For over a decade, Masterkraft has been the quiet architect behind some of the most defining sounds in Nigerian music. From street anthems that shook the clubs to timeless records that bridged Afrobeats with global audiences, his fingerprints are everywhere—yet his humility keeps him grounded. A producer, songwriter, and sonic innovator, Masterkraft embodies both consistency and evolution in an industry that never stops moving.

In this exclusive conversation with Solid Guy Magazine, we sit with the hitmaker to explore the philosophies that have kept him relevant, the challenges he has faced and conquered, and what lies ahead as he continues to shape the future of African music.

1. What first sparked your interest in music and how did you evolve into the multifaceted artist you are today?

Masterkraft: My interest in music started from a young age. I learnt how to play the keyboard and eventually played in church. I’d say it was God’s plan for me to do music. My first production gig paid me ₦500 — before that, the most I’d ever made was maybe ₦15 from selling a bag of pure water. That day I told myself, “If making beats can earn me this much, I’m sticking to this.” Over time, I spent more hours in the studio, learning and absorbing as much as I could. I just kept doing my thing, and the rest is history.

2. When you start a track, what’s your typical creative process? How do you know when a track is finished?

Masterkraft: Honestly, it depends on the mood and the setting. I like to connect with whoever I’m working with — talk, laugh, catch a vibe — because music is a conversation before it becomes sound. There’s no formula, just pure connection and creativity.

I know a track is done when there’s nothing else to add. You just feel it.

3. You’ve blended genres like highlife, Amapiano, jazz, soul, gospel, and Afrobeats. How do you balance traditional elements with innovation?

Masterkraft: The balance comes from making sure the tradition isn’t lost, but dressing it in a way people can vibe to. That’s why when you hear a “Masterkraft” record, it feels familiar yet fresh. Tradition is the root, innovation is the branch, and the sound is the fruit.

4. Your most recent album, Light, reflects both personal and musical growth. What messages did you aim to convey?

Masterkraft: Light was a personal project. It’s faith-conscious — my journey of grace, faith, and patience. I named it Light because of my life journey and how my mentality has shaped what I’ve been able to overcome. I wanted to turn that into songs, something I could pass on.

The project is about exposing truth: showing people that what we’re searching for is within us. If you’re rooted in God, you’ll find your purpose. We just need His light to guide our path.

5. Which track on Light holds the most emotional resonance for you, and why?

Masterkraft: Definitely “Ezebube.” That day in the studio, we were talking about how it doesn’t make sense that God, in all His almighty power, would come down to die and save us. After that conversation, we recorded the song — and everybody started crying. It was so emotional.

6. How did the creative process behind Light differ from your previous projects?

Masterkraft: Light was completely different because it wasn’t just about making music — it was about finding myself and deepening my relationship with God.

In terms of technique, I used a lot more live instrumentation to capture that raw gospel energy. Everything was intentional; I wanted each sound to lift the listener’s spirit. For collaborations, I worked with faith-driven artists who shared the same fire for God.

7. You’ve stayed relevant in Nigeria’s music scene for over a decade. What philosophies keep you grounded and evolving?

Masterkraft: Talent will open doors for you, but character keeps you in the room. For me, it’s about constantly learning, staying humble enough to adapt, and never losing sight of why I make music. Trends come and go, but if you stay true to your purpose, keep refining your craft, and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll evolve without losing your identity.

8. Looking back, what stands out as your most memorable moment?

Masterkraft: I have so many, but one that stands out is the day I planned to hawk groundnuts. It rained, so I stayed home. That day, I went to a guy in my area who I admired because he played the keyboard. I asked him to teach me, and he gave me the basics. From there, I started playing in church. Looking back, that rainy day changed my life.

9. As we move through 2025, what should fans expect from you?

Masterkraft: I’m working on a programme for young people in music. Beyond teaching them how to make music, I want to help build their character. The industry is tough — talent alone isn’t enough. If they can combine skill, wisdom, and the right mindset, they’ll thrive, not just survive. I want to help them find their unique sound, discover their “why,” and give them the tools to stay relevant without losing themselves.

Few names ring louder in contemporary Nigerian cinema than hers. She isn’t just a filmmaker — she’s a genre-bender, trend-setter, and fearless narrator of powerful stories. Every once in a while, a creative force comes along that doesn’t just participate in culture — they shift it. That’s Kemi Adetiba.

Starting her career as an on-air personality and later transitioning into music video directing, Kemi made waves early by doing what few Nigerian women dared: step behind the camera in an industry dominated by men.

From capturing hearts with The Wedding Party to delivering an unexpected knockout with King of Boysand its Netflix sequel, Kemi has proven time and time again that she’s not here to play safe — she’s here to disrupt.

