August Chuks is making waves in the Afrobeat and Afro Fusion scenes with his music.His newest song, “Answer,” is a deep look at the complicated parts of past relationships, touching on the complicated feelings of love and loss. Though the song was inspired by a betrayal, it still captures the bittersweet desire to hold on to the good times while also encouraging people to dance through their own sadness.
August Chuks talks about how he made “Answer,” his journey as an artist, and how his unique sound, which combines traditional African sounds with modern ones, has changed over time in this exclusive interview. He thinks about his roots in Port Harcourt, the lively city that shaped his musical style, and shares how his life experiences have made him love music even more.
As August continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat, he reflects on the challenges of the music industry, the impact of Port Harcourt’s music scene, and his vision for the future of the genre. With heartfelt insights and a passion for storytelling, August Chuks offers a candid look at his artistic journey, his influences, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Join us as we dive deep into the world of August Chuks and discover the heart and soul behind his music.
Your new single “Answer” delves into the complex emotions of a past relationship. What inspired you to write this song, and how did it help you process those feelings of being in limbo?
I wrote the song years after I totally was rid of the whole feeling of want. Where I could now sit back and re-access the situation I was in. That was when everything started coming back and the realization of self worth kicked in
You’ve mentioned wanting listeners to feel unashamed of those moments when they were left hanging. How do you hope your music, particularly impacts those who are going through similar experiences?
In that moment it felt like I was the problem, like I wasnt doing enough to to match up her energy. It felt like I could justify being cheated on.
I don’t want my listeners to ever feel that way. I want them to know that it’s never thier fault. It just happend that we have ended up with someone who didn’t care enough about us to be faithful.
Your music is a unique blend of traditional African sounds and modern influences. How do you maintain a balance between these elements, and what do you think makes your sound stand out in the Afrobeat and Afro Fusion scene?
I listen to alot of music. Many kinds of music as long as it’s good. I love to be culturally diverse, hence my ability to create something from different cultural perspectives..
It’s just a need to be universally understood that drives me to create.
You’ve spent years perfecting your craft, drawing from Afrobeat legends and global sounds. How has your sound evolved over time, and who are some of the key artists who have influenced your journey?
I started with alternative music with my first release called LET ME then moved to afro beats with the song I put out in 2019 titled TWO LIVES.. the idea is not to be fixated on a genre or sub genre. But to evolve with my sound and the elements that makes me unique.. I listen to alot of afro beats, I also evolved from listening to Jon bellion to listening Burnaboy who is a major inspiration to my music. So as you can see I will jeep evolving with every step in my journey.
Port Harcourt is known as a thriving hub for music. How has the city’s vibrant music scene influenced your artistry, and what role does it play in your musical identity?
Port Harcourt is where I decided I was gonna be a musician . It is where I found my purpose. I am blessed to be identified as one of them because that is where I got the most support. I am excited about the opportunities available to creators like us and how i will contribute to helping others.
The music industry can be challenging. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your journey so far, and how have they shaped your career?
The least places i expect to be heard is where I got the most response. I wanna give a big shout-out to win records for seeing me, listening to my music and seeing that I still have alot to offer..
I have just learned to keep trying because if I has stopped I wouldn’t be here
As an artist pushing Afrobeat and Afro Fusion forward, what do you envision for the future of these genres, and how do you see your music contributing to their evolution?
I believe we are already in the future with afro fusion looking back at how afrobeats have broken into world chats courtesy of our afro beats big three .
What is left to do is shine . We already have the platform and this platform is here to stay for years to come..
You wrote “Answer” in under an hour with a guitar sample you created yourself. Can you walk us through your creative process for this track and how it came together so quickly?
I was in the studio with mahjday and the tune kept ringing in my head. I recorded the guitar sample and left. Mahdjay woke me up the next morning with a beat already made from that sample with a caption “my best work yet.. thank you!”
The next hour I was in the studio with a song to record.
Do you have any personal rituals or routines that help you get into the creative zone, whether for songwriting, performing, or recording?
I just listen to music. Alot of music. Especially music related to what I wanna achieve with my sound. I am of a strong belief that we evolve with what we hear. You can never take singing away from me. But my ability to sing depends on what I have been listening to. So I try to always listen to new sound, unique sound or everysound related to what I wanna do in that moment
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your work, and how does it influence your growth as an artist?
I make music for people to listen. Definitely theres always an opinion about my music. Be it good or bad I have learnt to take the ones that I think I need and put the rest in the bin. No one is above correction but I am careful enough to not be corrected away from my core.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being a performing artist? Do you have any tips for maintaining that balance?
My personal life evolves around friends and family who believe in my music. So there’s no pressure or whatsoever to be something else . I am blessed with the people I am surrounded with and the only balance I wanna maintaining is the balance of seeing them so proud of me everyday.
