Nigerian producer NYRP (Not Your Regular Producer) has officially released his first single of the year, “Take Control,” featuring Nigerian vocalist Shorae Moore and Colombian artist EL RM. The record marks a bold new chapter for NYRP as he continues to position himself as one of the leading African producers driving cross-continent collaborations.

“Take Control” is a smooth, emotionally charged Afro-pop record built on confidence, vulnerability, and emotional clarity. The song seamlessly blends Shorae Moore’s soulful Nigerian delivery with EL RM’s textured Mexican influence, all brought together by NYRP’s polished, globally-minded production style.

With this release, NYRP intentionally stretches beyond regional boundaries, pairing African and Mexican artistry on the record a move that reflects his growing vision of African producers as cultural connectors in global music conversations. Rather than following trends, NYRP is actively shaping a sound that travels across borders while remaining rooted in authenticity.

“Take Control” arrives on the back of a strong 2025 run for NYRP, whose catalog continues to grow quietly but impactfully. Over the past year, he has worked across records and projects with L.A.X, Taves, Ayo Maff, Jinmi Abduls, Candy Bleakz, King Perry, Terri, and several rising artists.

An alumnus of the Sarz Academy, NYRP’s sound is shaped by both technical excellence and deep musical roots. His journey began in the church choir at age seven, evolving through live instrumentation before transitioning fully into music production and songwriting a background that continues to inform his layered and intentional approach to music.

With “Take Control,” NYRP opens the year not just with a new release, but with a clear statement of intent: African producers can lead global collaborations, not just participate in them.

LISTEN TO “TAKE CONTROL NOW”

WeAreProducHERs successfully hosted an exclusive Music Production 101 workshop on November 22nd, bringing together ten aspiring female music producers for an intimate, hands-on learning experience designed to increase women's participation in music production.

The carefully curated workshop maintained a selective 10-participant capacity, creating a cozy and personalized environment where each attendee received dedicated attention and guidance. This intimate setting proved instrumental in fostering confidence and encouraging questions, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the fundamentals of music production.

The workshop featured two comprehensive modules led by experienced facilitators Bodaxious and Gbots, covering the industry's leading Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).

Participants received a thorough introduction to FL Studio, learning essential skills including:

• Creating beats from scratch
• Pattern creation and sequencing
• Piano roll navigation and usage
• MIDI implementation
• Recording techniques
• Core production workflows for beginners

The Ableton segment focused on recording essentials, covering:

• Step-by-step recording processes
• Essential equipment and software requirements
• Best practices for capturing quality audio
• Interface navigation and setup

Following the instructional sessions, participants engaged in an extensive practical component where they applied their newly acquired knowledge in real-time. Each attendee created original beats from scratch, experimented with recording their own audio, and collaborated by adding unique elements to shared productions. This practical approach ensured that theoretical knowledge translated into tangible skills.

The workshop received enthusiastic feedback from participants, who expressed appreciation for the supportive learning environment and practical teaching approach. Since the event, several attendees have reached out to share how the skills learned have already made their independent music production journeys significantly easier and more accessible.

The Music Production 101 workshop represents WeAreProducHERs' ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women in music production, an industry where female representation has historically been limited. By providing accessible, high-quality education in an encouraging environment, WeAreProducHERs continues to champion diversity and inclusion in music technology.

For more information about upcoming WeAreProducHERs workshops and initiatives, follow @weareproduchers on all social media platforms.

 “Banga!” – RewardBeatz Talks Hits, Hustle, and the Future of Afrobeats.

Behind The Booth with RewardBeatz "Banga!"

Special Issue Nov. 2025

Interview Conducted by Ayo Fabiyi

Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba

From crafting beats that make the streets move to producing records that top global charts, RewardBeatz has carved his place as one of the most influential producers in Afrobeats today. With smash hits like Buga, RTID, Xtra Cool, and most recently the Kidd Carder and Young Jonn collaboration Calculate II Remix, his sound has become a cultural marker that travels beyond Nigeria to every corner of the world. In this exclusive interview with Solid Guy Magazine, RewardBeatz opens up about his journey, the magic behind his signature tag “Banga,” his creative process, and his vision for the next wave of producers coming after him.

