“Honestly, I’m really happy that people are recognising the greatness of the album. I’m grateful for everything and enjoying the moment”. — Minz
By Abioye Damilare Samson, Hope Ibiale, and Emmanuel Daraloye
Spending nearly eight years in Nigeria’s music industry before delivering a debut album is not the typical trajectory for most artistes. But for Minz, this extended incubation period has only sharpened his musical instincts, allowing him to emerge as a rare kind of sonic alchemist.
From his early beginnings in 2016, steadily carving out a niche with his Afro-Fusion blend, to finally releasing By Any Minz in 2024, his journey has been one of patience and precision.
“One of the most fulfilling moments was when I posted my album trailer and realised that it was finally about to drop. I shed a tear because it was a long time coming”, Minz shares during our conversation after the project’s release.
Minz’s rise to prominence didn’t come with the quick-fire ascent many associate with contemporary Nigerian stars. Instead, his first major breakthrough moment came at the tail end of 2022 with the release of “Wo Wo”— a song that captured the zeitgeist with its effervescent melodies and introspective lyrics.
But it wasn’t just the original that propelled Minz into the limelight. The remix, featuring BNXN and Blaqbonez, elevated the song to an entirely new level, which also inspired other artistes—both established and emerging—to hop on the open verse challenge, all while crystallising Minz’s unique position in the Nigerian music space.
It was almost predestined that Minz would assert himself as a major player in Afro-Pop in 2024. The year has seen him on a relentless pace, dishing out one offering after another. From the sultry R&B-tinged “Wap” alongside Afrobeats heavyweight, Davido, to the infectious, log-drum-driven “Diallo” with Tekno, these collaborations laid the groundwork for the expansive soundscape of By Any Minz—an album that is as eclectic as it is cohesive, blending the rich textures of Afrobeats with elements of R&B, Dancehall, and laidback Afro-Pop.
In this exclusive interview with Afrocritik, Minz opens up about the pivotal moments of his career, the creative process of piecing together his debut album, the influences that shape his musicality, and the sense of arrival that By Any Minz represents for an artiste who’s never stopped believing in his vision and continues to push forward by any means, despite all odds.
Congratulations on the release of your debut album, By Any Minz. The album has received positive reactions and is being placed among the top albums of 2024. How does it feel to receive such accolades on your debut? And why did you feel that now was the right moment to share this project with listeners?
Honestly, I’m really happy that people are recognizing the greatness of the album. I’m grateful for everything and enjoying the moment, but I’m also preparing to give my fans more to enjoy. This album is just a stepping stone.
I think now is the right time because I’ve been working on this project for years. There were moments when I wanted to release it earlier, but I believe in God’s timing—it’s always best.
Ever since “Wowo” took off in late 2022 and early 2023, I knew I had to seize the opportunity and show people my range, to let them see that there’s more to me beyond just that one song. It’s about sharing the full experience with my community of supporters.
While studying International Law and Diplomacy at Babcock University, you were also making music. After graduation, you transitioned into a professional music career. Were your parents supportive of this decision? What made music an appealing career path for you?
My mom was always very supportive from the start. My dad needed some convincing, but he came around. I remember when I brought home my first caller tunes contract—back when caller tunes were a big deal—and my dad saw that I could actually make money from my music.
That’s when he started to see the vision. I’m blessed to have supportive parents, and I think most African parents just want their kids to be able to make a living. They just want to see you succeed financially.
In an interview, you stated that you listened to a lot of Highlife and Hip-Hop. How did these sounds influence your songwriting and music-making process? Are there other personal experiences that contributed to shaping your passion?
Growing up, I was exposed to a wide range of musical influences. My dad would play Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Haruna Ishola when he drove me around. But my mom listened to more gospel music, like Tope Alabi and Don Moen.
My uncle, who’s a bit younger, would play Barrister and Pasuma whenever I rode with him. I didn’t realise it at the time, but those experiences were shaping my musical tastes. As a kid, I thought I was too cool for that kind of music, but as I grew older, I saw how much it had become a part of me.
