Leczy Is Soaring From Genesis To Greatness
10 Jun 2024
Interview by Robert Solomon
In 2020, Leczy marked a significant milestone in his musical journey, stepping onto the scene with a flair that left an indelible impression. Since then, this Nigerian-born singer-songwriter has consistently dazzled audiences with his exceptional tracks, propelled to new heights by his breakout hit, ‘Brace For Takeoff.’
Leczy’s refusal to conform to a single genre is emblematic of his artistic ethos. Instead, he seamlessly blends Afro-Pop, Hip Hop, and Afro Beats, showcasing a versatility that sets him apart. It’s not just his distinctive flow and velvety voice that captivates listeners; it’s the authenticity he exudes in every note.
Renowned for his immense talent and musical prowess, Leczy has steadily ascended the ranks since the inception of his career. With the unveiling of his debut EP, ‘The Genesis,’ he delves into a profound exploration of raw emotion while also defying expectations. His storytelling transcends mere narrative, weaving together thematic threads that add depth and complexity to his compositions.
Yet, Leczy’s impact extends beyond the realm of music; he serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists worldwide, a testament to the power of unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. As he continues to evolve creatively, one thing remains certain: Leczy is poised for greatness in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.
In our conversation with Leczy, we delve into the intricacies of his debut EP, ‘The Genesis,’ reflect on his whirlwind journey over the past year, and explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in his musical journey.
Congratulations on the release of your latest EP, ‘The Genesis.’ Can you provide insight into the creative process behind this project? What inspired the sound and themes explored in the EP?
Thank you so much. I intentionally collaborated with different producers and artists for the project, with the aim of showcasing my musical diversity, as this project marks my first body of work. You can hear elements of Drill, Pop, and of course, Afrobeats.
Since the release of ‘The Genesis,’ how has the response been from your audience, and what standout feedback have you received that resonated with you?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I didn’t have any expectations, but seeing the general public dancing to my music and singing my songs word for word has really stuck with me.
The cover art for the EP is visually striking, mirroring the vibrant and beautiful essence of the music. Could you share the story behind the choice of this particular image and its connection to the overall project?
My team and I had a vision for the EP artwork. We wanted something biblically appealing to match the title, ‘The Genesis,’ symbolising the beginning. The illustrator was briefed to ensure that the title of the EP could be understood just by seeing the artwork. When she sent us the first draft, we all agreed that it perfectly captured what we wanted—depicting the cross, my hand on my chest, nature, budding flowers, and the bird.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to listen to ‘The Genesis’ yet, how do you envision the ideal listening experience? What emotions or reactions do you hope to evoke in your audience?
My music is very motivational. I aim to speak to the hopeless, reminding them that they’re not forgotten and that their voices, though not loud, are heard. I want people to sit down and reflect on their life choices and consider how they can better themselves. ‘The Genesis’ caters to everyone—you’ll be motivated, entertained, and you’ll dance too.
Your collaboration with Zlatan on ‘Hustle’ is a standout moment on the EP. Can you shed light on how this collaboration came about and what working with Zlatan brought to the track?
I always make music with people I consider my musical family. This helps in having a smooth transition throughout the music-making process. ‘Hustle’ is no different. We got into the studio, and the song came about naturally. Zlatan is very easy to work with.
Among the tracks on the EP, do you have a personal favourite, and if so, what makes it special to you?
I love all the songs on the EP, but ‘Brace For Takeoff’ is my personal favourite. It’s what I like to call my breakout song and my biggest song to date. That song validated my whole career choice and made me believe that music is my calling. My supporters love that song, and its growth helped me reach different audiences from all over the continent.
The Nigerian music industry is known for its dynamism. In what ways do you see your unique sound contributing to the evolving landscape of Afrobeat, and what elements do you believe set your music apart?
My sound is very diverse, and as a well-travelled person, I pick up a lot of inspiration from genres across the continent—Amapiano and Afropop from South Africa, Highlife from Ghana, and Bongo Flava from Tanzania. My unique sound will definitely inspire other sub-genres of Afrobeat to emerge because of the collaborations I will be part of.
Looking ahead, what exciting ventures, collaborations, or future projects can your fans anticipate from Leczy? Are there any surprises or developments in the pipeline that you can share with us?
I’m super excited to release more music. Exciting and unexpected collaborations are on the way, and another EP is also in the works.