Music And Moments with Egertton

Issue 16.0   Sep. 2026

Interview conducted by: Kolade Motirolaoluwa

Design: Chiagozie Mbuba Tochukwu  

Q: To fans,lovers and even people that are meeting you for the first time,who is Egerrton?

A: Egertton is a musician and an all round creative. But basically,I am into music.

Q: Your style of music one would say isn’t normal as it can be seen as unique. How do you describe your music?

A: I feel like my music is unapologetic and there is no direction to it. When I wake up in the morning,I always thank God for versatility. I listen to a lot of songs and I realize that I am able to take things I need to take out of each genre and form  something. Also,at the end of the day,I am a Benin boy which might make my music to be termed as Afrobeats. But apart from that,I feel like I can’t be boxed in my music because I do whatever I want with it.

Q: You are from Benin, Edo State, a place known for hustlers. Would you say this has shaped your music style in any way?

A: Definitely because the times I spent in Benin were very questionable. It was at a time where I understood little to nothing that was happening around. Benin also has various rules and regulations that govern it. So,being a Benin boy definitely made me want to work harder because where I used to stay,by 5-6 am,people are already up for their daily hustle and this definitely impacted me.

Q: You recently dropped your self titled mixtape “Egertton”. It is perceived that any project titled after the artist tends to carry an even deeper story. What is the story behind the mixtape “Egertton”?

A: The main purpose of the mixtape was to reflect on myself. Before the mixtape,I already had singles but I felt like people didn’t really know who I was. I should have dropped the project since but I kept pushing it. However,the main purpose was to focus on me and make people see me for me. Basically,it was me being unapologetic.

Q: What do you intend for your fans to feel when they listen to Egerrton?

A: My spirituality. I feel like music is deeper than you think and I want my fans to feel that. I don’t know how to half bake things so depth is definitely one thing I want my fans to feel.

Q: Is there a song you desperately wanted to make it to the Final Cut of the mixtape but it didn’t?

A: Yes,there was one but I was in a back and forth with my team but then I realized that I shouldn’t add it. It was a freestyle titled “Bad baddie baddest” and it was just a song I made off vibes in the studio. I don’t regret not adding it to the mixtape though because I feel like the project is perfect the way it is.

Q: Although artists often tend to say they love every song equally,we know they often have secret favorites. What is your favorite track off Egerrton and do you have a particular reason for liking it?

A: It changes but right now,my favorite track is “Gangster”. I like it because it is so unapologetic and it reminds me of 2016.

Q: What is your favorite “Mama,I made it” moment?

A: Hmm,that is actually deep because I have so many instances. I would definitely say times when I am out with my mom and fans come to meet me or times when I give my mom bundles. 

Q: You are a diverse artist that likes to dabble into different genres and emotions,however on two tracks on Egerrton,we saw your lover boy side more. Tell us more about this.

A: It was actually three: 16 missed calls,Body Sparkle and Midnight. 16 missed calls was basically just about me being too busy with my music career and ignoring my dating life. With Midnight,It was a song with Indi and although it wasn’t our first song,it just felt like that song and it is a plus that it gives me Disney vibes. Body sparkle was however recorded about 2 years ago but I definitely knew it was going to be on this project.

Q: What was the post production process of the mixtape like? 

A: The post production process wasn’t chaotic. I mean,I can’t really explain how I pick my songs but I feel like my team and I have an understanding with regards to the songs that need to go on the project. I have also learnt how to nurture music and realize that at the end of the day, post production doesn’t have to something too serious. It is more about fun for me.

Q: We know you are proudly a Benin boy but you now stay in Lagos. Tell us a bit about your journey as a Benin boy now surviving in Lagos.

A: One thing about Benin boys is they have a third eye. Benin boys are always active and hustling and I feel like that is why when you see most Benin boys in Lagos,they are always rich. It is a case of no one can really run you street.

Q: When you dropped Egerrton,what did you think the reaction from your audience would be like? And did their reaction differ from the one you had in your head.

A: I feel like everyday,I keep hearing people speak about the project. I mean left to me,I would want the project on a hundred million streams right now but apart from that,I wanted the listeners to see the depth in the project and this has been the case because my core listeners have been hooked on it from first listen. So I feel like they took it the way I wanted it.

Q: You are perceived as a very stylish person,reflects both in your person and your music. If you were to describe your style in three words,what would it be?

A: I would say unapologetic,rebel and Egertton. I say rebel because I feel like what I wear,no one else can wear it. I mean my waist is a size 28 so I can wear anything I want to wear.

Q: You were a child model and you have now morphed into several other things. How do you think your early introduction into the showbiz industry has shaped you?

