Lojay Speaks on Crafting Emotionally Honest Music Says I Want People to Feel What I Felt
Fast-rising Nigerian singer and songwriter, Lojay has opened up about the driving force behind his distinctive sound, emphasizing the emotional sincerity and personal depth that shape his music.
Known for fusing soulful lyrics with captivating Afrobeats production, Lojay says he’s committed to staying true to his feelings, no matter how painful or joyous.
In a series of recent interviews, including features with Music In Africa and Apple Music, the Lagos-born artist explained how his creative process is deeply tied to personal experiences, ranging from heartbreak to creative solitude.
“I make music from a real place,” Lojay said. “Most of the time, the songs you hear are things I’ve lived. It might hurt me, but when I put it in a song, people connect to it in ways I never imagined.”
Lojay’s 2023 extended play, Gangsta Romantic, served as a turning point in his journey toward musical authenticity. Describing it as “a very personal project,” he said the EP was designed to let his listeners—and particularly his close circle—see beyond the stage persona.
“It was my way of saying, ‘Here I am—flaws and all.’ I needed my friends and fans to understand who I really am,” he said.
The project, which includes tracks like “Moto” and “Leader,” leans into themes of love, vulnerability, and self-awareness, wrapped in rich production and subtle Afro-fusion textures.
One of the standout tracks from the EP, “Moto,” was born under unusual circumstances. Lojay revealed that the melody and lyrics came to him during an 18-hour airport layover in Switzerland.
“I didn’t have a studio. I didn’t have a mic. Just the idea in my head. When I finally landed, I went straight to the studio and laid it down,” he said.
The song, rooted in heartbreak, unexpectedly turned into a dance-floor hit—something Lojay finds both ironic and healing.
“Now people are hearing my pain and they’re dancing and drinking alcohol. It’s funny, but it also shows that music connects us, no matter the source.”
Lojay also participated in Apple Music’s Home Session, where he stripped down hits like “Monalisa” and “IYD,” alongside a haunting cover of Libianca’s “People.” He said the goal was to allow the raw essence of his music to shine through without production distractions.
“I wanted songs that would speak volumes—especially in an acoustic version. You hear the emotion clearly that way.”
Much of Lojay’s appeal lies in his voice—soft, soulful, and expressive. He describes it as “soothing,” and says he actively pushes his vocal range to suit the emotion of each song.
Whether switching octaves or layering harmonies, every vocal choice is deliberate.
“The emotion dictates the sound. If I’m broken, I want you to feel broken with me. If I’m in love, I want you to feel that too.”
As he continues to evolve as an artist, Lojay has teased upcoming collaborations, including rumored work with Fireboy DML, and is reportedly working on his debut full-length album. While he’s still experimenting sonically, one thing is clear: the heart of his music will remain grounded in truth.
“I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t just make music, but made people feel something real,” he said.
Lojay’s rise from an underground creative to an international name in Afro-fusion is a testament to the power of emotional honesty in art—and he shows no signs of slowing down.
