NATIVE Exclusive: Khaid is Recharged For His Next Phase
the Nigerian artist is more confident
At any given time, the Nigerian music industry steadily churns out new acts. These talents appear on the scene with hopes of garnering the attention of audiences and firing up their careers. For many, the move from newcomer to known star can take years. For others, it happens in a flash. It is the latter group that Khaid belongs to when, at 17, his debut single “WITH YOU” became a hit song. Released at the start of 2022, “WITH YOU” introduced Khaid’s rap-influenced flows and Afrobeats-tinged melodies.
“[Before the release of the song], I was bothered about how people were going to see me, how people were going to take my sound out, how people were going to react when I dropped it,” Khaid says. “I was just pressured because at that time I wasn’t really into Afrobeats. That’s why when you listen to “WITH YOU,” you kind of hear a little bit of trap stuff. By God’s grace, “WITH YOU” went well and I’m grateful to God that it actually did.”
After indulging in the risk that was “WITH YOU,” Khaid sought his comfort zone for his next release. On the Trap tune “SKI,” Khaid’s confidence shined as he hopped from verse to chorus to verse to chorus with dexterity. A month later, he released his debut EP ‘DIVERSITY’ where continued his Afrobeats experimentations as well as flaunted his rap skills. For Khaid, the project was an eye-opener that taught him to be fearless and go wherever his creativIty led him.
The sixth child in a family of ten, Khaid—born Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon—grew up in Shibiri in the Ojo area of Lagos State. In their home, Khaid’s parents were music lovers (his father loved Fela Kuti and his mother preferred Michael Jackson). At 13, Khaid realised his passion for music, having listened fervently to trap songs. It wasn’t until he clocked 15 that he began to pay attention to the music scene in Nigeria and discovered artists that he liked: Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Kizz Daniel, Tekno, Rema and Crayon.
At that time, Khaid began to notice that many up-and-coming artists were posting cover versions of songs across social media as a way to promote their talents. He decided to join in and began uploading his music freestyles onto his Instagram page. One day, Sydney Talker, Nigerian comedian, media personality and CEO of Neville Records, saw one of Khaid’s freestyles and messaged him to say that he liked it. Khaid, who at the time didn’t ever envisage that someone of huge importance would take a liking to his work, was amazed. “I spoke to him about the struggles I had and I was telling him, ‘Can we just link up and make a video and stuff?’ and he was like ‘Yeah.’ And when I finally got to his house, he was like, ‘Yo, you are signed.’”
When Khaid informed his parents that he wanted to focus on music and not pursue a university degree, they, at first, weren’t enthused. But they soon saw his vision and gave him their blessing. After the release of ‘DIVERSITY,’ Khaid teamed up with Zlatan and Rexxie for “Amala,” a dance-ready number brimming with street lingo and lamba. It was the first collaboration in Khaid’s nascent career. In the visualiser for “Amala,” the YouTube title page provides this information: “Shot on iPhone by Sydney Talker.” The video is a DIY-style collage of Khaid, Rexxie and Zlatan dancing to the song with Sydney Talker and his host of internet comedians and their friends. For Khaid, Sydney Talker’s unwavering support has been instrumental to his growth.
“He’s just this one multi-talented guy,” Khaid says about Sydney Talker. “[He] knows how to do almost everything so, that’s kind of a plus to me because most things we’d just be like ‘Oh, Let’s just do it ourselves.’” Since “SKI,” Sydney Talker has been in charge of visuals for Khaid’s songs. “We wanted to get a video director and he was like Oh, he directs his skits and everything so why won’t he be able to direct a [music] video? And we tried it and it actually came out fantastic. So everybody’s grateful.”
While Khaid might have harboured doubts when he released “WITH YOU,” he sounds completely assured on “Jolie,” which is his first single of 2023. “Jolie” treads the same path of romance as “WITH YOU” but it is Nigerian in its sonic texture with Khaid wielding Pidgin English and no American influences. He followed that up with “Carry Me Go” where he and Mavin Records’ Boy Spyce made delicious Afropop melodies.
