The blend of Afro-fusion and blues is definitely something that piqued our curiosity, and we wanted to hear from one of the phenomenal creatives creating this work of art in sounds so seamlessly.
Meet Ajuka. A visionary artist known for her experimental sound that fuses Afro-fusion with soulful blues and elements of house music.
She has a distinct creative process shaped by a broad musical palette and a commitment to authenticity. Since her last independent release in 2021, Agree, Ajuka has been working on numerous projects, including his much-anticipated single, Goals, a song written in 2017 and perfected over six years.
Alongside exploring new genres within the vibrant Lagos music scene, Ajuka remains dedicated to creating timeless music that leaves an indelible mark on her audience. Let’s have a chat with her!
Insecure” is part of Encore Recordings’ larger project, “7 DAYS OF RAIN”. How does it feel
to be a part of such a significant musical endeavor, and what do you hope listeners take away
from the album as a whole?
AJUKA:
I was thrilled to work on the Seven Days of Rain album with Encore. It was an incredible experience collaborating with talented artists from diverse backgrounds to create beautiful music, and it also led to the development of some truly meaningful friendships. By the end of the project, I felt like I had gained a family through the process of creating this album. Working alongside such a passionate team was inspiring, and being part of this project was truly special. I hope listeners take away the message that love can reveal itself in different ways to different people. Seven Days of Rain centers on themes of love and relationships, with each artist contributing a unique perspective that tells a distinct story.
As an award-winning artist, you’ve undoubtedly faced your own share of challenges and
triumphs in your career. How do you navigate the highs and lows of the music industry while staying true to your artistic vision?
AJUKA
Navigating the music industry has its highs and lows, but what keeps me grounded is the core belief that drew me to music: my art serves as a medium for people to express feelings they may otherwise hesitate to share. Music is therapeutic, both for myself and my listeners. Expressing or hearing emotions through
lyrics, especially when woven into a soothing blend of Afro-fusion and blues, can aid in healing and growth. Knowing that my music can impact others this way has been a constant motivator. I also prioritise mental well-being through meditation, prayer, exercise, journaling, and surrounding myself with positive energies. I choose collaborators whose values align with mine, which I believe enhances the overall energy of a project.
Fair compensation is also essential, as financial stability allows me to create freely. As Davido
said, “Love is sweet, but when money enters, love is sweeter,” a sentiment that rings true for
creatives.
Your collaboration with Encore Recordings on “Insecure” brought a unique energy to the track. Can you share with us your creative process when approaching collaborations with other artists?
AJUKA:
My creative process when collaborating with other artists is unique. By nature, I’m quite introverted and often prefer solitude, so recording “Insecure” initially posed a challenge as I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces. However, my openness to new experiences served me well during the Seven Days of Rain recording camp, where I recorded this track. “Insecure” was, at its core, a freestyle. The producer, Gbedu Boss, woke me up with a beat on loop and invited me to jump in. I had a lot on my mind from a recent altercation, which put me in an introspective mood. That raw state gave rise to the lyrics of “Insecure.” Gbedu Boss understood my vibe, allowing me to freestyle freely. After a few takes, we worked together to refine the best parts into the song as you know it today. The second track I featured on, “Bachelor,” was produced by Waveman and co-created with Nananii. That session was all about positive energy and improvisation—we explored different melodies and eventually shaped the lyrics and vocal arrangements for “Bachelor.” Sometimes I write songs from scratch on my guitar, but when collaborating, I’m open to freestyling and aligning with the vibe of the session. My creative process is flexible, evolving with the people, energy, and environment around me..
The music industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay inspired and continue to push
boundaries in your music, while also staying connected to your roots and influences?
AJUKA
In an ever-evolving industry, I believe that finding inspiration as a musician requires both introspection and openness to external influences. I achieve this balance by actively connecting with peers and building meaningful industry relationships. While my strengths lie in the creative process, I recognize the importance of being well-rounded and understanding the business side of music. I prioritize learning from seasoned industry professionals who can offer insights that help me succeed. Initiatives like the Ciifa Academy and MBA program have been valuable opportunities to connect with leaders in the music world.
At the same time, it’s essential for me to maintain a strong sense of self. To avoid losing direction amid constant growth, I set aside time for reflection, allowing me to process and apply what I’ve learned in ways that align with my artistic vision. I know I create timeless music, so it’s crucial to connect with people who understand this vision and can help showcase my work to the right audience. To remain relevant in this industry, I’m committed to continuous learning, unlearning, and evolving, both as an artist and as an individual.