Her most recent project, To Kill A Monkey, is already generating buzz for its dark, complex storytelling and international appeal. Once again, she’s pushing Nollywood’s boundaries with a work that blends African realities with global cinematic ambition.

Her work is bold, stylish, emotionally charged, and unapologetically Nigerian. Beyond the camera, she’s also an advocate for women’s empowerment, often spotlighting strong female leads and complex narratives that push boundaries. 

Off-screen, Kemi is married to music executive Oscar Heman-Ackah, whom she describes as her “calm,” her “home,” and “the kindest man [she’s] ever met.” Together, they form a creative powerhouse built on mutual respect and partnership.

For women looking to take up space in male-dominated fields, Kemi’s journey is more than inspiring — it’s revolutionary.

Kemi Adetiba isn’t just making films — she’s building legacy. And for that, we salute her.

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.

Emerging Afro-fusion artist Jainy has officially arrived with her debut EP, The Real Jainy. This soulful, vulnerable, and captivating body of work introduces a fresh voice to Africa’s vibrant music landscape.

At just 20 years old, Jainy shows an impressive level of emotional intelligence and artistic maturity, using this five-track project to explore heartbreak, healing, freedom, and young love from a deeply personal perspective.

From the very first track, Ojoro, she draws the listener in with a tale of betrayal. Her delivery is delicate yet powerful, laying bare the pain of being misled in a relationship. The production is warm and melodic, acting as a subtle contrast to the weight of her message. It sets the tone for what becomes an emotionally immersive experience.

Shege follows up with even more emotional depth. It’s a cathartic, haunting song that feels like a moment of reckoning ; the part of heartbreak where sadness turns into strength. Jainy’s voice cuts through with clarity and conviction, inviting listeners to sit with their own vulnerability and find power in it.

Rada shifts the tone by offering a glimpse into light-hearted affection. It’s vibrant and fun, adding dimension to Jainy's emotional palette. Then comes Follow, a standout track she wrote at just 16. It’s not about love but about liberation; the kind of record that captures the internal dialogue of a young woman yearning for self-discovery and independence.

The EP concludes with Yours, a high-energy track that stands out for its bounce and charm. Jainy blends Afro-fusion with elements of pop and native dialect to craft a record that’s both culturally rooted and universally appealing. With The Real Jainy, she doesn’t just introduce herself - she declares that she’s here to stay.

Nigerian Afrofusion rising star Olahiman is back with his second release of the year, and this time, he’s bringing pure energy to the dancefloor. Titled “Party Dey,” the new single is more than just a song, it’s the soundtrack of your next wild night out.

Following the soulful tones of his first 2025 single “Life,” Olahiman takes things up a notch with a tempo-shifting, vibe-heavy track that’s designed for the ladies who know how to own the moment. With its groovy percussion, club-ready beats, and playful lyrics, “Party Dey” channels the spirit of every queen who walks into a room and turns it into a dance party.

 

“This one is for the girls who bring the heat,” says Olahiman. “It’s a celebration of freedom, joy, and that unforgettable energy only women can bring when the vibe is right.”

Born “Olanipekun Abiola Isaiah”, Olahiman hails from the city of Lagos. His musical journey began in the church, where he learned to play several instruments, a foundation that continues to shape his sound. 

 

Blending Afrobeats with elements of soul, pop, and highlife, Olahiman has carved out a distinct identity in Nigeria’s buzzing music scene. His versatility and dedication to crafting feel-good records set him apart as one of the genre’s most promising new voices.

 

“Party Dey” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re pre-gaming with your girls, dancing through the night, or just chasing that perfect moodl, this track is your new go-to anthem.

CREATIVE CURRENTS WITH UWA 

Issue 3.0 July 2025

Interview conducted by Olulana Mofiyinfoluwa 

Design: Chiagozie Tochukwu Mbuba 

Q. Let’s start at the roots — what sparked your journey into music, and how has it evolved from when you started to where you are now ?

A. Funny enough my journey with music started very young , I was always surrounded by music but it actually started cause I had a crush on a girl when I was younger and I was lowkey too shy to tell her so I used to write songs for her and ever since then it’s just been my outlet and the best way I could express myself . Overtime it became my therapy in a sense . My sound has evolved in so many different ways and the beautiful thing is that it’s still evolving , I first started off rapping and just generally experimenting different sounds but when I found afrofusion I knew it was the perfect sound for me to express my thoughts with.

Q. Afro-fusion is such a broad and dynamic genre. Describe your sound — and tell us what makes it uniquely “UWA”

A. Afro fusion is really home for me because it gives me the freedom to explore so many different sounds while still retaining my African roots . I don’t like to box myself to one particular sound but I always aim to retain my identity as an african artist because it’s my reality and Afro fusion allows me do that .  My sound blends different genres such as R&B , dancehall , Afrobeats and alternative music but what makes it unique to me is rawness in the delivery  . Whether I’m talking about love , ambition or loss I always like to make music that can be felt .