Q. You’ve been behind some of the biggest Afrobeats records of the last few years. Take us back.. how did your journey into music production begin, and what was the turning point where you felt things were really starting to click?

A. My music journey actually started back in my university days. I needed something productive to pour my energy into outside of schoolwork, and music had always been a passion since childhood. That curiosity pushed me into learning production. Then COVID happened, suddenly I had time to really lock in, practice every day, and improve. After the lockdown, I met T-Classic and we created La Cream. From that moment, I knew this wasn’t just a hobby anymore.

Q. You’ve produced massive hits like Buga, RTID, and Xtra Cool. What was it like working on those records, and did you ever imagine they’d travel so far and connect with the world the way they did?

A. Honestly, every time I’m working on a new song, my mindset is always to make something great, something that will connect. So seeing those songs travel like that, makes me so proud. I am so happy to be part of records that became cultural moments. And yes, I always imagine the music going far. You have to believe in the sound first before anyone else does.

Q. You recently produced Kidd Carder and Young Jonn’s Calculate II Remix, which is already buzzing heavy. How did that collaboration happen, and what makes the track special for you compared to your previous works?

A. At the time, I was actually living in the same place as Kidd Carder, so the connection was natural. We’d create just based on vibe... no pressure. Calculate was one of those ideas that felt special from the beginning. The remix with Young Jonn elevated it even more. What stands out for me is the energy and how fresh, youthful, and authentic the song is.

Q. Your producer tag “Banga” has become instantly recognizable. What’s the story behind it, and how important do you think a tag is to a producer’s identity in today’s music scene?

A. Producer tags are like a signature, they give recognition to the mind behind the music. “Banga” came from wanting something short, catchy, and memorable. The moment you hear it, you already know RewardBeatz is responsible for the vibe. In today’s world where producers are stepping into the spotlight more, that identity is important. Plus, a lot of consumers just don't have the energy to go and check the credits.

Q. Your sound balances street vibes with mainstream appeal. How do you approach creating beats that speak to both the culture at home and audiences abroad?

A. Omo i really dont know how to respond to  this question, I just create from the heart. I’m inspired by the streets, the rawness, the bounce but I also pay attention to melodies and elements that feel universal. I don’t overthink it. The music finds its balance naturally.

Q. As someone who’s worked with big names in the industry, what do you look out for in an artist before deciding to collaborate with them?

A. For me, it’s all about the energy and how good the sound is. I’m always open to working with new talents just as much as established names. If the vibe is right and we can make something beautiful together, I’m in.

Q. Producers are often the unsung heroes of the music industry. Do you feel like producers in Afrobeats are finally getting their flowers, or is there still more work to be done?

A. We’re getting more recognition than before, for sure but there’s still plenty of room for growth. Producers are a huge part of Afrobeats’ global success, and the industry is just beginning to fully celebrate that.

Q. Every producer has their creative process. What does a typical studio session with RewardBeatz look like, from idea to finished song?

A. The best way to understand it is to experience it. It’s all vibe-driven. There’s a lot of experimenting, a lot of energy, and most times magic just happens unexpectedly.

Q. Many young producers look up to you. Do you see yourself starting an academy or a platform to mentor and support upcoming producers in the near future?

A. Definitely! At some point, I’d love to mentor upcoming producers and provide opportunities I didn’t have early on. When the time and structure is right, it will happen.

Q. Finally, when people look back at RewardBeatz years from now, what do you want your legacy in music to be?

A. Greatness. I want people to look back and say RewardBeatz played a major role in shaping Afrobeats and pushing the sound forward globally. That’s the mission.

RewardBeatz is not just creating music, he is shaping the culture. Every time you hear that “Banga” tag, remember it is a stamp of history being made. For us at Solid Guy Mag and for every reader tuned in, his journey is a reminder that Afrobeats is in safe hands and the future is already here. Remember to Stay Solid!

Behind The Booth (Special Edition) 

With 255™

Aug. 2025

Interview Conducted by Olulana Mofiyinfoluwa 

Design by Chiagozie Mbuba Tochukwu

1. Let’s start at the roots.

Q. Berlin isn’t the first place people associate with Afro-fusion. How did 255 come together, and what inspired the sound you’re crafting as a collective?

