Nigerian singer, Prada Bazino, targets global audience with emotion-driven afrobeats

Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer Emmanuel Effiom Bassey, popularly known as Prada Bazino, has said he is working to take his music beyond Nigeria by combining Afrobeats and Afro-fusion with emotional storytelling.

Bazino said his focus is to create music that resonates with listeners while retaining the identity and rhythm of contemporary African music.

Speaking on his musical direction, the artiste said his experience as a songwriter, singer and producer has enabled him to play an active role in developing his records.

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“I have always wanted my music to have its own identity. For me, it is not just about making a song. It is about creating something that people can feel, relate to and remember, regardless of where they come from,” he said.

The artiste’s recent releases include Love Song and Waiting for You, released in May 2026.

He said Waiting for You reflects his attempt to combine contemporary African sounds with emotional depth.

“Waiting for You represents an important part of my journey because I wanted the record to feel modern but still emotional. I wanted people to listen to it and connect with the feeling behind the song.”

Shazam credits Bazino as the songwriter and producer of Waiting for You. He is also credited as a songwriter on Ijeoma, a 2026 collaboration with BIGG WAVV.

Bazino said emotional storytelling remains a key element of his songwriting, adding that his musical influences cut across Afrobeats, R&B and Afro-fusion.

“I have always loved music that tells a story. Whether it is Afrobeats, R&B or Afro-fusion, the emotion has to be there. That is what makes people connect with music beyond the rhythm.”

He listed Nigerian artistes including Banky W, 2Baba, Wande Coal and Wizkid, as well as international artistes such as Craig David and Keyshia Cole, among those who have influenced his musical development.

According to him, digital streaming platforms have also created opportunities for African artistes to reach audiences outside the continent.

“Today, you can make music in Nigeria and have somebody in another country listening to it the same day. That gives African artistes an opportunity to take our stories and our sounds to places we may never have reached before,” he said.

Bazino said his immediate plans include releasing more music, collaborating with other artistes and creatives, and developing a body of work capable of attracting a wider audience.

“I am not trying to rush the process. Every song is part of the journey. The goal is to keep improving, keep creating and eventually build something that can stand on a global stage.”

He also stressed that his international ambitions would not come at the expense of his Nigerian identity.

“I am proud to be Nigerian and proud of where my sound comes from. Taking Afrobeats beyond borders does not mean losing the identity. It means allowing more people around the world to experience it.”

Bazino said he remains focused on improving his music and building a catalogue that can connect with audiences both in Nigeria and abroad.

“The dream is global. But it starts with making great music and staying true to the sound,” he added.