“I don’t think we [Khaid and Boy Spyce] were really serious when we made that song, we were just playing around, trying to see the vibes that work,” says Khaid. “While playing around, we came up with “Carry Me Go” and it was so crazy because everybody in the studio was feeling the song. When I got home, I played it for the team. I had my single already that I was supposed to release, but hearing the song, my label was like, “We have to release this ASAP.”
The confidence from “Jolie” and “Carry Me Go” is an integral part of Khaid’s forthcoming EP. “On this new project, you should expect the Afrobeats Khaid,” he says. He began work on the EP last year and he’s excited for his fans to hear all he’s been making. He also reveals that producers Signal and Finito are on the project. This month, Khaid released the Signal-produced “Anabella,” another love-eyed rendition of boyhood affection. He also reveals that after his Afrobeats EP drops, he has a Trap music project coming next.
Like Khaid, other Nigerian artists got their opportunity to fame through social media. They include Rema, Crayon, BNXN, Ayra Starr, Boy Spyce, Zinoleesky and Ruger. These artists took advantage of the internet’s wide-ranging reach to cross borders and connect cultures. Khaid agrees that more up-and-coming artists should toe the same path. “I think the world has made it easier by social media,” he says. “Just post as much content as you can post because anybody can see you from anywhere. As for me, I didn’t know Sydney Talker would see me one day, I just knew I was posting my stuff.”
A few weeks ago, Khaid’s efforts were commended when he was nominated in the Rookie of the Year category for this year’s Headies award alongside ODUMODUBLVCK, Bloody Civilian, Guchi, Bayanni and Eltee Skhillz. The Headies’ Rookie of the Year category, since it was launched in 2012, has housed names such as Burna Boy, Teni, Reekado Banks, Oxlade and BNXN. “I felt great. I wasn’t expecting it,” Khaid says about his nomination. “I was just saying, ‘If they notice me, I’ll be happy. If they don’t, I will still be happy regardless.’ So I’m just grateful to God for making me noticed.”
In the period he has been with Sydney Talker’s Neville Records, Khaid says the qualities he has learnt from his boss are patience and a firm belief in God. It is these positive qualities that have shaped his aspirations for his career and towards his fans. He acknowledges that the core of his fanbase is people as young as him and that he’s aware the dynamics of that relationship will continue to evolve.
“First of all, [I’ll] be transparent with them. I’m still trying to work on that part,” he says. “I’m trying to be as transparent as I can to them and give them things to talk about. Make them see [me], make them feel [me].”
Featured image credits/NATIVE
Fido Wants To Leave A Mark
Building on the momentum of hits like “Awolowo" and “Joy Is Coming,” ‘Olayemi’ marks a pivotal...
Confidence is a rare trait that eludes many, but Fido, born Olayemi Josiah Awosika, wields it like a maestro conducting a symphony. Growing up between Lagos and Matogun in Ogun State, locales where hope and grind intertwine, Fido describes his childhood as amazing. “I was born in Lagos, but my parents are from Ondo State,” he tells The NATIVE. “I don’t have much to say about it, but I had a great childhood with the best parents in the world. They supported me, and I’m grateful for that.”
Unlike other artists who inherited their passion for music from family, Fido’s interest came about by self-discovery. “My music came from within me,” he says. “No one in my family is a musician or into music professionally. I discovered this talent in me, and it just felt natural to pursue it.” That realization hit at age 14, igniting a zeal that propelled him toward the industry. “That’s when the zeal to pursue music hit me,” he recalls. “I knew I wanted to make a name for myself in the industry.”
Inspired by Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Juju great King Sunny Adé, and Fuji icon K1 De Ultimate, Fido developed his unique style, drawing on the soulful storytelling style and infectious energy of the trio’s music. “Their music had soul and told stories that connected with people,” he explains. “That energy and authenticity pushed me to create my sound.”
