Bloody Civilian Is Only Getting Brighter
Your single, "HTKAM (How to Kill a Man)," was described as equal parts sadistic and seductive. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and the emotions you aimed to convey?
Although I was not coming from a seductive point of view, the song is more of a humorous way to express my disdain for misogyny.
In your music, you seamlessly blend Afro-pop and psychedelia while infusing aspects of your West African heritage. How do you navigate between different genres and cultural influences to create your unique sound?
It’s just simply what I grew up on. In high school, I listened to a lot of music and that influences what I make today.
Your latest single, "I Don't Like You," has been gaining momentum. Can you share the story or message behind the song, and what makes it resonate with your audience?
People tend to be diplomatic in their life. However, I’ve made myself a mascot that they can vicariously live through.
How did you approach crafting this body of work, and what themes or emotions were you exploring throughout the project?
For me, it always starts with the message. And from there, I go into figuring out how I am going to produce it. When I am making the beat, I’m pretty much telling the second part of the story.
Ever since I heard “Mad Apology,” I haven’t stopped playing it. It’s honestly such a vibe. What’s the meaning behind the title?
It comes from the phrase, “Mad O” in Nigeria. It’s a sarcastic way to say, “Interesting.”
The music video for "I Don't Like You" is so sick. What was the creative process like in bringing the song to life visually, and how does it enhance the overall message of the track?
I pretty much went with Santi’s creative direction. He is such a wonderful director. And it was a very fun overall experience.
As a singer-songwriter and producer, you have a multifaceted approach to your music. How does your background as a producer influence your creative process as an artist, and how does it contribute to the unique sonic experience you create?
I don’t think my music will exist in a way that it does without my production. I have a specific sonic that resonates with me, and everything is part of my overall identity.
Your collaboration with Rema on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Soundtrack, "Wake Up," now has more than 3 million plays on Spotify. How did this collaboration come about, and what was it like working on a project with such cultural significance?
It was just a fun experience overall. I learned a lot and I was really grateful. ANGER MANAGEMENT has such a strong, powerful energy.
What do you hope listeners take away from the EP, both in terms of the music itself and the emotions or experiences it evokes?
I hope people are able to learn from my experience. And if they can relate, it helps them gain more clarity as well.
How do you see yourself evolving as an artist in the future?
I just want to grow as a person. You can’t grow as an artist without growing as a person. And I hope the growth reflects in my music.
