Smada - 10 Questions
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Smada is widely known for his genre-bending music that easily flows between Afro-pop, indie and trap. As the last born of five children, his music journey kicked off in 2018 and since then Smada has generated a unique discography. A few singles and two EPs later, he has amassed over 500,000 streams across all platforms. A rising star in the Alté music scene made popular by artists like Odunsi (The Engine) and Cruel Santino, Smada has just signed a deal with NATIVE records, with ‘Ye Anthem’ the first in an exciting series of releases planned on the label, as his sound looks set to propel globally in 2023. He represents the Gen-Z Nigerian and his fanbase continues to grow with him as he cements himself as a rising star in Africa.
Smada 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?
My brother actually did. As kids, he was the artiste and I was just the drummer boy until he asked me to try and freestyle.
So I did a thing for him and his friends and the reaction sparked my love for music, since then I never looked back.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’m highly influenced by every rising act out there doing their thing, and artists I wanna work with in the future most likely, Rema, Skepta, Amaarae, Gus Dapperton.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Umm yeah there’s a project coming, can’t say much but a lot of snippets have been flying around from me and the audience feedback is certain they are all bangers so sit tight, it’s gonna be a crazy journey. very soon.
4. How would you describe your sound?
There’s no perfect word to describe my sound, yet. And i hate being boxed so right now i think we’ll just make do with “smada’s sound” that way i’m all over the place still.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Breaking into the top 10 albums in Nigeria and performing at Homecoming (one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria).
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Just stay true to yourself and keep grinding. the game is crazy, you gotta go crazy too if you’re reading this. And never stop! you’re almost there.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Yeah I have tons of beautiful artists on my radar, I'll just mention a few. Lotanna, Smeez & D3an, Contrast, John Li, Sidi Anthony, OV, there’s a lot more but watch out for all the young ‘uns coming outta Nigeria.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I still listen to Subaru Boys (Final heaven) lol, but top 5?
Wizkid - MLLE
Odunsi The Engine - Denim
Montell Fish - JAMIE
NSS - NATIVEWORLD
SMADA - NÜNIVERSE
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love gaming, and hanging out with friends. I live for the moment, I think that’s what makes life beautiful.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My phone, alcohol maybe, friends (sometimes).