Bayanni talks musical origins in Nigeria, the inspiration behind his new EP ‘Love & Hustle’, artistic course of, and extra [Interview] – EARMILK

Nigeria’s Bayanni was born Oladokun Abimbola Elijah in Alagbado- a bustling settlement between the borders of Lagos and Ogun state. He’s the third of 5 youngsters, and the son of a college bursar and a schoolteacher. He and his siblings had been first launched to music in church as a technique to maintain them from mischief, which first piqued his curiosity in crafting songs.

After rising by way of a sequence of early releases, Bayanni was signed to influential label Mavin Information after a life-changing DM from CEO Don Jazzy, and a subsequent stint and the prodigious Mavin academy. Lower than a yr since signing with Mavin, Bayanni had a wide-reaching cross-over track in 2022 with “Ta Ta Ta”, that includes Jason Derulo on the remix. Bayanni doubled down on his sultry street-pop formulation in 2024, releasing infectious, vibrant songs like “End Me”, “Goddess” (ft. Ruger) and extra.

Earlier this yr, Bayanni returned with new four-track EP titled Love & Hustle, his first prolonged launch since his self-titled debut. As its title suggests, Love & Hustle facilities on the twin forces that usually outline younger maturity: the pursuit of significant relationships and the continuing stress to succeed. The EP blends these themes with Bayanni’s signature afropop sensibilities, increasing his sound with out abandoning its core.

The opening observe, “Princess Remedy”, is a clean, melodic ode to softness and care, persevering with Bayanni’s give attention to music that resonates with- and celebrates- female vitality. The temper shifts with “Hustlers Anthem”, a potent, attractive collaboration with Mavin Information founder Don Jazzy. It is a spirited observe about ambition and resilience, providing a lyrical nod to the on a regular basis realities of chasing desires in an unforgiving world. The electrifying, uplifting bounce of “For The place?”, with Zerrydl, shut out the challenge with a vivid, highly effective sound.

With Love & Hustle, Bayanni doesn’t a lot reinvent himself as he sharpens the themes he’s already been exploring- balancing introspection with energetic rhythms, and storytelling with glossy fashion. We sat down with Bayanni to debate his early musical influences, journey with Mavin Information, his current EP Love & Hustle, and extra.

Are you able to inform us about your upbringing and what it was like rising up?

Rising up for me was bittersweet. I didn’t come from a wealthy background; I’d say I got here from a susceptible household. I’m the third of 5 boys, so I used to be at all times proper in the course of every little thing.

I grew up in a really musical family. Music was in every single place: piano sounds within the morning, church thrice per week. That surroundings pulled me nearer to music. By age six or seven, I used to be already studying devices, and by 12 or 13, I might play about seven: drums, piano, violin, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, bass, and guitar. Later, at Deeper Life Excessive College, I picked up much more.

At what level did you uncover your love for music?

From a really younger age. All my brothers had musical information, however for me, it was completely different. I really like the sensation of music . Music wasn’t simply sound, it was meals for the soul. It might heal, it might rework. That’s what made me fall in love with it.

When did you resolve to pursue music professionally?

That occurred round 20 or 21, after I was completed with faculty. By then, I knew it was time to take music critically,  not simply as one thing I liked, however as a profession. 

What function did your surroundings and background play in shaping your sound?

I grew up listening to virtually each type of music. That’s why my sound is so versatile. You may hear the streets, the wrestle, love, R&B, and pop all fused collectively. I don’t stick to at least one path or technique. That blend is what makes my sound distinctive.

How did you first come throughout Mavin Information, and what was the journey wish to becoming a member of the label?

I’d at all times identified about Mavin Information. Don Jazzy has at all times been a legend. I had visions of becoming a member of the label even earlier than it occurred. Then in 2019, Don Jazzy despatched me a message on Instagram. That was an enormous milestone. From that second until now, it has been a journey .

Let’s discuss your newest challenge, Love and Hustle. What impressed it?

Love and Hustle was impressed by Lagos. Once I moved right here in 2019 after Don Jazzy reached out, I started to see Lagos in another way. Rising up, I wasn’t actually “exterior,” however now I used to be experiencing the actual metropolis, the love, the hustle. Lagos has each love and wrestle, and I wished to seize that duality.

It’s additionally a mirrored image of my grownup life. Two issues have been fixed for me: love and hustle. After my debut EP, which launched me as a flexible artist, this challenge grew to become extra private.

The place do you normally draw inspiration on your songwriting?

Truthfully, it comes from completely different locations. Most instances it’s my private experiences, typically it’s a narrative I think about, and different instances it’s simply random inspiration. I don’t have a set supply. I don’t hearken to another person earlier than recording. I simply dig deep and create.

What’s your artistic course of like? Do you begin with melodies, lyrics, or feelings?

It relies upon. Generally it begins with the beat, like “Ta Ta Ta” from my debut EP. Different instances it begins with a melody, like my current launch Namipa. That melody simply got here to me, and I instantly known as my producer so we might lock it in. There’s no mounted formulation. It simply flows in another way every time.

Wanting again, what challenges did you face whereas breaking into the business, and the way did you overcome them?

Most of my challenges had been private. I needed to push myself, break psychological boundaries, and create one thing recent that folks hadn’t heard earlier than. Fortunately, I’ve at all times had the assist of my household and associates, so the largest battles had been inner.

What does it really feel like being a part of Mavin Information and releasing music on this scale?

It feels superb. It reassures me that I’m on the proper path, doing the proper factor.

Who’re a few of your greatest influences?

Musically, my greatest affect is Michael Jackson. I grew up finding out him: his voice, his strikes, his stage presence. Watching him confirmed me how highly effective music will be, the way it can transfer individuals to the purpose of fainting.

On a private degree, I don’t have a human function mannequin. Everyone seems to be flawed. If I look as much as anybody, it’s Jesus Christ.

How does Love and Hustle connect with your private journey?

Shifting to Lagos as an grownup was eye-opening. I needed to type out lease, funds, and tasks whereas additionally navigating love and relationships. That’s the place Love and Hustle comes from. It’s my life in music type.

What would you like listeners to remove from the challenge?

Simply relate to it. Life is about steadiness, hustle is vital, however so is love. On the finish of the day, you want each, as a result of life will life on the finish of the day.

Outdoors of music, what retains you grounded?

I’m a little bit of a loner. I really like films, cooking, gaming, simply easy issues that maintain me refreshed and balanced.

What’s subsequent for you?

Extra music, extra initiatives. Pop, soul, dance, feel-good sounds. I’m at all times working, so listeners ought to keep tuned.

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