A. We’re three siblings—so we’ve basically been a band of brothers all our lives. We built our first studio in a basement with the Room No. 255. It was the space where my siblings and I came together to start doing what we do today. Back then we were just doing music that we liked without labeling it in a certain direction. My brother, Charlie, uploaded those beats to Instagram and suddenly we had all these messages from Nigerian Artists. It was the logical next step for us to follow our music in real life. When we got on our first flight to Lagos, we transformed that Room number 255 into our band name. We eventually outgrew that room, but the number stayed with us. Now, 255 is wherever we go.

2. Three minds, one voice.

Q. Everyone brings something unique to the table. You move like a unit.

a) Charlie and Guy—on the sound boards. What’s the core philosophy behind your production style?

A. We don’t approach music or art with strict rules—we stay open to new ideas and focus on creating what we genuinely love. While we often collaborate closely, it’s not a fixed formula. Sometimes, a track may come entirely from one person’s vision, and that’s just as valid. Finding your own style and identity in music and production is an ongoing, evolving journey—and we’re right in the middle of it. We stay curious, experiment with new sounds, and embrace new technology. Our album Odabo is a great example.

b) Louis, as a filmmaker, your role goes beyond music. How do you use visuals to translate emotion, culture, and narrative in a way that words or beats sometimes can’t?

A. I come from a documentary background. Naturally, we document every session—the journey, the mo- ments we encounter—because we want to tell the story behind the music too. It gives our work depth and cultural context, showing a side that’s rarely portrayed. This October, we’re releasing a 25-minute documentary that captures exactly that. Even in our music videos, we adopt this documentary-style approach. It’s our quiet rebellion against overly staged, glossy visuals. Check out Sha Na or Can’t Fake This—they’re intentionally real, raw, and simple. That’s where beauty lies for us.

c) Collaboration vs. compromise. How do you navigate moments when you don’t creatively align? Is there a tie-breaker, or do you let time guide your decisions?

A. We fight like good siblings do!

3. Global mindset, African heart.

Q. You’ve built a solid listenership in Nigeria—Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt specifically. What is your connection to the African market, and what does that audience mean to your journey?

A. Nigeria welcomed us with so much love and openness from the very start — that means everything to us. We’ve grown together with our audience, and we want to keep that connection strong by being there in person as much as we can.

4. From Berlin blocks to global landscape

a) As a Berlin-based collective, how do you maintain cultural authenticity while still innovating for a global soundscape?

A. We regularly touch base in Nigeria, to keep us grounded and connected to what’s happening and the fast evolving music. On the flip side, being in Berlin gives us a certain outside perspective, which can be valuable too. But honestly, finding that balance is tough—we’re still figuring it out.

b) What have you learned from creating across different cities—between Europe and Africa? Has that changed your perspective on storytelling?

A. Working between Europe and Nigeria has shifted our perspective in many ways. Nigeria, in particular, has become like a second home to us. Through documenting our time there—especially on TikTok— we’ve seen how impactful it is to highlight the country’s beauty. The response has been overwhelm- ingly positive. It made us realize how often Nigeria was and sometimes still is portrayed from only one angle. We’re proud to contribute, even in a small way, to a more balanced narrative.

5. What does the booth mean to you? Walk us through your studio rituals.

a) How do you approach songwriting and production as a trio?

A. Studio time is our happy place. Our most favorite part about it. There is no space in the studio for all the bullshit that you are dealing with everyday in this music business.

b) Nikotin is one of your most successful tracks, what’s the story behind its creation?

A. Actually, our most successful track so far is Dey Play on Burna Boy’s album I Told Them..., even though we’re not officially credited as a band. It all started one morning in Lagos when our friends LeriQ and Bryan showed up at our house and said, “Get ready we’re going to Burna’s place.” We had no idea what to expect, and were super excited and honored. That night, we had dinner with Burna and headed back to the studio around midnight. We played the first beat—and he jumped on it right away. We ended up recording Dey Play until 6 AM. Watching him work was honestly mind-blowing. When we finished, we went outside and tested the track on the sound systems in his cars. It was surreal.

6. Let’s talk reception. Your catalog boasts over 23 million plays on streaming platforms.

a) At what moment did it hit you that 255 was becoming more than just a passion project?

