A new star is emerging in the world of Afrobeats, where infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyrics captivate audiences worldwide. N’naya, a talented Nigerian artist, is not only making waves with his unique sound but also breaking barriers as he balances a demanding academic career. Currently completing his PhD at the University of Leicester, N’naya exemplifies the harmonious blend of intellect and creativity.
Music has been a part of N’naya’s life since his early days, providing a creative outlet alongside his rigorous academic pursuits. His journey into the music industry, however, didn’t follow a conventional path. It wasn’t until last year, during a moment of respite from his thesis work, that N’naya reignited his musical passion. This led to the birth of “Lonely Soul,” a song from his high school days that he brought back to life, marking his first step into the world of independent music production.
N’naya’s story is one of resilience and versatility. With no record deal in hand, he ventured into the realm of independent artistry, producing and releasing his freestyle EP, “African Moodscape,” in February 2024. His determination and talent soon caught the attention of professional producers, leading to the creation of his highly anticipated single, “Lolo Universe,” set to release on June 7, 2024.
In this exclusive interview, N’naya opens up about the inspiration behind his latest single, the challenges of balancing his academic responsibilities with his burgeoning music career, and his vision for the future of Afrobeats. He shares the creative process behind “Lolo Universe,” a song that intertwines Igbo and Yoruba cultural elements with Shakespearean flair, celebrating the beauty of African women in a way that is both poetic and profoundly relatable.
N’naya’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His music, described as a fresh take on Afrobeats, is not just about catchy rhythms but also about bridging cultures and pushing the boundaries of the genre. As he prepares for the release of “Lolo Universe,” N’naya reflects on his experiences, the highlights and hurdles of his dual life as an academic and an artist, and his aspirations to contribute to the global recognition of Afrobeats.
Join us as we delve into the world of N’naya, exploring the intricate tapestry of his life and music. Discover how this remarkable artist is shaping the future of Afrobeats, one beat at a time.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the music industry?
All right, folks, let me tell you about this journey – music and academia are two sides of the same coin for me. Music has been with me since way back, even before I landed at UNN. But education was the focus, you know? Climb that academic ladder and reach the top – that was the plan. And climb I did, PhD at Leicester coming right up! Music, though, never left. Like a melody stuck in your head, it simmered under the surface. Then, last year, something clicked. My thesis chapters were done, brain fried; I grabbed my phone and started singing. “Lonely Soul,” it became, a song from my high school days brought back to life. Now, the music industry is a whole new game compared to textbooks. There’s no fancy record deal yet, but there’s a whole world of independent artists out there making waves. I did a freestyle EP, “African Moodscape”, which I produced and released in February 2024. I am now working with professional producers to record my songs, with Lolo Universe being the first released on 7 June 2024.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your single “Lolo Universe”! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this song?
Thanks for the love on “Lolo Universe”! This song is a bit of a unique one for me. It all started with a question: what if Shakespeare was Igbo and wanted to write about a stunning woman? Imagine the elaborate language, the metaphors – that’s what sparked the fire. Words and phrases just flooded in, this beautiful, complex picture of a woman emerging. But “Lolo Universe” just fit better musically, you know? It had a rhythm, a flow that begged to be sung. So, the lyrics started swirling around that central idea – the “Lolo Universe,” this breathtaking woman who lights up the world around her. It’s a celebration of Igbo beauty, culture, and all wrapped up in a sound that gets your head nodding. However, the song also uses more Yoruba words and phrases so it has a multi-cultural appeal.
“Lolo Universe” has been described as a love song with a romantic mood. How did you come up with the lyrics and the overall concept for the song?
Ah, “Lolo Universe” – a love song with a twist, wouldn’t you say? That romantic mood stemmed from wanting to capture the essence of being utterly captivated by someone. But here’s the thing: the inspiration came from a most unexpected place. I strolled near the Shakespeare Building near St Nicolas Place in Leicester city centre one evening. Now, Shakespeare, that master of words, got me thinking. How would he describe a woman who takes your breath away if he spoke Igbo?
That question sparked a creative fire. Words and phrases started swirling – metaphors as rich as Shakespeare’s but with a distinctly Igbo flavour. It was all about capturing that feeling of seeing someone who lights up the world around them. But here’s the secret sauce: I wanted the song to be accessible, to get people moving. So, I used simple, catchy phrases that stick in your head. Like “You are the angel of my life”; “the apple of my eyes”. So, “Lolo Universe” bridges the gap between the classic and the contemporary. It’s a love song celebrating Igbo beauty but also draws from the Yoruba language and is wrapped in a melody that gets your feet tapping. It’s a testament to the power of inspiration striking at the most unexpected moments, even during a walk.