A: I hated modeling as a kid because it was always a long process. I just go,do my thing and leave but it was nice because I was getting paid. So it helped me loosen up and be more comfortable in front of the camera. I mean,I remember doing an advert for Haier Thermocool and just letting go of my shyness and actually just being myself. So it has really shaped me which is all thanks to my mum.

Q: Is there one thing about your culture you wish you could incorporate more into your music?

A: Yes,the language. I feel like Benin is such a complex language and even when I am speaking the language,I always try to exercise a bit of poetic license with it except for key words or phrases. It is funny because I used music to learn bini with my mom’s help.

Q: You held a listening party for Egerrton. What was the feeling like?

A: First off,the listening party was one of the most stressful days of my life. We had to change location about three times and it was packed. I even had to perform the project from top to bottom 6 times because more people kept coming in. But I was really grateful for that day and it felt really good.

Q: What is the craziest thing you have done as an artist:

A: I feel like working for crazy hours. I mean I have done a session for 10 hours then had 5 back to back shows in the same night. That is probably the craziest thing I have done because I fell sick after that. It also made me realize that body no be firewood.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an artist?

A: Apart from recording music,I would say performing music. Right from childhood,I have always loved performing and it has translated into adulthood. I genuinely don’t believe there is a better feeling.

Q: What is your pre show ritual?

A: I would always smoke a blunt,then pray,then go on stage.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: That is actually a hard question because I would normally say fries but I don’t really eat that right now so I would say my favorite food is Yam and egg sauce.

Q: If you could say just two lines to yourself from 5 years ago,what would it be?

A: I would just say don’t be in your head so much and keep working.

 

From The Studio To The Spotlight With Anabel Rose

Issue 7.0   Mar. 2026

Interview Conducted by Kolade Motirolaoluwa

Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q. Can we get an insight into who Anabel Rose is?

A.  My name is Anabel Rose, and I'm half Filipino and half Ghanaian. I categorize myself as an alternative pop artist because I love experimenting with the genres I grew up with—I don't like being boxed in. My music focuses on emotions and vulnerability, especially my own. I grew up in Ghana and have only been to the Philippines a few times.

Q. You are what a lot of people would call a young prodigy as you started singing at the age of 8. What would you say led you into the creative space?

A. I started singing at 8 because, as someone with Filipino roots, singing is just in our blood. I loved Celine Dion and all the classics as a child. I was already enrolled in guitar classes at a young age too. Although I was performing, I didn't really see myself heading into the creative space until I became an adult. My first dream was actually becoming a scientist.

Q. As an artist of two nationalities, do you think your growing up as a part of two cultures influenced your craft?

A. It definitely has. Growing up with two cultures in my house gave me an early appreciation for both, and that translated into me fusing a lot of different influences into my music. It also helped add depth to what I create.

Q. As an Alternative Pop Artist,what influenced your style of music?

A. I'd say it's just the music I grew up with and trying to stay true to all the things that shaped me. After coming back from school abroad, Afrobeats would have been an easy route to take, but it wouldn't have been me staying true to myself. I love experimenting with my music.

Q. You are set to release a new song titled “Imperfect Daughters”. The title of this song speaks volume,so would you like to share with us the inspiration behind this title?

A. I grew up with music always being in my life and with really supportive parents. But I was chasing the dream of being a scientist because of societal pressure—I needed to make people proud of me. I ended up figuring out that science wasn't for me, although I still pursued computer science. At that point, I had to make a choice between what I felt people wanted and what I actually wanted. The greatest battle I faced was an internal one between myself and my younger self. That's basically where the title came from.

Q. Your style of music as you have always said is to tell a story which I believe was done perfectly on this song. How did the inspiration for this song come about?

A. I wrote this song early last year. My producer sent me a guitar loop, and I immediately recorded a freestyle to it. I think that's what gave it such raw emotion, coupled with the fact that I was in a really volatile space after quitting my 9-to-5. I had so many emotions, and music was simply my only escape. That's where the song came from.

Q. Pieces of Artists are often found in their songs, the melody and the lyrics. Are there pieces of you in “Imperfect Daughters"?

A. Yes, "Imperfect Daughter" is more than just a piece of me, it's literally me opening myself up to people in a completely vulnerable state.

Q. The emotions on “Imperfect Daughters” was raw and heartfelt,even if I say so myself. After writing the song,how was your post recording phase? Were you extremely picky with the beats and all of that? And how did you come up with the finished masterpiece?

A. It was a pretty straightforward process. After the guitar loop was sent, we went to the studio, and I told the producer what I wanted and how I wanted it. So it wasn't really hard to bring my vision to life. From the demo to the final masterpiece was a lot of work, and I'm really excited to see how people receive it.

Q. To all the daughters out there who think they are not enough or think they are a disappointment but are looking forward to listening to Imperfect Daughters,do you have any words for them?