A. To be honest, 255 was never just a “project”. 255 is who we are our dream and we went all in from day one. But that first trip to Lagos was definitely a defining moment when suddenly a lot we had in our mind became very real. And it hit hard in both ways.

b) You’ve already proven that you’re more than a studio act. How important is community to the legacy you’re building not just through music, but as a movement?

A. I’m glad that’s how it’s perceived, but honestly, it’s the area we want to improve the most. We want to show our faces more, build more personality, and grow a bigger community. So far especially in Lagos community has made so much possible. People helped us, welcomed us. We wouldn’t have made it without them, and we want to give back as much as we can.

What’s next?

Q. What should fans and new listeners expect from 255 in the next phase—any upcoming proj- ects, live shows, or collabs we should be ready for?

A. We’re in the middle of the rollout for our next album TRINITY. It’s our biggest project so far—two years in the making—and it features many of Naija’s favorites. We just dropped a single with Oxlade, Minz & NSG. Next up is a track called Control with Joeboy & Bella Shmurda. You heard it here first! Full Abum dropping in November

8. Legacy

a) If 255 were a message or a manifesto, what would it be? Exposure to chance. No rehearsal. No predicted end.

b) What do you want the next generation of creatives—especially in Berlin, Lagos, and be- yond—to take away from your journey?

A. Same thing. Expose yourself to chance and explore new paths. There won’t be a rehearsal for this, so be ready—and believe.

In today’s digital-first music era, getting started as a music producer has never been easier — but standing out? That’s a whole different game.

With just a laptop, a DAW, and a dream, thousands of aspiring producers hit the ground running every day, hoping to score placements, build a following, and maybe even shape the future of sound. But behind the 808s, loops, and late-night sessions lies a deeper truth: production isn’t just about beats.

Understanding the unwritten rules of the game can fast-track your growth and save you from costly mistakes. We linked up with a few of the scene’s sharpest ears — including Freshyvibez and genre-bending maestro Le Mav — to distill seven lessons that every rising producer needs in their toolkit.

Let’s get into it. 

1. Find and Own Your Signature Sound

“Keep exploring and creating till you find your sound, and stay true to it. Don’t let anyone change who you are or what you want to do.”

Finding your sound takes time. It’s more than a few cool loops — it’s your fingerprint in an industry full of imitators. The producers who last aren’t always the ones who sound the trendiest; they’re the ones who sound like themselves.

Keep digging. Keep tweaking. Stay true.


2. Stay True, Not Trendy

It’s tempting to chase whatever’s viral. But that’s a dangerous loop. You’ll build more longevity by investing in a sound that reflects your truth rather than mimicking what’s viral. 

While it’s cool to stay aware of what’s hot, real growth comes from developing a sound that reflects you. Build a sound that can stand on its own, even when the trends shift. That’s how legacy is made.


3. Practice in Secret, Shine in Public

Le Mav drops a timeless reminder:

“Practice in secret, show out in public. It takes longer than you expect to become great.”

The spotlight can be blinding, but true greatness is forged in the shadows. The experiments no one hears… that’s where you sharpen your edge. 
Your moment will come. But you have to earn it when no one’s watching.



4. Let Your Emotions Guide You

Freshyvibez shares his way of resetting:

“I watch movies and play FIFA… music is a spiritual feeling—you have to be in the right state of mind.”

The grind is real, but don’t ignore your mental. When your mind is right, your sound will follow.


5. Be Versatile — But Keep the Emotion

“My signature sound is rooted in emotion — usually nostalgia.” - Le Mav 

In a world where genres collide and fuse faster than ever, versatility is power. But don’t forget the heart behind the beat.

Whether you’re blending alté, soul, Afrobeats, or drill, make sure your music feels like something. That’s what people remember.


6. Challenge the Artist, Don’t Just Please Them

A real producer doesn’t just make beats — they elevate artists. Hone your craft but challenge the artist.

Le Mav explains:

“My strength is bringing artists out of their comfort zones… the music always comes first.”

Push them — respectfully. Be the bridge between where they are and what’s possible. That’s how great records are made.

7. Leave Your Ego at the Door

And finally, the most important rule of all — serve the song.

“Ego must leave the room — nothing is more important than the song reaching its full potential sonically.” — Le Mav

Whether you’re tweaking a snare or building the entire soundscape, check yourself. Let the music lead. When the ego’s gone, the magic starts.