Q. Your lyrics feel deeply intentional — raw, reflective, sometimes romantic. Walk us through your creative process from the first idea to final track.

A. Honestly speaking whenever I’m creating I just go based off how I’m feeling at that moment or what’s on my mind and just express it in the best way I can . I don’t try to force or complicate it , I let my emotions and the music take control . I like my creative process as spontaneous as possible , It may seem wild but I believe there’s beauty in the madness.

Q. Balancing a finance degree with an active music career isn’t an easy feat. How do you manage that dual identity and does one ever influence the other?

A. It’s definitely been a juggle, but it keeps me grounded and makes the journey more intriguing . Studying finance gives me a different perspective of the industry. It’s helped me approach my music career with a business mindset. I’m not just creating art; I’m building a brand and identity . But music is where my heart is, and that passion fuels everything I do. So even when the days get hectic and I feel demotivated , I remind myself why I started this in the first place to keep me level headed .

Q. What are some of the real challenges you’ve faced as an emerging artist, and how have you navigated them?

A. Honestly I would say juggling school and work with music is one of the biggest challenges but as each day passes I’m learning to handle it better and getting better with time management . Also being an independent artist has been one of the challenges but I’ve learnt to believe in patience and consistency. Creating quality music without major label support and complete personal funding takes sacrifice , but I believe strongly  in  my long-term vision. I’d rather build slow and solid to establish a core community of people that are willing to grow with me than rush and fade.

Q. Let’s talk environment — how has living between Lagos and Toronto shaped the kind of music you make and the way you connect with audiences?

A. Lagos is known to be a very busy city , it gave me that hustle and “get it by any means “ mindset . Living in Lagos helped me cultivate the attitude of a dreamchaser. Toronto offered me a new perspective to my sound by virtue of me being an African in diaspora . Living in the 6ix helped me bring a more smooth and chill vibe to my music thereby creating a balance . My music is a blend of my experiences in both cities ; it has that groovy bounce of living in lasgidi and the chill of the 6ix.

Q. The Genesis Showcase Tour took you through Toronto and Lagos. What was your favorite place to perform, and which song do you love performing most ?

A. Both cities hold a special place in my heart, being able to perform in cities home and abroad at this point in my career is a blessing . There’s nothing like the energy of a home crowd in Lagos  but I would say Toronto was more intimate — people really listened. My favorite songs to perform right now are “belly dancer “ and “Bad Girl Riri “ . “Belly dancer “ has that bounce that gets people moving, When the beat drops and the crowd starts singing along — that’s a feeling I can’t explain. Whenever I perform “Bad Girl Riri “ it’s always this infectious energy that the crowd gives , it’s a lovely thing to experience.

Q. What’s been the most unforgettable experience so far on this musical journey?

A. I’ve had a couple unforgettable experiences but one that really stuck with me and felt surreal was probably my first radio interview and my song being played on radio for the first time . It made all the work that I’ve been putting in feel worth it . Also, seeing strangers sing my lyrics at shows — that’s always an experience I’ll never take for granted.

Q. You’ve been able to perform on the same stage with superstars like Joeboy and Len at such an early stage in your career how has that impacted and motivated you on your journey?

A. It’s an unreal feeling . Sharing the same space with artists I admire reminded me that I belong in this industry — that Its no longer a dream , It’s now my reality .Those experiences inspire me to move with more intention . Being in these environments gave me the push I needed to level up.

Q. The public has started paying attention — and for good reason. What else can fans expect from you for the rest of 2025? Any new drops, visuals, collabs?

A. Most definitely ! 2025 isn’t done I’m still warming up . I have a couple collaborations in the works and I’m also working on my first project at the moment and I promise you it’s worth looking forward to. We are only just getting started.

Q. Looking ahead, where do you see UWA — the artist and the brand — in the next five years? What legacy are you building, both sonically and personally?

A. In five years, I see UWA as a global superstar , I know  I’m destined to be one — but more than that, I want to be known for pushing the culture to greater heights . I mean no one lives forever but my aim is to create something that outlives me . Sonically, I want to keep pushing Afro-fusion forward and spread the beauty that lies in the sound . Personally, I just want to live life to inspire people and put my people on . I want to be a living testimony that with hard work and consistency you can accomplish your dreams and I’m on currently on that journey  , that’s the legacy I’m building - one of greatness.

 Today (18th July 2025), GRAMMY-nominated Afrobeats sensation Lojay returns with his brand new single ‘Tenner’, out today, as he officially announces his long-awaited debut album, ‘XOXO’, set for release on Friday 22nd August 2025.

