In the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s music scene, certain artists emerge as distinctive voices, weaving narratives that resonate with the soul. Among these rising stars is Tweehz, a name that has been steadily etching its mark into the melody of contemporary Nigerian music. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the artistry, inspiration for the new single ‘Rastafarian‘, and aspirations that define Tweehz’s unique musical journey.

Can you recall the funniest or most embarrassing moment from your early days as a rapper?

I attended a very strict boarding school. I mean, very strict, and I was caught rapping from a paper. The lyrics? “I go fire her pussy like commando”. It was really embarrassing that I was punished, and scrubbed the male toilet for a week.

You’re a songwriter, music producer & rapper, how do you manage all of these?

Thank you for that question. Well, my co-manager, Fato channeled my inner Shakespeare and made me a better writer. We have been writing songs together since I was 13. And as for production, I started when I was very young too, just about a year after I started writing songs with Fato. Given that I have a solid musical background playing instruments in the church, I have been able to grow immensely in music production. And for singing, I had put conscious efforts in months of vocal practice and self pitching. I know that’s still a work in progress, and I’m willing to put in everything I can to perfect it.

Creating music in Egbeda & now creating in New York, how has that been? Is the energy still the same or got better?

I wouldn’t say the energy is the same, but I’m thankful for growth. Egbeda will forever be in my history because that was the foundation, where it all began, and New York is more of professional growth. You will always want to be at your best when doing music in the United States lol.

Which Afrobeats stars influence your music?

I know you can be able to predict my answer, but I’ll say it regardless. Fela Kuti for sure, Wizkid and Wande Coal.

If you could have a dream collaboration with any artist, who would it be?

Definitely Wizkid and I know Victony would sound amazing on my unreleased song, Costa Rica. And I still have plans on sampling one of Fela’s records.

Can you tell us the creative process behind song writing?

I will consider myself as one of God’s beloved because songwriting comes easy for me, especially the melodies. If it’s a beat I love, I’ll have a song in about 5-10 minutes.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done while recording?

Lol. Even the FBI won’t get this information out of me. It’s crazy and embarrassing.

How has blending different genres influenced your music?

I believe it has influenced my music by a wide margin, because I now have reasons to listen to genres I didn’t used to listen to and how I can blend it into my next song. Music is beautiful and as an art, we can never get enough of it.

“Chorus machine” What was that chorus that got people’s attention?

There’s a very funny story. I was 13 years old when I got in a battle of insults and someone shouted from the street, ‘look at this one, vocal machine’. I laughed so hard, because that was supposed to be an insult, but I accepted it, cos he didn’t lie. I am a vocal machine, I deliver anywhere and everywhere.

What do you need to get into your creative zone?

Absolutely nothing. Like I mentioned earlier, once I am able to enjoy the beat, melodies start to flow and I just write lyrics to match the melodies in my head. It comes naturally.

What was the inspiration behind your decision to sample D’banj’s “Mo Gbono Feli Feli” in your new single “Rastafarian”?

Big shoutout to Don Jazzy by the way. I was listening to music and Spotify shuffle tossed the song next, and it reminded me of how great of a production that was. Then I decided to do a Freestyle, hence the reference.

In the song “Rastafarian,” I was truly impressed by how it seamlessly incorporates various musical elements. One particular line that caught my attention was “I No Dey Para I Just Dey Gist You.” Could you explain the meaning behind this line?

lol. That had to do with my tone in the song, more like the way I started the song. It was quite on the high pitch and I didn’t want new listeners to think I was shouting or yelling at them, so I said ‘I no dey para’ meaning I’m not angry. I’m just gisting.