Quickfire Recap:
• Own Your Sound
• Stay True
• Practice Quietly
• Balance Hustle with Heart
• Be Versatile + Emotional
• Challenge Artists
• Lose the Ego

Whether you’re crafting your first beat or gearing up for a major session, let these lessons guide your journey. In a world where everyone’s trying to be heard, those who listen — to themselves, the craft, and the music — always come out on top.

Before the beat drops, make sure the intention does.

Chukwuemeka Gabriel Obi, better known as Le Mav, is a Nigerian record producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ—one of the earliest contributors to the alté sound. Recognized for his unique sonic fingerprint, Le Mav has produced for notable artists including Tay Iwar, Odunsi, Cruel Santino, BOJ, Seyi Vibez, Falz, Tiwa Savage, and Masego.

In 2023, Le Mav earned a Grammy nomination for his contribution to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack (“Anya Mmiri” featuring CKay & PinkPantheress) in the category Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. In 2024, he produced “Ogo” by Seyi Vibez and Tion Wayne, which peaked at No. 3 on the Top 100 Nigerian Songs chart.

From his debut production credit in 2016 to the present, Le Mav’s portfolio reflects not just his production genius but his profound impact on Nigerian music.

We caught up with the sonic architect of the alté sound in the latest edition of Behind The Booth.

 1. Early Days, Influences and Musical Journey 

SOLID MAG: Your first production credit was Situationship with Odunsi & Aylo in 2016. They say firsts are unforgettable. Looking back now, how much would you say that song set the path for your journey as a music producer?

Le Mav: Situationship was a moment. I was still in uni, balancing classes and trying to make music. I didn’t expect the song to do as well as it did, especially at that time. It definitely taught me the value of chasing my passions.

SOLID MAG: You started playing the piano at just four years old, along with other instruments, and quickly excelled. Music has clearly been a natural calling for you. But what initially sparked your interest in music production, and how did your journey unfold?

Le Mav: Kanye West. When I was in high school, I was obsessed with Late Registration and Graduation—especially Flashing Lights. At some point, a classmate gave me a cracked copy of FL Studio, and from then on, it was a wrap. I’d spend hours trying to recreate beats from songs I liked and make something in that vein.

SOLID MAG: Can you remember the first beat you ever made?

Le Mav: I absolutely cannot remember my first beat—and for good reason. That shit was probably terrible. But with every great endeavor, you’ll look like a fool at the beginning.

SOLID MAG: Up until Stranger, most of your work had been solely music production. What inspired the transition to songwriting?

Le Mav: Stranger was inspired by an R&B song by B. Lewis called "Strange Things", hence the name Stranger. Tay, being a songwriting genius, took that and ran with it—that’s how Stranger in My Head came about. So technically, my first songwriting credit was just alignment. I’ve always been a lyric lover, so it made me want to get into the songwriting process more.

SOLID MAG: Were there any specific producers or artists who influenced your sound when you first started making music?

Le Mav: Still Kanye West, but also Timbaland, No I.D., Just Blaze, Sarz, Don Jazzy, and Beats by Jayy (may he rest in peace).

2. Creative Process & Sound

SOLID MAG: It’d be hard to tell that the same person who produced Ogo also produced Born Again. When collaborating with artists, how do you tailor your production to their style while still maintaining your essence?

Le Mav: Tailoring my sound to the artist was something I did when I first started producing. With more experience, I realized my strength is bringing artists out of their comfort zones. That was the vibe with Seyi—he wanted something soulful, and we crafted that pocket together. Born Again was also Santi wanting to go deeper into an indie-hip-hop fusion. For me, the music always comes first.

SOLID MAG: You're recognized as a genre-blender. How would you describe your signature sound?

Le Mav: My signature sound is rooted in emotion—usually nostalgia. I love making people feel something familiar but slightly new.

SOLID MAG: Do you have any rituals before starting work on a track?

Le Mav: Lately, I’ve been in touch with my faith. I had a session with Bkay, and we made an incredible song. We both agreed God was in the room. So now, my ritual is inviting God into every session to make it special.

SOLID MAG: How do you typically approach a new song?