It subconsciously influenced how I approach music—like blending Fuji vibes with Hip-Hop, which I embraced growing up, listening to 50 Cent and Trap music. It all shaped who I am as an artiste today.
You have been in the music industry since 2016. Looking back at your early beginnings, is there anything you would have changed? What moment in your career do you consider the most fulfilling?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m grateful for everything that has happened. One of the most fulfilling moments was when I posted my album trailer and realised that it was finally about to drop.
I shed a tear because it was a long time coming, and it felt like the world was finally going to experience the music I’d been working on for so long. It was a moment of truth and clarity for me.
Since your debut, you’ve released multiple records that have resonated with a wide audience. How would you describe the evolution of your sound and artistic vision over the years?
I’ve grown a lot, both as an artiste and as a person. My core values have evolved, and that growth is reflected in my music. I’m always learning, and I approach music as a student of the game, always looking to learn new things and bring my unique touch to it.
I don’t want to remain stagnant. I want to keep growing and maturing. That drive for growth has been with me since the beginning, and it keeps pushing me forward.
In 2018, you performed for 16,000 people in Gabon, which is a huge feat. How did you prepare for that performance?
Honestly, I didn’t realise how big the platform was until I got there. I prepared like I would for any performance, but when I stepped on stage, I realised just how massive the crowd was. I was the third-to-last performer, following two major acts from France.
It was a pivotal moment for me, realising that my music could connect with such a large audience in a foreign country. The fact that they were singing along, even creating their own lyrics to the melodies, was surreal. It was an experience I’ll always be grateful for.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals that help you get in the right mindset before taking the stage? Also, with such an incredible experience under your belt, which other countries are on your list to perform in next?
Before I get on stage, I always pray and ask God to take control. I don’t have any specific rituals beyond that. I just practice, pray, and hope that the crowd surprises me. There’s nothing like the joy of seeing an audience sing along to your music. It’s incredibly rewarding.
As for where I’d like to perform next, I’ve already performed in France at the Accor Arena, which was amazing. I’d love to perform in the UK, the US, East Africa, South Africa, and Australia. I dream of doing a true world tour, hitting all these places and more.
The track “Wowo” has become one of your most successful releases to date. How does the success of this record make you feel, and did you anticipate this level of impact when you were creating it?
I didn’t fully anticipate how big “Wowo” would become. I just hoped and prayed for the best, and thankfully, those prayers were answered. I knew the song was special because I was speaking about something that resonated with many people.
When I put music out, I always hope for the best and trust the universe to do its thing. But of course, I also put in the work to make it reach as many people as possible.
Most artistes have a unique creative process, whether it’s taking a walk, recording in the dark, or drawing inspiration from the beat. Could you walk me through your approach to creating a new song? Where does Minz start?
For me, it’s very dynamic. I’m inspired by my surroundings, my experiences, and even my aspirations. Sometimes, a song idea comes to me before I even get to the studio.
Other times, I hear a beat and build the song from scratch, the melodies, picking a theme, and shaping the lyrics. It’s always about capturing a feeling, whether it’s my current reality or a place I want to reach mentally.
Aside from being an artiste, you are also a music producer with credits on DJ Spinall’s “Energy”, BoyBreed’s “Apuruka”, Runtown’s “Sativa”, and many others. Given your experience in both creating and shaping music behind the scenes, which aspect of your career—singing or producing—do you find most fulfilling?
I love creating in all forms, whether it’s singing or producing. Production came as a necessity for me because I couldn’t always afford the beats I wanted, so I started making them myself. But my first love is being an artiste and a creator.
I enjoy contributing to the creative process, whether in my own projects or helping out other artistes in the studio. I can’t say I love one aspect more than the other, but I do feel that my purpose is to make music and bring value to the world through it.
Could you share the story of how your relationship with Mr. Eazi began? How has the deal with emPawa Africa impacted your career?
