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When you talk about Ghana’s freshest voices, Kimilist comes with heat, hunger and heavy ambition. From making waves back at KNUST to building a solid run with Mimlife Records, he’s taken his time, sharpened his sound and stayed authentic. Tracks like Confession and Peng Tin shows he’s not just chasing charts, he’s chasing legacy. As his new single Bad Boy drops, Solid Online Mag caught up with him to talk about the journey, the vision and why the world is about to move to his sound.

Q. You came up in Kumasi and really made a mark at KNUST. What part of that journey still keeps you grounded?

A. what keeps me grounded is remembering where it all started , i still carry the lessons from the long nights , the grind , how supportive the people have been , they all remind me that no matter how far I go, I come from a place that values hard work, community, and staying authentic to your roots.

Q. What made you trust Mimlife Records, and how has that relationship shaped the way you move?

A. What made me trust Mimlife Records was the vision and the belief they had in me not just as an artist, but as a person with a story worth telling. From the first conversations, it wasn’t just about music; it was about legacy, direction, and staying true to who I am. They saw the bigger picture before the world did. i move with intention and clarity, I’ve learned to value structure without losing my creative edge . With Mimlife, it’s more than a label , it’s a family.

Q. What was the first moment you knew your name started carrying real weight?

A. I knew my name started carrying real weight after my song Sika was released ,people I didn’t know personally started referencing my work Whether it was fans singing word for word, or industry people speaking on moves I hadn’t even made public yet.

Q. From Pon Gidi to Confession to Peng Tin, which is my personal favorite.. your sound keeps evolving. What’s one thing that’s stayed the same about how you create?

A. whether it’s a street anthem, a party banger, or something smooth .I always make sure the music reflects where I am mentally and emotionally. I create to connect, to tell stories, and to represent where I’m from and where I’m headed. The production may shift, the delivery might sharpen, but the heart behind it never changed.

Q. A lot of people make songs. You make statements.When you step into the booth, are you trying to prove a point or just tell your truth?

A. I’m not walking into the booth to compete, I’m walking in to express and to put feeling into sound. I don’t force it I live it, then I put it into music. Whether it’s pain, joy, hunger, or wins, every line comes from a real place. That’s why it resonates.

Q. That track with Black Sherif and Kwame Yesu is crazy. How did that link-up happen and what did it do for you as an artist?

That tune was special. The link up happened naturally because I’d been recording with Kwame Yesu for a minute and Black Sherif was already making waves .it just made sense. No egos, just vibes, purpose, and mad hunger

Q. Bad Boy is out and it’s hitting hard. What made you feel like it was time to drop it, and what kind of impact were you aiming to leave with this one?

A. Bad Boy had been living in me for a while. The timing felt right because I was in a space where I needed to remind people about myself , the culture and a true original Ghanaian sound which makes me connected to the my roots and it wasn’t just about chasing a sound but owning one . Bad boy is more than music it’s a movement now and everybody is starting tapping into it.

Q. You dropped Bad Boy Diaries last year. Is this next phase a continuation of that story or are you in a whole new space creatively?

A. I’m still that bad boy, but the perspective has shifted. More clarity, more intention, more layers. It’s not just a continuation it’s an elevation. Creatively, I’m in a new space experimenting more sounds that will keep resonating with the people .

Q. You’ve been nominated more than once at the Ghana Music Awards UK. Does stuff like that push you harder or do you not get carried away with it?

A. it’s definitely a blessing. I won’t lie, it feels good to see the work get recognized, especially on platforms outside home. But I don’t let it carry me away . It pushes me to keep leveling up, to stay consistent, to prove to myself that I’m growing. Awards are moments, but the mission is bigger.

Q. Ghana’s rap scene is evolving fast. What rules are you intentionally breaking with your sound?

A. I’m not limiting myself to what rap is supposed to sound like. One day it’s trap, the next it’s highlife infused, or fully melodic and it’s still me. i’m not following a blueprint .i’m writing my own but staying original.

Q. Outside music, what’s something you’re building that most people don’t know about yet?

A. Music opened the door, but I’m thinking long-term ownership, impact, and influence that outlives the trends. I don’t talk about it much, because I believe in moving in silence ‘til it’s time. But trust, when it lands, it’ll speak loud.

Q. Are you looking at touring across Africa anytime soon or featuring artists across the continent? We need your sound outside Ghana, places like Nigeria, South Africa are definitely ready for it.

A. Touring across Africa and connecting with artists across the continent isn’t just a goal it’s the next step. I know the sound is ready, and more importantly, the message is universal. Whether it’s Nigeria, South Africa, or beyond and also i love to explore for more inspiration .

Q. In five years, when people mention Kimilist, what do you want that name to represent because honestly, your sound feels global and people will definitely connect with it.

A. I want people to hear Kimilist and feel something original , energy, emotion. Not just music, but a movement . a brand that stayed true to its roots while reaching the world.

That’s a wrap with Kimilist, an artist whose sound is sharp, fresh, and global. If you weren’t already locked in, now’s the time. Keep streaming, keep sharing, and watch this space, the spotlight just got brighter. That’s it for now, but the journey continues. Most importantly, remember to Stay Solid!

Ayo Fabiyi for Solid Guy Magazine.

There’s always been a quiet confidence to the way ADANNA approaches fashion. Shaped by art and creativity but with a steady commitment to pieces that last, both in tailoring and in memory. For years, the brand has been a whisper among those who know, worn by women who value clothing as more than just an outfit, but as a statement of presence and of their true self.

Founded by Adanna Ukabi herself, the brand has always moved on its own clock; each piece carefully considered and every move deliberate. She grew up in the U.S, with years in New York that shaped her eye for detail. Adanna spent her time meeting creative makers, exploring fabric shops, and learning the value of art & craft — fueling a deep-seated drive to create and bring her own brand to life.

Now, ADANNA is setting its sights back home, with a clear purpose and direction for the brand’s next chapter. From a soon-to-be-completed studio in Abeokuta, the brand is laying the groundwork to grow its presence in Nigeria’s fashion and creative scene. The space is being built as more than a production or manufacturing house; it’s intended to be a place where couture is treated as art, and every piece, product, or image is shaped with the meticulous attention to detail that defines the brand. Here, creation, shoots, stocking, and fulfillment will live side by side — a complete ecosystem that keeps the brand’s rhythm under one roof. With a growing team and a structure built for the long term, the studio will not only serve the full arc of ADANNA’s work but could, in time, become a hub that supports the wider creative industry in Abeokuta.

This next chapter signals a new pace for the brand. With an expanded team and a space dedicated to bringing ideas to life, ADANNA is setting the stage for future collections, drops, collaborations that feel deeply rooted in Nigerian, yet globally attuned. It’s couture with an avant-garde edge and a quiet chic, the kind that speaks long after you’ve left the room

Press Contact:

Official website: www.adannaonmars.com

Social media: @adannaonmars

Preferred method of contact: inquiries@adannaonmars.com

Studio address: Logbara-Magbon Rd, Mokola-asipa, Ogun State 110114, Nigeria

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.

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.

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.

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