A. Yes, I'm already getting some traction from the snippet. What I would say to anyone is: always put yourself first and listen to that voice inside of you. Even if your dreams feel scary or like they're too much, just keep going.

Q. The cover art and rollout for “Imperfect Daughters” has been impeccable so far. How did you come about the idea for the cover art?

A. I knew the song needed to lean heavy on nostalgia since I'm telling my story. I usually like to do random things for my cover art, but this song felt so raw that I knew I needed to use an old picture of me. The cover is an old photo of my mother and I, and I think it really drives that nostalgic feeling. There's also brown paper in the design, which reminded me of childhood.

Q. Being an artist is hard. However being an indie artist is even harder. How do you cope with the everyday struggles and pressure of being an artist?

A. I think my team grounds me because I'm an overthinker who's always spiraling about the voices in my head. But I'm also the only one who truly knows myself and my journey, which is quite easy to forget. So I always remind myself who I am, and I'm always learning.

Q. You are an artist with an impeccable discography,an amazing talent but has there ever been times when you felt like giving up and how did you handle it?

A. Yes, I've definitely had those moments for different reasons. As an artist, you're playing a long game where the results might not show immediately. Quitting my job and other random thoughts get into my head. Although I don't necessarily think about giving up, I do wonder how to be smarter about my journey.

Q. Writing Imperfect Daughters, what was the hardest emotion to translate into this song?

A. The hardest emotion was acceptance. I don't think anyone ever gets a warning before becoming an adult—we're just plunged into it. So writing this song took me through a lot, but it eventually brought me to a point of acceptance and made me see it as a moment of triumph.

Getting out of my head to write. Most times in studio sessions, even when I have ideas, I often keep quiet. But I'm trying to get out of my head about that.

Q. If this song was a movie scene, what would it look like?

A. For "Imperfect Daughter," I've imagined it in coming-of-age movies—in those scenes where everything is going wrong, and then the song plays and the female lead gets that kick to pull her life together and be where she wants to be.

Q. What should your Fans and lovers be expecting from you in the future?

A. "Imperfect Daughter" is leading up to my second EP, which is coming out in the middle of the year, and I'm really excited about it. I'm also working towards my own show at the end of the year.

Creative Currents with Barbara Alli

Issue 5.0 Sep. 2025

Interview Conducted by Motirolaoluwa Kolade

Design by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q. Who is Barbara Alli?

A. Barbara Alli is a singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and storyteller. At my core, I am a woman who believes in using creativity as a tool to inspire, uplift, and connect people. I like to describe myself as a dreamer and a doer, someone who channels her African roots and global experiences into music and art that speaks to the heart.

Q. Your style of music (Afro-soul) is peculiar. What inspires your music?

A. My inspiration comes from life itself; from my journey, from people’s stories, from love, faith, and even struggles. Afro-soul allows me to blend African rhythms with heartfelt emotions, creating music that is both deeply rooted and universally relatable. My greatest inspiration is the desire to heal and to give hope through sound.

Q. You have been quite an adventurer. From being born in Ghana, to growing in Nigeria, and now living in Vienna. Would you say that influences your creative process?

A. Absolutely. Each place has shaped me. Ghana gave me my cultural foundation, Nigeria gave me strength, energy, and resilience, and Vienna exposed me to diversity, art, and new perspectives. All of these experiences influence my sound, my lyrics, and even how I perform. I like to think of my music as a bridge between Africa and the world.

Q. Your new single, ASIKO which means “time” in Yoruba; what was the inspiration behind the title?

A. ASIKO came from a place of reflection. I was thinking about how everything in life has its own timing — whether it’s success, healing, love, or even pain. Sometimes we want things to happen quickly, but God has His perfect time. That’s what inspired me to call the song ASIKO. It’s a reminder that we are exactly where we need to be at this moment.

Q. You have said ASIKO is a very emotional piece for you. How was the creative process through the writing and recording of the song?

A. It was a very emotional and spiritual journey. I wrote ASIKO during a period of transition in my life, so every word carried a piece of my soul. Recording it was almost like therapy for me — I had to be vulnerable and honest, and I allowed myself to feel every emotion while laying down the vocals.

Q. Was there any point during the creative process that stuck out to you or made you almost give up?

A. Yes, there was a point where I questioned myself  wondering if the world was ready to hear such a vulnerable side of me. But that doubt was exactly why I knew I had to release it. Music isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth. That realization pushed me to keep going.

Q. What is your biggest motivation to keep releasing music?

A. My biggest motivation is the people. Every time someone tells me that my music gave them strength, peace, or joy, it reminds me of why I started. Music is my gift, and I feel a responsibility to share it with the world.

