I am Music, Music is me – AKINTHEFIRST

AKINTHEFIRST has carefully weaved fine vocals, soothing riffs, and Africa’s soul into his music — creating vibes that are ear-friendly with amazing replay value.

The Nigerian singer, rapper, songwriter, and performer whose real name Uthman Akinpeluand is currently based in Kano, Nigeria, started freestyling and producing music at a very young age and later honed his skills and developed more dynamic artistry that allows him to perfectly swing between different genres to express the extent of his versatility. 

When he was 9, Akin thrilled a huge crowd with big personalities in Nigeria including GoodluckJonathan, former president of Nigeria where he won a rap battle for his High School in Kano, an experience he described unforgettable.

The talented singer makes spectacular melodies that will surely get fans fixed to the spot in no time. With his new project underway, AKINTHEFIRST is in no way ready for jokes as he is set to add more energy and life to the music space in Africa.

How did your growing up contribute to your music career?

I was born into a musical family, my granddad used to be a drummer before he died and my dad was a choir leader in NG, growing up we listened to music a lot in our household in NG. My dad really made me discover I loved music so much while I was growing up, I listened to Kanye west, Celine Dion, and Phil Collins, because my dad always got these artists CDs and plays them often. Listening to Kanye West and Drake on my own made me fall in love with rap music.

You grew up in Kano, Nigeria, how did Kanoinfluence your sound?

Growing up in Kano was super amazing and was also hard. Being able to be exposed to Fulani sounds really helped me and most of these things are who make up who AKINTHEFIRSTis today.

What was your parents’ reaction to your music career?

My dad was in full support of it but my mum at some point was skeptical, you know how mums act.

How long have you been in the music business?

I started out with free styling in school when I was 8 or 9. I started my career professionally a few years ago.

How would you describe your struggle over the years to find your feat in the industry?

Attempting a career in music is a challenge for even the most talented among us. Lack of support, depression, and many other issues but it’s been a smooth process so far.

Tell us about the challenges you face as an upcoming artiste.

Man, it hasn’t really been easy, I suffered from severe anxiety most of my life and I have used music as a way to cope. The addition of “TheFirst” to my name is a symbol and representation of how optimistic I have been in the past few years, making me be hopeful and confident about my future because I know it can only get better.

You have worked with some Nigerian bright stars, who are they and how was the experience working with them?

I have worked with Joeboy, Laycon, Mr Eazi, and Oxlade. The experiences with these amazing souls really helped me in so many ways. I really learnt a lot from them which I would work with forever. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to be with them again.

Who are some of the A-list artistes you are planning to work with?

I would really love to work with both African and diaspora artists who have helped in influencing my sound. There are a lot of them I really want to work with.

Your advice to upcoming artistes like you?

Make music your career, keep God first and pray hard, work hard, dedication, consistency, and patience.

You can connect with AKINTHEFIRST on Instagram: @akin.thefirst