Le Mav: Sometimes I go off muscle memory and get the idea down quickly. Other times, I try to think outside the box and create something completely fresh. My go-to these days is definitely starting with the guitar.

SOLID MAG: What’s the most challenging part of the song-making process for you?

Le Mav: Understanding what the song wants to be. As a producer, I believe it’s my job to find the best way a song can be brought into the world. Experience has taught me that ego must leave the room—nothing is more important than the song reaching its full potential sonically.

SOLID MAG: How do you know a song is finished?

Le Mav: After a while, songs tell you when they’re  done. I used to overproduce in my early years, but now I believe less is more. I spend less time adding layers and more time making sure the foundation is strong.

 3. Projects & Collabs

SOLID MAG: You’ve worked with a wide range of talented artists, including Santi, Odunsi, Amaarae, CKay, and Seyi Vibez. What makes a collaboration exciting for you?

Le Mav: Working with talented people is always exciting. Everyone’s life experience affects how they create—from melody choices to word choices. Watching that unfold is inspiring.

SOLID MAG: Is there a collaboration you’ll never forget? What made it stand out?

Le Mav: Heat. That song changed my life in ways I still haven’t fully understood because more keeps unfolding. It came from such a pure place that Tay and I both tapped into. The song speaks for itself. I’ve never heard anything quite like it.

SOLID MAG: Gold and Gold II are such beautiful works of art. You’ve known Tay Iwar since 2017, and since Heat (amazing record, by the way), every collab has been fire! Tell us about your friendship with Tay and how a random link-up in Abuja led to one of the most exciting duos in Nigerian music.

Le Mav: A mutual friend told me about Tay and said we’d click. The first time we met, we talked for hours about music and life, and I knew we’d be friends for a long time. We started working on songs individually, then eventually created Gold because our chemistry was undeniable.

SOLID MAG: It’s kinda early, but... is there going to be a Gold III?

Le Mav: Who knows what the future holds? Haha.

SOLID MAG: Aside from Kaytranada, are there any dream collaborations you're eyeing?

Le Mav: Definitely Sarz!

4. Industry & Growth

SOLID MAG: Being part of the Black Panther soundtrack was a big deal—and then it got nominated for Best Soundtrack at the Grammys. What was your reaction? And if you could go back to the J-Street band days and tell young Mavi one thing, what would it be?

Le Mav: That was unexpected but so welcome. Shout out to my guy Doz for letting me know where and when the sessions were, and to P. Priime for working on the song with me. Funny enough, I feel like I manifested the Grammy nom. My producer friends—Jonnywood, Rayo, and I—used to joke about becoming Grammy-nominated. And that same year, we all got nominated for different projects. I’d tell young Mavi to keep pushing—you never know what’s possible until you try.

SOLID MAG: Not every producer is also a multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and songwriter. What drives your continuous growth in such a fast-evolving industry?

Le Mav: Love and passion for music. There’s a purity in creating that feels bigger than me—it’s a calling.

SOLID MAG: You’ve been in the alté scene for nearly a decade. As one of its earliest contributors, what challenges did *alté* artists and producers face back then, and what still persists today?

Le Mav: Alté music was always funny to me—you never know what sticks. But the name stuck, and we got stuck with it. When you’re doing something different, people often don’t understand it, and that misunderstanding can turn into resentment. That’s still a challenge. People’s art is sacred and should be treated as such.

SOLID MAG: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about being a producer?

Le Mav: It’s mostly a thankless job, but when it’s fulfilling, it’s the most satisfying job in the world. I wish people respected the role more. Without producers, all we'd have are acapellas of our favorite songs.

 5. Personal Touch

SOLID MAG: Outside of music, what are some of your passions or hobbies that influence your artistry?

Le Mav: Honestly, I enjoy reading and gaming. But most of my passions still orbit around music—especially instrumentals. I taught myself guitar, and I want to become an incredible guitarist within the next two years.

SOLID MAG: What are your top five songs of all time? (No particular order.)

Le Mav: I can’t say “of all time” because it changes, but right now, my five would be:

- Flashing Lights – Kanye West  

- Intro (The Warm Up) – J. Cole (It’s an interlude, but I love the piano on it)  

- MA.A.D City – Kendrick Lamar  

- Pound Cake – Drake  

- New Law – Mikky (Been listening to him a lot lately—definitely a favorite)

SOLID MAG: If you weren’t doing music, what do you think you’d be doing?