You mentioned that the bridge of “Lolo Universe” adds a touch of poetic imagery. Can you share more about the specific metaphors you used and what they represent?
Absolutely! The bridge in “Lolo Universe” is where I really let the poetic imagery shine. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key metaphors and their meanings:
“The angel of my life, the apple of my eyes”: These are classic metaphors for someone you love deeply. They represent purity, light, and being the center of your attention.
“Beauty defined; yes, you are”: This is a straightforward declaration. Your beauty isn’t just physical, it’s the essence of who you are.
“The Guardian of my heart; My Lolo Universe”: Here, I take it a step further. You’re not just someone I love, you’re the protector of my heart, the center of my entire world. “Lolo Universe” reinforces this idea – you’re vast and beautiful, like a whole universe contained in one person.
“Celestially refined”: This adds a touch of the divine. Your beauty is otherworldly, almost too perfect to be of this world.
These metaphors all paint a vivid picture of how you see your love – an angelic being, a rare treasure, and the center of your universe. It’s a way of expressing your love in a way that’s both beautiful and deeply personal.
And don’t forget the repetition in the bridge: “yeah, yeah, yeah” and “eh, eh, eh.” This creates a sense of urgency and passion, driving home the strength of your feelings.
I can’t wait for people to hear “Lolo Universe” and get swept away in the music and the imagery!
“Lolo Universe” is poised to become an Afrobeats obsession. What elements do you think make it so catchy and relatable?
That would be a dream come true – “Lolo Universe” taking over the Afrobeats scene! Here’s what I think makes it catchy and relatable:
The Infectious Rhythms: Afrobeats is all about infectious rhythms, and “Lolo Universe” definitely delivers on that front. But the Igbo and Yoruba lyrics in the verses add a unique flavor. It’s familiar but fresh, making people sit up and take notice.
The Lolo Love: Everyone loves a love song, right? “Lolo Universe” puts a fresh spin on it by celebrating a beautiful woman, a “Lolo.” It’s a celebration of love and appreciation that people can connect with, regardless of language or background.
The Shakespearean Swagger: Okay, maybe not full-on Shakespeare, but the bridge with its rich metaphors adds a touch of sophistication. It elevates the song beyond a simple love song and makes it something a little more poetic, a little more memorable.
The Lie Lie Lie: A catchy sound is the heart of any good Afrobeats song. The “Lie, lie, lie” part is pure earworm material. It gets stuck in your head, makes you want to move, and reinforces the sincerity of your love – “I swear no be lie!”
All these elements come together to make it a song that’s both familiar and surprising. It’s got the Afrobeats foundation, the Igbo and Yoruba soul, and a touch of poetic swagger. It’s a love song that celebrates beauty and makes you want to move your feet. That’s the magic of “Lolo Universe,” and hopefully, that’s what will make it an Afrobeats obsession!
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and producing “Lolo Universe”?
Ah, “Lolo Universe” – the song’s got a funny story behind it, one that involves continents and a whole lot of creative energy. It all started with a walk, like I said, near the Shakespeare Building in Leicester. Shakespeare got me thinking in Igbo metaphors, picturing a woman who steals the breath right out of your lungs. Words and melodies started swirling together, lyrics shaping the music and vice versa. But here’s the thing: while the inspiration struck in Leicester, the song itself took a global journey.
I was at the AAG Conference in Honolulu back in April. That’s when Jayklef sent me the initial beat for “Lolo Universe.” Crazy, right? He knew I wanted this song to be special, and getting my feedback early on was key. After a few tweaks and adjustments over WhatsApp, the song was ready for the studio magic. Now, XL Arts Studio might be in Leicester, but the production mastermind behind it all, Jaykelf, is based all the way in Lagos, Nigeria. Talk about a borderless collaboration!
He understood the vision perfectly – Afrobeats with a heavy dose of Igbo and Yoruba soul. So, I flew back from that conference at the end of April, and straight into XL Arts Studio in Leicester! Jaykelf worked his magic online, layering in those infectious rhythms and percussion that make the song thump. It was a whirlwind, but an incredible one. From the streets of Leicester to the beaches of Honolulu and finally to the XL Arts studio, “Lolo Universe” came together. Words, music, and a dash of international collaboration – that’s what makes this song special. Can’t wait for the world to hear it!
As someone who is nearing the completion of a PhD at the University of Leicester, how do you balance your academic pursuits with your music career?