I first connected with Mr. Eazi in 2021, thanks to a mutual connection who introduced him to my music. Interestingly, I also heard that Joeboy was the first to play my music for him, though I haven’t had a chance to confirm that with Joeboy himself.
After Mr. Eazi heard my music, we began talking, and he eventually offered me a partnership with emPawa Africa. It made sense for me because I had been independent throughout my career, so I was looking for a partner I could trust to support my music while maintaining my independence. I’m grateful for the opportunities and support that emPawa has provided.
The original version of “Wowo” was released in November 2022, with the video following in May 2023. Why did it take so long for the video to drop?
After releasing “Wowo”, we were fortunate to have a remix with BNXN and Blaqbonez, which changed our direction. The remix did really well, and we wanted a video that featured all three of us.
But due to scheduling conflicts, we couldn’t get everyone together, so we decided to release the original video instead. We had to be patient, even though I wanted the video out sooner. Plus, the song’s popularity grew gradually, and it took time for people to recognise it as a hit.
How did you feel when you first heard Blaqbonez and BNXN’s verses on the “Wowo” remix?
What’s amazing is that I didn’t have to chase after them. They both genuinely loved the record. I remember sending it to BNXN on Instagram before it dropped, but he didn’t see it then. But once the song was out, he reached out, saying, “MINZ, this song dey disturb me oh”, and asked for a verse.
When I heard what he did, I got goosebumps. Blaqbonez has also supported me since 2021, and he told me the song was going to be a hit even before it took off. He asked for the open verse, and it was really mind blowing.
Which track on the album was the most challenging to make, and how did you overcome creative blocks?
Honestly, I wouldn’t say any track was outright difficult, but “Disembark” definitely tested my patience. I started it months before I finished it. I had the first verse and the hook, but the second verse just wasn’t hitting right.
When that happens, I know better than to go it alone because no man is an island. I was blessed to have my friends Toye and Kaziz in the studio. We put our heads together, and the ideas started flowing. That’s how we brought it home.
With By Any Minz now out, what do you want listeners to take away from it?
I want people to just enjoy the music, feel the vibes, but also feel inspired. I want them to know their dreams are valid. It doesn’t matter how long it takes—don’t stop pushing. Keep doing your thing, and your time will come.
Creative collaborations are crucial in the music industry. How do you choose your collaborators, and who would you like to work with in the future?
A lot of the time, it’s beyond your control as an artiste. Like with the Davido feature, no way I could have planned that myself. It was God’s timing and having the right people around me. We had mutual connections, he liked the record, and that was it.
With Moliy on “Drama”, I made that song way back in 2021 and knew she was the right fit. Sometimes, it’s also about having a solid team that can hear what makes sense on a track. I’m always open to good ideas—they’re what make the music better.
What should fans expect from Minz in the future?
There’s so much in the pipeline. I’ve got more great music coming, and we’re working on the By Any Minz tour. I hope to do a show in Lagos before the year wraps up, then head out to Europe, the US, and the UK next year.
The tour is still taking shape, but it’s coming. There’s also some By Any Minz merch on the way. Trust me, it’s going to be special.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell your fans?
I want them to know that I see every bit of their love and support. The tweets, the Instagram reposts—I see it all, and I’m truly grateful. There’s no Minz without the community. I’m thankful for everyone who’s accepted my sound and is out there preaching the gospel of Minz. Keep going by any means, and never stop elevating.
Abioye Damilare is a music journalist and culture writer focused on the African entertainment Industry. Reading new publications and listening to music are two of his favourite pastimes when he is not writing. Connect with him on Twitter and IG: @Dreyschronicle
Hope Ibiale is a writer and journalist. She has a keen interest in music, film, and literature. You can connect with Hope on X @hopeibiale and via email: hopeibiale@afrocritik.com.
Listed twice by “Black Pride Magazine” as one of the top 5 Music Journalists in Nigeria, Emmanuel Daraloye has over 600 album reviews in his archive.