Can you walk us through your lyric-writing process and how you infuse your personal experiences and emotions into your music?
AJUKA
My writing process is fun and straightforward. I write for both myself and other artists. When writing for myself, I often draw from personal experiences or stories I’ve heard—usually some drama, because I love a bit of tea! I start by choosing a theme, whether it’s love, war, money, sex, etc., and build a story around it. The first verse introduces the theme, and by the chorus and second verse, the main idea is clear.
Since I love storytelling, I often weave in personal or shared experiences. I also write songs like letters or affirmations because I understand the power of words and music. I want my lyrics to uplift and not lead listeners to unknowingly say negative things while vibing to my songs. When writing for others, I follow the same approach. I ask who they want the song to resonate with—whether it’s a “baddie,” a “hustler,” or “children”—and use that information to craft a story, collaborating with the artist throughout. This is how I write, and I thoroughly enjoy the process.
Collaboration is a key aspect of the music-making process. What do you look for in potential collaborators, and how do you ensure that your creative visions align when working with other artists?
AJUKA
Communication is key for me when collaborating with other artists. I ensure everyone
understands the terms, deliverables, and acts accordingly. Once the formalities are clear, I love
letting the creativity flow, which often leads to magical music. I also consider collaborators’
management, finances, aesthetics, and visuals, and if it all aligns with my interests, it’s a perfect
fit.
Your presence in the music industry has inspired many aspiring artists. What advice do you have for up-and-coming musicians who are looking to make their mark in the industry?
AJUKA
My advice for emerging musicians is to truly know yourself. While it sounds cliché, it’s vital, as many will try to define you. Knowing your goals and dreams shapes your unique sound and leaves a distinct musical identity. Understanding your brand and artistry is equally important for making a lasting impact. Once you’ve defined your style, you can consistently bring it to every project, creating a recognizable “fingerprint” across all your work. Be open to learning from industry veterans. Developing both your creative skills and business knowledge is essential to thrive. Remember, as a musician, you’re not only an artist but also a business—act accordingly.
Your style blends various influences and genres seamlessly. Can you share some insights into how you cultivate your unique sound and maintain authenticity in a landscape that’s constantly changing?
AJUKA
A question I often get is why my sound is so experimental. It’s largely due to my varied musical taste—I have a broad and open appreciation for all genres, always seeking to satisfy my “bougie” sonic palette. One key to cultivating my unique sound is actually stepping away from music for a while. I find that when I need to create something truly authentic, a sort of “cleanse” helps. By avoiding music—except for past releases or current projects—I’m able to access a creative space that isn’t overly influenced by existing sounds. This approach allows me to tap into a fresh, timeless quality for my music, creating from within rather than replicating what’s already out there. With the support of my talented team and producers, I’m able to bring these sounds from my mind to the airwaves. Learning music production and expanding my skills on various instruments have also been instrumental in shaping my songwriting and composition. I like to think of myself as a painter, creating sonically vivid pictures on the canvas of my listeners’ minds. I’m excited to share what I’ve been working on, and I know you’ll love it!
Finally, what’s next for Ajuka? Any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans can
look forward to?
AJUKA
I’m thrilled to answer this question, as I’ve been working on numerous projects since my last solo release in 2021, Agree. That was the final project I did independently, without any collaborations, so it marks an important moment in my journey. I’m excited to announce my upcoming single, Goals, which will be dropping very soon. This release is especially meaningful to me, as I wrote Goals back in 2017 and have spent six years finding the right producer to bring it to life. Though I’m not usually this patient, I’ll wait as long as it takes to achieve the exact sound I envision. Additionally, an EP is in the works, and I believe it will captivate my core fans and beyond—I can’t wait to share more as we move forward. There will also be a series of shows featuring Ajuka across various locations, where I’m excited to connect with fans in person. And yes, AJUKA LIVE! is coming soon, something many of you have eagerly awaited. Recently, I’ve been delving into Lagos’ house music scene and have had the privilege of collaborating with incredible talents, particularly with the WAC team and Wintar Studio. The Kembe project is definitely something for the Lagos rave community to look forward to!!
Check out Ajuka’s new release – Goals here