Q. As a personal piece to you, when people listen to ASIKO, what do you expect them to feel?

A. I want people to feel hope. I want them to know that even if life feels delayed or uncertain, their time will surely come. ASIKO is about patience, faith, and trust in God’s timing. If listeners walk away with that reassurance, then I’ve done my job.

Q. What is one event that has stuck out to you since the release of ASIKO?

A. One moment that touched me was when a fan reached out and said the song helped them through a very difficult season. That feedback reminded me that music is bigger than charts or numbers; it’s about touching lives.

Q. What’s next for Barbara Alli? Should we be expecting a new single, concert, or anything?

A. Yes, there’s so much in the works! After ASIKO, my ILEYA is coming soon, and it’s a body of liberation and empowerment. I’m also planning live performances and collaborations that will allow me to connect with my fans more closely. The journey has just begun.

Q. What is your advice to people, especially women, who want to get into the entertainment or music industry but feel like it is too constricted?

A. My advice is: do not wait for permission to shine. The industry has its challenges, but your uniqueness is your power. Stay true to your vision, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and never underestimate the strength of consistency. As women, our voices matter, and the world needs to hear them.

CREATIVE CURRENTS WITH AMAEYA 

ISSUE 2.0 (JUN. 2025)

Interview Conducted by: Kolade Motirola 

Design: Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu 

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Hello Amaeya, I am Tirola here for Solid Guy Magazine. I am super excited to have you here and I have a few questions for you about yourself and your career. Here we go.

Q. Can we have a brief insight into who Amaeya is?

A. Amaeya is a chill babe 

deeply introspective,  emotionally transparent person

Can be a little extra and fun too but in a controlled environment 

And my real name is Peace Amaefula

Q. What inspired you to start doing music?

A. I think I wanted to prove something to myself 

Click the box of I can do it if I wanted to 

Q. When you started your career as a musician,what would you say was your biggest motivation?

A. My family 

They are top of the list why I go all out like this 

Q. What is your biggest challenge so far in the music space?

A. The outside noise 

Sometimes it can be overbearing even though I consider my self as one not to listen it can be difficult to filter at times ,

And the era of music changing from being just art to becoming an exaggerated sensation has been difficult , I try to keep up still 

Q. Have you ever felt like giving up on music,like I don’t want to do this anymore? If yes,how did you handle it?

A. Lol I wanna give up everyday but everyday I don’t 

I don’t think there’s a special magic to it 

I just don’t give up , I wake and look for reasons to continue and if I can’t find I remind myself of yesterdays reason and hold on tight.

Q. Who is an artist that you love or admire a lot and would like to open for them at a show one day?

A. I love Sza it would be dope to share a stage with her

 

Q.  How do you handle negativity surrounding your craft?

A. I just don’t listen 

And honestly I don’t think I’ve got to the large scale where people feel opinionated yet 

Those kinds of stuff are more likely to happen when there’s a spotlight on you

Q. I stumbled on your Spotify Catalog and I must say your voice is powerful. How do you feel waking up every morning with a powerhouse?

A. Wow what a question 

I actually feel grateful 

There are days I wake up and the voice isn’t voicing the way it should but in those days I’m

Extra grateful 

Q. Your new song,”How do you” what is the inspiration behind it?

A. How do you is a subtle crash out song 

What is a better way to express your sad emotions but in the honesty of your words 

I felt a certain way about who I loved and penned it raw how it came to me

Q. What is a song of yours that is really dear to your heart? Like even if you were asked not to release it,you would have anyways.

A. Worth it 

Worth it is that song that has a really strong meaning.

I just knew when I wrote I definitely wanted the world to have it.

Q. A lot of fans feel like they know you based on your craft, what do you feel about that?

A. I actually I’m not so sure about this 

I probably need to be outside more to learn more about this topic

Q. Are you planning to release a new album soon or any body of work really?

A. I want to work on another project 

I’m still in the process of figuring it out 

But definitely there’ll be new music coming 

Q. How would you describe the kind of music you create?

A. Authentic and relatable 

Music that I can listen to and I actually like 

Whatever the genre 

I have to feel connected to it like I birthed it 

From the melodies to the lyrics and delivery 

Everything 

Q. Do you have any creative rituals? Like something you must do before you perform or even record?

A. No I do not particularly have a ritual ,

However I prep kinda depends on who’s in the room with me 

And my mood.

Q. Who would you like to collaborate with?

A. Everybody; Both home and abroad 

Q. What is your advice to anyone who is looking to get into the music space?

A. Just start 

It might take you a while to find your feet 

But if you keep at it and put God in the fore front you’ll get it 

Stay willing to learn and unlearn 

Be comfortable with all the changes that will happen 

But always have a mind of your own .