By: Oladele Adeyinka
Life is a journey, and for some, discovering their true selves takes time, with ups and downs, trials, and errors. But when passion and purpose align, the path becomes clear. In many Nigerian homes, traditional values and expectations shape career choices, often steering us towards conventional paths. Yet, in the streets, a different rhythm pulses – a rhythm of creativity, innovation, and self-expression. For those who dare to dream differently, the journey can be challenging. Parents and guardians may not always understand or support unconventional career choices, urging us to “get a stable job.” But what if our stability lies in pursuing our passions? Music, in particular, is often seen as just a hobby, but for the gifted, it’s a way of life.
Then came the emancipation. The internet and social media democratized access to global audiences, empowering young creatives to turn their dreams into reality. Young artists like Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Omah Lay dared to dream big, and their success showed us that music could be a career, a movement, and a revolution. Today, Nigerian music is gaining its proper essence. The advent of youngsters selling out big stadiums abroad has transformed the landscape. Music is no longer just a hobby, but a viable career path. Among the rising stars is Nito-P, a talented musician who has turned his passion into a career. Like a blooming flower, Nito-P is making his mark in the industry, proving that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become reality.
A Nigerian based in London, Nito-P raps from London infusing his country’s sound. I came across Nito-P’s sound not quite long ago and going through his Instagram, it’s better to call him a rapper with HipHop fusion. On his timeline, you see some series of his freestyles–some alone, while others with his pal.
Nito-P’s unique blend of Hip-Hop and Afrobeats is a nostalgic nod to the golden era of Afrobeats, channeling the spirits of legends like Dagrin and Olamide. Despite living outside Nigeria, he still sings old Nigerian Hip-Hop with the blend of Afrobeats, making him a revered artist in the Afrobeats genre.
I discovered Nito-P’s sound recently and was impressed by his freestyles on Instagram, showcasing his Hip-hop fusion style. His YouTube page revealed a track titled “Flying Higher” (2021), reminiscent of Dagrin and Olamide’s early careers. The track is a self-appraisal and motivation, with Nito-P stating, “I’m making the headline, call me anytime,” asserting his commitment to the scene.
Nito-P’s consistency is evident in the number of songs he has released in his budding career. He calls himself the Naija architect, building his own sound, and with his unique blend, he’s reinvigorating the classic sound with his unique flair. Nito-P boldly takes a step back in time, making him a standout artist in the Hip-Hop and Afrobeats genre.
It is worthwhile to explore more into Nito-P’s persona outside of his music. His preference for jewellery over clothing is indicative of his modest fashion sense. He seems to enjoy wearing opulent accessories, as seen by a video clip posted on his social media accounts that shows his necklace . Even though his clothing may not make a strong statement, his accessories reveal a lot about his artistic personality.
The slow, sonorous rap and chorus dedicate a romantic ode to his wife, showcasing a softer side to his artistry. This glimpse into his personal life humanizes Nito-P and makes his music even more relatable.
For Nito-P to reach the pinnacle of his career, he must uphold his standards and go above his comfort zone as he advances in the field. Nito-P is a remarkable talent in the making with his fusion of Afrobeats and Hip-Hop. His creativity and commitment to his roots are demonstrated by his ability to try out new sounds and styles while remaining loyal to his background.