Le Mav: Omo! I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else. Music feels like my destiny. I’d be lying if I said otherwise.

SOLID MAG: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to up-and-coming producers?

Le Mav: Practice in secret, show out in public. It takes longer than you expect to become great. You can document your journey, but the camera won’t capture the depth of the effort it takes. So: practice in secret, but when it’s time to perform—go all out.

Behind The Booth With Freshyvibez 

Issue 4.0

Sep. 2024

Interview Conducted By Olulana Mofiyinfoluwa (@finnnix)

Design - Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu (@agozieee_)

Photos Credit - @colliansphotos

We had the utmost pleasure of sitting down with the talented and versatile Music Producer Freshyvibez, who opened up about his journey, inspirations, and plans for the future. In this insightful interview, we delve into his career, his daily inspiration to keep going, and advice for upcoming artists.

How did you get started in music production and what inspired the name, Freshyvibez?

Music production is something I’ve always wanted to try out from a tender age, from playing congas in church at the age of 5, then creating a music group in my secondary school days

For the name “Freshy”, I technically stole it from a guy in my secondary school lol.

What inspired you to take an unconventional approach to afrobeats, and how did you develop your unique sound?

“I think the environment I find myself in was a source of inspiration, and my consumption level of different genres of music played a big impact on my uniqueness.

Who are some of your major musical influences, and how have they shaped your style? 

I get inspired by a whole lot of people and it’s quite interesting how that has also played a big part in my sound, Speaking of major musical influences, I would mention Masterkraft, Blaisebeatz and Sarz.

Can you describe your creative process when producing a track? What steps do you take from start to finish?

My production process varies a lot, sometimes I can start with the melodies,other times it could be the drums.

How do you approach blending traditional afrobeats elements with your innovative style?

I do that by blending afrobeat elements with other traditional elements from different cultures and regions like Asians and co.

What was it like working with Ajebo Hustlers on "Undecided"? Can you share any memorable moments from the production process?

I made the instrumental at block party concert backstage in 2021/22, a couple days later I was in a session with Ajebo hustlers and I played it for them, while they were vibing, I think Raebel came into the room and vibed along, and that’s how we made the record.

How did the collaboration with DanDizzy on "Morale" come about, and what was your approach to producing that track?

“Funny enough, I couldn’t remember making this song with Dan lol, it was a very spiritual experience.

"MAKE WAY" with Ruger has been a hit. Can you provide some insights into the production and creative process behind this track?

So a quick backstory, I made this beat while going through a terrible breakup and I couldn’t finish it cus I was hurt, months later Mikey reached out to me to send a pack for Ruger and I remember sending him the first pack, then while going through some unfinished projects, i found the beat so i deleted the first pack i sent to him, added the beat and sent it again. After a couple days, I got the make way record.

Are there any artists you particularly dream of working with in the future?

I’m really open to working with any artists that can be on a frequency with me, either A list, B list or Z list.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the afrobeats genre and its global impact?

I was in London a few weeks back and it’s so inspiring to see how afrobeat is really growing, infact, afrobeat is going to become a blood diamond amongst other genres.

How do you see the afrobeats genre evolving in the next few years, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?

Mark my words, Afrobeat is sonically going to have a huge global impact, and it will become a leveraging tool for African countries when dealing with foreign countries. I didn’t start this movement but I know in the coming years, my name will be among those who pushed afrobeat to become what it’ll be.

What advice would you give to aspiring music producers looking to make their mark in the industry, especially those interested in afrobeats?

I’m not really a big fan of giving advices because at the end, everyone’s journey is different from mine, but the biggest template I’ll give to anyone venturing into this space is “Keep exploring and creating till you find your sound, and stay true to it, don’t let anyone change who you are or what you want to do.

What projects are you currently working on, and what can fans expect from you next?

I’m working on a few projects from both big and up and coming artists, and recently I and Big Wiz had a studio link up, hopefully something great comes out

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work, especially when faced with creative blocks or industry pressures?

Recently I tend to just watch movies and play fifa, trying to force a vibe doesn’t really help because music to me is a spiritual feeling , you have to be in the right state of mind to harness the best of it.