Balancing my PhD studies at Leicester with a burgeoning music career – that’s a question I get a lot! Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. It takes discipline and focus. Let’s face it, PhD studies can be demanding. For me, music is a release, a way to unwind and express myself creatively. It helps me stay focused and motivated in the academic grind.
The Afrobeats scene is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. How do you see your music contributing to the global recognition of Afrobeats?
Absolutely! The Afrobeats scene is exploding worldwide, and it’s exciting to be a part of it. The core of my music is definitely Afrobeats. It’s the infectious rhythms, the danceable energy – that’s what gets people moving. But I also add my own twist. My idea is “assemblage music” which perfectly captures what I’m trying to achieve. Afrobeats is already a blend of influences, and “Lolo Universe” takes that a step further. It’s Afrobeats, Igbo and Yoruba soul, Shakespearean metaphors – all coming together to create something new and exciting. This “assemblage” approach pushes the boundaries of Afrobeats and keeps the sound fresh and evolving, which is essential for global recognition.
Imagine Afrobeats as a massive conversation, a global exchange of rhythm and culture. With “Lolo Universe” and the concept of assemblage music, I’m hoping to add a new verse to that conversation. It’s about celebrating the core elements of Afrobeats while infusing it with fresh influences and cultural pride. The Afrobeats scene is all about creativity and pushing boundaries. By embracing assemblage and bringing new elements to the table, we can keep Afrobeats exciting, innovative, and ready to conquer the world stage!
How has your journey in the music industry been so far? What have been some of the highlights and challenges?
My journey in the music industry has been a whirlwind, a mix of incredible highs and moments that make you want to pull your hair out (laughs). But hey, that’s the life of an artist, right? Here’s a taste of the good, the bad, and the beautifully chaotic. Dropping freestyles early this year gave a me taste of the music industry. Hearing from people who resonate with my music is a good start. I got some positive and critical comments which I have built on to improve. Collaborating with Jaykelf on “Lolo Universe” was incredible. We were miles apart, Leicester to Lagos, but the creative energy flowed like a river. He understood the vision perfectly, and his production skills took the song to a whole new level.
Being an independent artist is no joke. It’s a constant hustle, promoting your music, building an audience, wearing all the hats. Sometimes it feels like there are just not enough hours in the day! Juggling music with my PhD studies can be a real challenge. There are days when the books win, and the music has to wait. The key is to stay focused, prioritize ruthlessly, and remember that both passions fuel each other.
The music industry is crowded, and getting noticed can be tough. You have to be persistent, keep putting out quality music, and hope that people take notice. But with “Lolo Universe” and the assemblage music concept, I feel like I’m on the right track to make some noise! It’s a rollercoaster ride, for sure, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. The challenges make the successes all the sweeter, and the connections with fans keep me pushing forward. The future’s bright, and I can’t wait to see where this music journey takes me!
How do you see your music evolving in the next few years? Are there any new directions you’re excited to explore?
That’s a fantastic question! The beauty of music lies in its ability to evolve, to explore new sounds and influences. Looking ahead, I see my music growing in a few exciting directions:
Deepening the Assemblage: The “assemblage music” concept is what I will be pushing. I definitely want to keep pushing the boundaries, incorporating new influences into my Afrobeats foundation. Maybe a touch of Latin rhythms– the possibilities are endless! This exploration will keep my sound fresh and exciting for listeners.
Igbo Soul Takes Flight: Igbo culture and language are a deep well of inspiration for me. In the future, I want to delve even deeper, exploring traditional Igbo musical styles and incorporating them into my Afrobeats sound. Imagine the energy of Afrobeats infused with the rich melodies of Igbo music – it could be something truly special.
Thematic Adventures: So far, my lyrics have focused on love and relationships. But there’s a whole world of social issues and experiences I want to explore in my music. Drawing on my academic background, I want to tackle themes like social justice, conflict resolution, and cultural identity through my music, all wrapped in an assemblage soundscape.
These are just a few ideas bubbling away in my creative pot. The key for me is to keep learning, keep exploring new sounds and cultures, and let the music evolve organically. The most important thing is to stay true to my voice, my experiences as a Nigerian student in the UK, and my passion for bridging cultures through music. With that foundation, the possibilities for evolution are endless!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are also balancing other demanding aspects of their lives, like education or a career?
The most important thing? Don’t give up on your dreams. Music is a powerful force, and with dedication, hard work, and a dash of creative hustle, you can make your voice heard. Remember, the world needs your unique sound – so keep playing, keep singing, and keep chasing that musical dream!
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