Fido’s breakout single, “Awolowo,” released in 2024, became a defining moment for him, blending melodic Afropop grooves with streetwise lyricism, the song elevated him to the top of the genre. “It’s a ganja vibe, you know?” he says, laughing. “When I heard the beat, the inspiration just flowed naturally. It was divine, like the music came straight from my soul.” Navigating fame has been a learning curve, but Fido has embraced it with gratitude. “It’s been great, but it’s also a learning process,” he admits. “Fame comes with new responsibilities, and I’m figuring out how to grow and develop myself.”
For Fido, timing is crucial, yet the singer believes there’s no such thing as a perfect moment to share his music. His debut EP, ‘Olayemi,’ was released on August 1, 2025, marking a vibrant, new chapter in a journey ignited by self-discovery all those years ago. “There’s no perfect time, you know?” he says with a grin. “My fans kept asking, ‘Fido, when’s the project dropping?’ So, I worked with my team, and we decided it was time to put it out.”
Building on the momentum of hits like “Awolowo“ and “Joy Is Coming,” ‘Olayemi’ marks a pivotal milestone for the singer. With a title taken from his birth name, the EP is a deeply personal reflection of his upbringing and journey. “The project is about me, my culture, my upbringing, and my roots,” Fido explains. “It’s about letting people know who Mr. Fido is.” The eight-track project, curated from a vault of recordings spanning years, balances introspection with infectious energy. “I’ve been recording for years,” Fido notes. “For ‘Olayemi,’ I picked songs that felt right for my fans and aligned with my story.”
Across its tracks, ‘Olayemi’ captures Mr. Fido’s remarkable journey from the quiet streets of Matogun, a border town in Ogun State, to the global music stage. The EP traces his path from a struggling unknown to a rising artist on the cusp of stardom, weaving tales of hardship, hope, and triumph. Songs like “Lungu” and “Boko” lay bare the weight of his past struggles, while “Money Moves” channels a buoyant resolve and “Dollarpor” blends Yoruba and English to manifest future success.
Fido’s creative process is a masterclass in effortlessness, a quality he proudly owns. “It’s always easy for Mr. Fido,” he declares with a laugh, a mantra that defines his approach to music-making. “I get in the studio with my producer, he plays the beat, and I vibe. Sometimes I write, sometimes the inspiration hits right there. It’s natural. When asked about challenges in the studio, he doubles down on his confidence, “Nah, it’s always easy for Mr. Fido.”
That ease shines through on ‘Olayemi,’ seeing the singer blend Fuji and contemporary pop influences to create a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. His ability to let the music flow without forcing it has become a hallmark of his artistry, setting him apart in an industry often marked by overproduction.
In all, the release of ‘Olayemi’ is a defining moment for Fido, who describes it as “a huge milestone and a step toward greatness.” He’s thrilled with the response from his fans, who have embraced the project with enthusiasm. “The reception has been amazing, fans are streaming it, and they love it,” he shares, his excitement palpable. “When you listen to the EP, you hear my story, my upbringing, and where I come from. It’s personal, and I’m thrilled that people connect with it.”
As he looks to the future, Fido is focused on taking his music to new heights. “Expect more greatness,” he declares. “I’m aiming to take my sound international, representing us on a global stage. I want to be a good example for the genre, both locally and worldwide.”
Listen to ‘Olayemi‘ here.
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Best New Music: Luwa.Mp4 Lays Bare The Anxieties Of A Non-Conformist Lifestyle On “pEEP MY RIDE”
On "pEEP MY RIDE,” Luwa.Mp4 is able to force a confrontation with the misunderstanding that accompanies a...
Luwa.Mp4 has always committed to the part right from the start. The rising singer and rapper presented himself early on as a musical chameleon who embodied the Punk ethos of non-conformity and a do-it-yourself ethic. If his fluid songs which mostly fused Hip-Hop with elements of Rock didn’t convey his message adequately, his outlandish fashion choices drove home the point.
His signature mohawk and audacious fits earned him the “alté Balotelli” moniker as he also channelled some of the football maverick’s mercurial spirit. He’s kept that unwavering commitment to this artistic vision alive on his recently released debut album ‘punKstA*,’ a definitive and concise body of work that helps solidify his creative identity.
