Yung L - 10 Questions
Via tracks like “Eve Bounce” and “Gbewa” as well as the Juice & Zimm project, Yung L has racked up an impressive 7M+ streams as well as a dedicated 250k+ monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Also linking up with Nigerian frontrunner Wizkid for the “Eve Bounce” remix, Yung L has provided serious waves and doesn’t look to be stopping anytime soon with the release of his sophomore album Yaadman Kingsize.
Yung L sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It all began in the city of Jos, Northern Nigeria. I think I first fell in love with music from listening to the radio cos that was kinda the main source for music back then. The radio stations in Jos played so many different genres of music especially Reggae and Dancehall, so it’s safe to say that’s where the love began.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Damian Marley, Fela Kuti, Lagbaja, Chronixx and Diana King have inspired me musically. I’d like to work with all of them except Fela ofcourse, for obvious reasons.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
Mostly I’d say just being able to be in a good mental state to create and write music during the pandemic was a Herculean task. I mean you see and hear so many deaths then find out some of your friends or family are sick just messes you up mentally. So yeah, that was a major challenge for me during the lockdown.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I call my sound ‘AfroZimm’- because it’s a limitless genre I created. I am not boxed into creating just one genre of music, I just make music as the vibe leads. It’s a fusion of Afro-dancehall, rock, reggae, Afrobeats...name it. It’s distinct so when you hear a Yung L song, you just know it!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I’d say making the perfect album ‘Yaadman Kingsize’ in the midst of the pandemic is top of my list. Plus getting 10/10 reviews has been a topping on the cake for me.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Be consistent, be your No. 1 fan and as soon as it stops being fun, quit.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Please check out Mojo (Nigerian Rapper) and KingPerry (Nigerian Afro dancehall artist).
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
‘Chronology’ by Chronixx, ‘More Life’ by Tiggs Da Author and ‘Hoodies All Summer’ by Kano.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love writing Ads and copywriting.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My herbs, my phone and a drink :-)