Interview conducted by: Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu @agozieee_

Images Credit: Droxx





Q. Can we get to know you?


A. My name is Droxx. I’m a Nigerian Rapper/Singer & Songwriter 


Q. Can we know the inspiration behind your stage name?


A. Lol Droxx has more of a symbolic meaning than  a literal one, for me it’s an embodiment of everything that makes me who i am, impulsivity, tactfulness and tenacity.

I’d like to believe it’s a divine name, it kinda just came to me like a manifestation when i opened my first soundcloud account at the age of 15 tryna upload some freestyles i had just recorded on my phone 


Q. Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got started in the industry?


A. I started from writing raps at 14 in class, battle rapping classmates, performing at social events in secondary school, I recorded my first song when i was in 100lvl in uni, 2014/15 and over the years i was able to build something of a cult following back in uni, thats where it all started,school shows/events, concerts. i was a professional model for a while up until 2018,then i was back on the scene as a duo with Slimsyxx, we called ourselves D.S.6 and went to release loads of music together, it’s a union that has birthed many classics and cemented it’s name on the walls of contemporary Nigerian Hip hop


Q. What was your first ever single?



A. It was titled “TRIGGAH”, released in 2015


Q. Who or what are some of your biggest influences when it comes to creating music?


A. Lil wayne, Eminem, Skepta


Q. If I may ask, what is your genre of music?


A. 234Drill / Afro-Hiphop or Rap fusion, because it’s primarily Rap and there’s some elements of every other thing, Grime,fuji,Apala and afrobeats all in there.


Q. What has been your most memorable performance or gig and why?



A. I’ve had a lot memorable stage performances but it’s gotta be D.S.6 Deuces 2.0 concert  in 2019. It was the 2nd edition of a concert for me and Slimsyxx which started the year prior, bigger location than the previous year, bigger stage, we had about 300 people in attendance and it was honestly just a night to remember,  an experience that only described as magical for an artist with my background, just sits very dear in my heart, having actual supporters raving with you, screaming your own lyrics back at you just gives you a confidence boost that could last a lifetime.


Q. Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Where do you draw inspiration from?



A. To be honest i draw inspiration from anything, could be a sound i heard a little kid make while walking past me in the morning or a conversation i had later in the day with my mum and really just everyday life happenings around me to be honest 

A lot of my music actually tell real life experiences, I just like to make it fun and enjoyabe while still staying on topic 

The important thing to me is you feel good hearing it, you’re bopping your head back n forth, you’re dancing! You hear a lyric and instantly relate with it and you hold on to that for life.


Q. How has your music evolved over the years and what do you hope to achieve with your upcoming releases?



A. In My early works there was a lot of experimenting i was doing a little bit of everything, Afro swing, trap, alte etc. Then around 2018/19 I gravitated more towards grime and drill and focused on creating a sound around that genre that gives raw Nigerian experience.

I started releasing music again as Droxx in 2020, Officer was my first track, it was a collaboration with Mo’gunz, instant banger,already went viral off a twitter snippet

Top 100 on the Deezer charts Nigeria when released, became an #Endsars anthem during the protests,numerous co signs, a don jazzy nod even, it was only peak from there for us. By the end of the year i should have almost a 100 songs across all credits(plus features and all songs released under D.S.6)  in my discography.

With my upcoming releases i just hope to continue breaking barriers and make seemingly impossible things possible.


Q. How do you engage with your fans and build a strong relationship with them?



A. Social media basically, it has always been a vital took for me, networking and building has always been a early strategy for me, i had already amassed quite a following and had some online presence from my early modeling days and back when i was in uni, networking has always been easy for me, i leveraged social media a lot.


Q. As a rookie artiste in the industry what challenges have you faced?



A. As an independent artist, Funding happens to be the biggest challenge to be honest, getting the music to the people because it’s very expensive, there’s a huge disconnect between the music, the artists and the fans who actually yearn for music like ours, we are breaking barriers everyday still. Somehow it will get to them, i very much believe.


Q. How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating music, especially during times of writer’s block or creative challenges?



A. Whenever i have a creative block i usually just take a breather and do other stuff like see a movie, meditate or go for a walk. My creative block usually don’t last tho lol

I hardly run out of things to sing about and i stay motivated by just setting goals and working towards achieving them step by step. The fun is in the journey and I’m dedicated to seeing it through.


Q. What artistes would you love to work with in the future



A. Rema, Skepta, Burna Boy, Olamide, Reminisce, J hus.


After gracing our ears earlier this year with the celestial sounds of 'Normally,' a heavenly adorned track that resonated with the very essence of life, motivation, and the relentless hustle of the average person, the prodigiously talented Mckoy returns once more with his second musical masterpiece for the year: 'Da Da Da.' This time around, Mckoy delves into the realm of love and romance, painting a vivid tapestry of emotions through his melodic expressions.




