– Congratulations on the release of “One Time”! Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track and how it came to life?
Thank you! “One Time” is inspired by the universal need to feel loved and share a special moment with someone, even if it’s just for one time. I wanted to create a vibe that seamlessly blends my R&B vocals with an Afrobeats twist. Delirious was the perfect producer for this. We met at his studio, where I shared ideas about what I wanted for this track. The initial spark came when he started playing a few melodies on the keyboard, setting the tone for what would become the vibrant and captivating track you hear today. I worked closely with another songwriter to craft the lyrics. After laying the vocals, we spent some time refining everything to capture the essence of romance and connection the song needed to convey. I really enjoyed bringing this one to life. The journey was filled with fun and laughter, showing the power of great teamwork and collaboration.
– “One Time” has a very catchy melody and a danceable beat. When you’re writing a song, how important is it for you to create music that makes people want to move?I believe that music exists to evoke emotions – from happy to sad and everything in between! With a song like “One Time”, movement is a natural response to feeling the rhythm and beat. You can’t help but tap your feet, bop your head, and move your waist! I wanted the melody and beat to be catchy but also danceable, with a smooth yet energetic vibe that compels people to get up and dance.
– You mentioned that linking up with Delirious changed the game for you. What was it like working with him on this track, and how did his production influence the final sound?Working with Delirious was an incredible experience. Not only is he an absolute pleasure to work with, but he’s also amazing at adding that Afrobeats flavour, which was exactly what I wanted for this track. His production skills brought a unique twist to the song and blended my R&B style perfectly. Delirious was crucial in shaping the final sound of “One Time”, making it vibrant and captivating.
– Your music beautifully blends R&B and Afrobeats. What draws you to these genres and how do you go about combining them in your music?I’m drawn to R&B because that’s my go-to genre, especially old-school R&B. Having been raised in the church, I listened to a lot of gospel music growing up, and as I got older, that evolved into R&B/Soul music, which is what I sing predominantly. Afrobeats has really picked up over the past few years and resonates with me because of the cultural history behind it. R&B allows me to express raw emotion through my vocals, while Afrobeats brings an infectious energy and beat. Combining them involves finding a balance where the soulful melodies of R&B can coexist with the rhythmic elements of Afrobeats, creating a unique and engaging sound.
– You’ve collaborated with an impressive roster of artists. How have these experiences shaped your own music and career?Having the honour to work as a backing vocalist with some of the greats has been incredibly enriching. I’ve gained new perspectives and ideas, pushing me to expand my creative boundaries. I’ve also been able to connect with some truly amazing creatives in the industry. All of these experiences have shaped my music by allowing me to experiment with different styles and techniques, ultimately helping me grow as an artist.
– Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your sound and approach to songwriting?Some of my musical influences for this project include Chris Brown, Burna Boy, and Rotimi. Chris Brown’s versatility and vocal range inspire my R&B style, while Burna Boy’s ability to blend Afrobeats with other genres influences my approach to incorporating different elements into my music. Rotimi’s smooth delivery and romantic lyricism also play a role in shaping my sound and approach to songwriting.
– Can you share any memorable moments or stories from your performances on platforms like BBC Live Lounge, Boiler Room TV, or The Brit Awards?Performing on platforms like BBC Live Lounge, Boiler Room TV, and The Brit Awards has been absolutely incredible. I’ve enjoyed some memorable performances with WizKid at The O2 and with Ghetts on BBC’s “Later with Jools Holland”, but I’d say that the most memorable was at the BBC Live Lounge with Ray BLK because it was my first time on a major platform like that. It was spent with other vocalists who became the closest of friends, and we still sing together to this day. Call me sentimental, but it was definitely a special day with unforgettable memories.
– What can fans expect from you in the future and are there any themes or styles you’re particularly excited to explore?Fans can certainly expect more music that blends different genres and pushes creative boundaries. I’m excited to explore new themes and styles, including more collaborations and experimenting with different sounds. My goal is to continue creating music that resonates with people and evokes strong emotions and connections. I’m always working on new music, so I’m really excited and looking forward to sharing the next project!