the opportunity comes and it’s with a legend, I’ll embrace it.

Q: Where do you see Big Banju in the next five years, beyond just releasing singles?

Big Banju: I want to be sitting at the same table as people like Dangote and Elon Musk right there with them.


Big Banju: Let me ask you a question. When you call me “Big Banju,” how does it make you feel?

Interviewer: It feels like I’m speaking to someone truly big. Saying “Big Banju” feels like calling Wizkid “Big Wiz.”