 PURCHASE / STREAM ‘TENNER’ HERE

PRE-SAVE ‘XOXO’ HERE

The hotly anticipated project will feature his recent standout singles ‘MWAH!’ (featuring two-time MOBO winner Odeal) and ‘Somebody Like You’ (produced by GRAMMY-winning hitmaker Sarz), alongside all-new tracks that explore love, vulnerability, and sonic experimentation. The pre-save is now live here.

 

To coincide with the album’s release, Lojay has also announced his biggest headline European and North American tour to date, kicking off this September. The tour will see Lojay perform in key cities across Europe, including Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and London - before heading stateside in October for shows in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Washington DC, New York, Boston and Toronto. Tickets and full details to be announced soon.

 

Speaking on the upcoming album, Lojay reveals:

“XOXO is everything I couldn’t say in a conversation — it’s messy, emotional, sexy, and honest. I wanted it to feel like a late-night text you probably shouldn’t send...but do anyway.”

Leading the next chapter, Lojay has dropped ‘XOXO’’s newest gem, with the release of brand new single ‘Tenner’. A love song at its core, ‘Tenner’ sees Lojay dive into a distinctively 3-step sound for the first time – a bold move that showcases his fearless approach to genre and innovation. Produced by rising Nigerian producer Black Culture, fresh from his work on ‘Be There Still’ fromDavido’s latest LP ‘5IVE’ – the track blends shimmering synths, crisp percussion, and Lojay’s unmistakable melodies. On ‘Tenner’, Lojay confesses his love and devotion, repeating the hook “my tenner” in a heartfelt tribute to the one that’s captured his heart.

‘Tenner’ not only cements Lojay’s reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most innovative voices, but also signals the start of an exciting new creative era. Following the sultry, London-meets-Lagos collaboration of ‘MWAH!’ and the soulful depths of ‘Somebody Like You’, the new single underlines Lojay’s versatility and hunger to evolve, whilst reminding the world that love is beautiful. 

With ‘XOXO’ now confirmed, ‘Tenner’ out now and a tour on the way, fans can expect more surprises and announcements from Lojay in the weeks leading up to the album’s release.

LOJAY WORLD TOUR DATES

September 4th - Europe Tour (Amsterdam, Netherlands) - Bitterzoet

September 5th - Europe Tour (Paris, France) - Le Trabendo

September 6th - Europe Tour (Brussels, Belgium) - Le Botanique - Orangerie

September 8th - Europe Tour (Hamburg, Germany) - Uebel & Gefaehrlich

September 9th - Europe Tour ( Cologne, Germany) - CBE

September 11th - Europe Tour ( Copenhagen, Denmark) - Amager Bio

September 12th - Europe Tour (Stockholm, Sweden) - Kollektivet Livet

September 19th - Europe Tour (London, United Kingdom) - Islington Assembly Hall

October 15th -  American Tour (Los Angeles, USA) - The Roxy Theatre

October 17th - American Tour (San Francisco, USA) - Brick & Mortar Music Hall

October 21st - American Tour (Houston Texas, USA) - House of Blues - Bronze Peacock

October 23rd - American Tour (Atlanta, GA, USA) - The Masquerade - Hell 

October 25th - American Tour (Washington, USA) - The Atlantis

October 26th - American Tour (New York, NY, USA) - Bowery Ballroom

October 27th - American Tour (Boston MA, USA) - The Sinclair

October 29th - American Tour (Toronto, Canada) - The Mod Club

Rising British-Nigerian artist Rení returns with her most vulnerable and emotionally gripping single to date: “Complicated.” Written, produced, and performed entirely by Rení herself, the track explores the raw reality of situationships — where affection, loyalty, and unmet expectations painfully collide.

Blending soulful melodies with unfiltered vulnerability, “Complicated” delivers a powerful emotional punch. It captures the heartbreak and introspection of wanting more from someone unwilling to choose you. With haunting lyrics and sultry vocals that stay with you long after the music ends, Rení masterfully unpacks the emotional confusion that defines modern love.

“This song is about the space between ‘almost’ and ‘enough.’ It’s the moment you realize you’re stuck in love limbo — and it’s time to choose yourself.” — Rení

Fresh off the success of her previous singles “Payback” (featured on BBC Introducing London and selected for the BBC’s “Orbit” discovery series) and “Bad,” Rení continues to carve out a distinct lane in the Indie-Alternative Afro-fusion scene. Drawing inspiration from artists like Asa, Tems, Amy Winehouse, Sade, and Erykah Badu, her music resonates with emotionally engaged listeners across the UK, Nigeria, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Accompanying the single is an official music video — a cinematic exploration of vulnerability, emotional tension, and power — as well as a mini-documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into Rení’s journey, artistry, and vision.

Listen to "Complicated" now | Watch the official documentary