Across the album’s 12 songs, Luwa.Mp4 expands on his auto-tune-drenched, sing-rap melodramatic multiverse, displaying the remarkable dynamism that has established him as one of the most unique and daring acts around. On the pounding album opener, he declares himself a “staR” rapping, ‘Apart from the fact that you ain’t got my teflon, nigga I’m the best and no one’s reaching me I swear,’ with the confidence and arrogance of a certain American controversial rapper-producer phenom.
He goes on to back up this claim through the album’s 25-minute runtime, fusing genres like Punk Rock, Afropop, Hyperpop, and Rap with a breezy nonchalance while also making frequent excursions into Electronic music terrain. Arguably, the album’s strongest offering comes in the form of “pEEP My RIDE,” one of the few downtempo cuts that appear in the project’s second half.
Produced by JTRN, “pEEP My RIDE” is an instant feel-good record that evokes some of the nostalgia of the MTV television series that its title slyly references. It’s the kind of music you want to drive around town with the top down to. “This is the Lagos living, ooh? (Ooh) / Yes, I’m driving in a Lexus, down Bourdillon Road,” he sings coolly in the record’s opening seconds.
The first verse, however, gives a depressing glimpse into the shared reality of many young Nigerians, but more peculiarly, one that he faces due to his lifestyle and creative choices. “First stop I see police but they won’t stop me / Coz me and cyk riding in a big body / Only thing they could ask me for is a lil’ money / But they won’t tell me, “Get down,” they think I’m somebody’s son,” he sings.
The follow-up lines paint a more frightening picture: “If I was in an Uber, it wouldn’t be fun / They always say I’m a scammer or I have a gun / Acting like I’m Jeffrey Dahmer but I’m not on the run.” It’s relatable and distressing, but like many great artists, Luwa.Mp4 manages to turn some of his most morbid experiences and moments into something truly compelling.
After crossing the first metaphorical checkpoint, the rest of the ride/record feels more celebratory and less anxiety-laden. The song eventually transitions into the more boisterous “pAPARAZZI,” as he resumes making bold artistic choices and claims that deliver on the album’s title. However, through the sticky melodies and ambience of “pEEP MY RIDE,” he’s able to reflect on the price of choosing and living a non-conformist lifestyle, forcing a confrontation with the solitude and misunderstanding that accompany a path less traveled.
Listen to ‘punKstA*’ here.
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DEELA Teases Forthcoming Mixtape ‘Wicked’ With Unapologetic “Slide”
“Slide,” which was produced by frequent collaborator Genio Bambino and Dera, features more unapologetic...
Rising rapper DEELA has shared a new single titled “Slide.” The latest release comes as her third official single of the year, as she continues to build anticipation amongst her growing fanbase for ‘Wicked,’ a new forthcoming mixtape that she has been teasing for a few weeks now. The mixtape, which is set for release imminently, will arrive a few months shy of a year since her last project.
After kicking off 2025 with a couple of producer edits of “Kryptonite,” one of her standout releases from last year, DEELA released the bouncy “HEATER,” her first official single of the year, which featured Genio Bambino and American rapper and producer Vayda. A few weeks later, she released the fiery “Supreme Dee,” a self-assured bop where she declared herself, ‘The one, the truth Supreme Dee.’
“Slide,” which was produced by frequent collaborator Genio Bambino and Dera, features more unapologetic shit talking in usual DEELA fashion. The pace here is a lot quicker than her earlier releases from the year, as she mouths off about the jewellery on her wrist and her dislike for hypocrites over pulsating drums and swirling synths. ‘Used to be shy, so meek / Bro fuck that, I want the whole world now,’ she raps confidently with the same brazen swagger that continues to earn her a growing audience.
The forthcoming ‘Wicked,’ will come as the follow to 2024’s ‘Good Girl No Dey Pay.’ Shortly before the release of “Slide,” the rapper appeared on Foundation.fm, a female-led community station where she revealed that the new mixtape will feature 8 tracks, a couple of fun features and different sounds.
Listen to “Slide” here.
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