Daniel Abiodun James, also known as Lejjend, is a musician and music producer based in Lagos State. His musical journey started in his teenage years and has carved a niche for himself with fusion from Afrobeats, Fuji and other local sounds. In this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA, he shares what inspires his style of music and how music can be used for social change.
What inspired your journey into music?
My journey into music started with simple love and passion to tell stories. Growing up, my home was always filled with music from the big woofer speaker at the corner of our sitting room. King Sunny Ade, among many other great artists, was always on constant rotation. I love the fact that music has the power to move the soul in ways nothing else can, and connect people on a deep and emotional level. It’s like a universal language that speaks to the soul. Also, music gives me the ability and freedom to express thoughts and emotions that words alone can’t capture. It’s my way of painting emotional pictures with sound.
Do you think your stay in Lagos influenced your style of music?
Sure, Lagos for sure as the boiling point of several culture and creativity in Nigeria, plays a big role in influencing everything about my music. Its energy is fast-paced, vibrant, and full of life. Whether you are on the mainland in Surulere or chilling in Lekki, there’s always music in every corner. Lagos has this way of keeping you in tune with what is currently vibing, not just in the music industry but in the entire entertainment industry. So yeah, Lagos didn’t just influence my music, it’s the very base on which everything springs out of.
The Nigerian music industry is highly competitive, what do you think young artistes can do to stay relevant in the industry?
For me, the key is authenticity and adaptability. Staying competitive and relevant in the Nigerian music industry is like staying sharp in a never-ending football match, you’ve got to keep your head in the game and adapt quickly. Also consistency is crucial. Dropping one hot track isn’t enough; you’ve got to keep the momentum going with quality releases back to back. Because the very moment they don’t hear from you in a bit, the fans just moves on to the next person creating the next trending banger. Lastly, networking is everything, collaborate with other artists, producers, skit makers and even brands to expand your reach. Never be afraid to show some personality and keep evolving.
What was the inspiration behind your first single ‘We will Win’?
‘We will Win’ was borne out of a moment of global uncertainties experienced throughout the world during Covid 19. I was thinking about the challenges we face as individuals and as a society, and how easy it is to feel defeated. But then I thought about our resilience, how we as humans always find a way to bounce back, to rise above whatever life throws at us, even the pandemic. I wanted to create a song that speaks to our strength and determination. The message of ‘We will Win’ is simple: no matter how tough things get, we will overcome. It’s a song for everyone all over the world to remind them that someday we will overcome, and we surely did.
Is music business for you or just a hobby?
Music is definitely not just a hobby for me, it’s a full blown lifestyle. I live and breathe music every day. But I also approach it as a business. The music industry is a bit complex, and if you don’t understand the business side of it, you can easily get lost in the show. So I’m all about finding that balance between creativity and strategy. Of course, I’m constantly learning new things about the industry, whether it’s how to manage my brand, understand marketing, or navigate the digital landscape. At the end of the day, I’m definitely in this for the long haul, and that means treating it like the serious business that it is.
Vices like Internet fraud, drug abuse, armed robbery, and kidnapping are on the increase in our society today, how can music be used as a channel to fight against these things?
Music has always been a real powerful tool for social change from many generations past. It is surely more than just entertainment. It can be used as a tool to address issues and inspire people to think differently. Music can be used to raise awareness concerning these vices and change the narratives. For example, through storytelling in songs, we can highlight the consequences of these actions and offer alternative perspectives. We can also use music to promote positive values like hard work, integrity, love and unity in our nation.
Tell us about your recent single.
‘No Cap’ is my latest single, and it’s a vibe! The song is all about a heartfelt passion of unfiltered love and commitment. The beat will surely get you grooving before you know it, it’s perfect for both chilling and turning up. Lyrically, I made it playfully simple but also with a deeper message about going all out for the ones you love. I wanted to create something that people could vibe to, but also say something like “wow, this song is really dope”. I want it to be one of those tracks that sticks with you long after the music stops.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered in the industry?
As an independent artiste, one of the primary challenges I’ve encountered is dealing with financial constraints. Budget limitations often impact from various angles, from production to brand management and of course marketing. These constraints can sometimes lead to difficult decisions to shelve collaborations that can strategically put your brand in the right spot. Push back on project release date, affecting the speed and pace at which the movement could have been compared to an artiste signed to a major record label. But the biggest challenge, is staying true to your vision while also adapting to the industry ever changing demands but I’m learning to embrace the journey, challenges and all.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself as an established name, raising higher the blazing flag of Afrobeats in the global music scene. I want to be known for pushing boundaries and creating music that transcends times and generations. I also see myself mentoring the next generation of artists, sharing what I’ve learned and helping others navigate the industry. Beyond music, I would love to get into other creative ventures like fashion and even film. And of course, giving back to my community is a big part of my vision. Whether it’s through music or charity, I want to leave a legacy that goes beyond just the hits.
What is your advice to young up-and-coming artistes?
My advice is to stay hungry, stay humble, and never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, that’s where the magic happens. Surround yourself with people who genuinely support you and your vision. There will be ups and downs, but if you stay true to your passion, the sky’s the limit. Keep pushing, keep grinding, your time will surely come.
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