In this latest release, Mckoy forges a musical alliance with the ever-talented Zaki Amujei and the enchanting Aurha, resulting in a musical symphony that unfolds over a captivating runtime of a mind-blowing two minutes. The collaborative efforts of these maestros bring to life a lyrical narrative that explores the intricate facets of love. Zaki is enchanted by the allure of his beloved, while Aurha passionately professes her desire for her significant other, encapsulated in her heartfelt words: 'Only you fit to quench my fire.'


 


One of Zaki Amujei’s notable strengths in “Da Da Da” lies in his adept use of the Yoruba mother tongue, skillfully interwoven with English and Pidgin, through which he artfully expresses his love and devotion to his muse. With dulcet tones, he serenades, "wetin you do me gan, your love o ti mu mi gan," evoking a profound sense of passion and tenderness.

 

The sonic landscape of "Da Da Da" is an auditory delight, characterised by a contagious rhythm and an impressive interplay of percussions and strings that invigorate the senses and compel one to dance to the beat. The song embodies a brilliant fusion of afropop infused with a lingering essence of summer, reminiscent of old school love, a credit to the genius that is Josh Mixta. However, it is Zaki's harmonies that provide the real magic touch to the composition.

 

The buoyant chorus and alluring lyrics are nothing short of remarkable, with Zaki delivering playful yet endearing punchlines such as "Hot pass egusi." "Da Da Da" is an unconventional musical gem that possesses the potential to evoke the intended romance, subtly laced within its melodic undercurrents.

 

Mckoy's artistry is a delicate fusion of music production and a keen eye for burgeoning talent within the industry as exemplified in his very recent track. It's awe-inspiring to witness how he creatively merges the vocals of two talented artists to craft such a masterpiece. Mckoy is swiftly establishing himself as a visionary akin to the likes of Dj Khaled.

The resonance of the track and the enchanting aura of "Da Da Da" guarantee an infectious groove that will have you swaying to its rhythms upon the very first listen. 

“Da Da Da” is now available to stream or purchase on all digital music platforms here: https://fanlink.to/Da-Da-Da

 



Interview Conducted By: Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu (agozieee_) & Mofiyinfoluwa Korede Olulana (finnnnix)
Artwork Design: Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu (agozieee_)
Photos Credit: Ashaolu Idowu (Young AI)


Q.

Can we get to know you?

A.

My Name is Ashaolu Idowu popularly known as Young AI. I am an Artiste who hails from Osun State.



Q.

Can we know the inspiration behind your stage name?

A.

The “Young” is very important to me as an artiste because I started music at a very young age as i was the youngest to start music among my guys and “AI” are the initials of my full names which is Ashaolu Idowu.



Q.

Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got started in the industry?

A.

Okay I started going to the studio with my elder brother who was making music at the time, I would watch him record, perform at shows and I was opportune to have a lot of musical conversations which developed me to who I am today. One day I wrote a song and I sang it to him & then he made me record a verse on his song. Ever since then it’s been a roller coaster ride for me.



Q.

Who or what are some of your biggest influences when it comes to creating music?

A.

Talking about who, I use to listen a lot of Big Wiz when I started and my dad usually plays a lot of old music records, the likes of Baba Ara and many more.



Q.

What has been your most memorable performance or gig and why?

A.

Also The game Konami , it’s a sport event when celebrities come to play football against each other , at the time I made a cover of DMW’s Aje so I was opportune to perform and it was great , met with Mayorkun and many more.



Q.

Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Where do you draw inspiration from?

A.

I draw inspiration for my music from God Almighty. I just feel connected to the music spiritually and it keeps coming.



Q.

How has your music evolved over the years and what do you hope to achieve with your upcoming releases?

A.

It has and I’m happy about it , my sound , my composition lyrically , the vibe , the style, everything and the list keeps going. I hope to get the platform I need to dish out my music properly to the world with my upcoming project, May God help me.



Q.

How do you engage with your fans and build a strong relationship with them?

A.

I created a community on my socials , so whenever there’s something new it goes directly to it and I make sure I do an event every year to make me experience how much they love my music and I.



Q.

What is the inspiration behind your latest project?

A.

So yeah there’s a song on my upcoming project titled “Folarin“ ,it says a lot about me but I’m actually speaking to every young human that’s trying to achieve his or her dreams , you need to listen to it , its a different record off the upcoming ep ,“sounds of AI” which will feature hits from my collabo with the likes of Elysiagupta and many more, yeah it’s a 5 record body of work.




Q.

How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating music, especially during times of writer’s block or creative challenges?

A.

There’s nothing good in this life that doesn’t have its challenges so I keep going regardless, thanks to my family , real ones & believers.



Q.

What artistes would you love to work with in the future

A.

Wizkid, Drake just to mention a few.



You Can Check out his new release "Folarin" which is available on all streaming platforms

"HELLO FOLARINNNNNN"

Stream "Folarin" Now