There were times nobody reposted my songs —Shoday

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Shodade Solomon Segun, popularly known as Shoday, signed under 5K Records and Sony Music Entertainment UK, speaks on his growing music career, the impact of digital platforms on his rise to prominence and the inspiration behind his debut album HYBRID, in a recent interview with TrendsO’Clock. ADERONKE ADESANYA brings excerpts from the conversation.

Your rise feels sudden to many people. Did success come as quickly as it appears?

Honestly, nothing about my journey was sudden. People only notice you when things start working. Before now, I was posting content every single day. I used to upload close to 60 videos daily across platforms just to push my music. It was exhausting but I understood early that talent alone wasn’t enough anymore.

There were times nobody reposted my songs. No blogs, no DJs, nothing. But consistency helped me build my own audience first before the industry noticed me.

At what point did you realise music could actually become a career?

I think it was when my early singles started gaining organic reactions online. People who didn’t know me began using my songs. That moment changed everything because it showed me music travels beyond your immediate environment.

I studied Building Technology before music fully took over my life, so initially, this was just passion. But when fans began connecting emotionally with my sound, I knew this was bigger than a hobby.

Your debut album HYBRID has generated strong conversations. Why that title?

The album represents who I am musically. I don’t like being boxed into one sound. Nigerian music today is global, and artists are blending Afrobeats, amapiano, dancehall and even R&B influences.

So HYBRID means evolution. It reflects different sides of me — street energy, love songs, deep reflections and party vibes. I wanted listeners to experience growth within one project.

Many listeners say your music sounds intentional rather than just commercial. Was that deliberate?

Yes, very deliberate. I want people to dance but also feel something meaningful. Music should entertain but it should also tell stories.

Coming from Lagos, you see struggle, ambition and survival every day. Those experiences naturally enter my music. I try to balance conscious expression with sounds people enjoy in clubs or on the streets.

Your single Paparazzi became a major breakthrough record. Did you expect that level of success?

No artist truly expects a song to explode like that. We believed in it, but the reception surprised me. Seeing it reach number one on Nigerian charts and enter international rankings was emotional.

The song talks about attention and pressure that come with visibility. Ironically, after releasing it, I began experiencing that same attention in real life.

How has fame changed your everyday life?

Privacy disappears gradually. Before, I could move freely anywhere. Now people recognise me instantly, which I appreciate because fans made everything possible. But fame also teaches discipline. You become more conscious of your actions because younger people look up to you.

READ ALSO: Apple Music announces Shoday as ‘Up Next’ artiste in Nigeria

You’ve spoken about consistency several times. Is that your biggest lesson so far?

Absolutely. Consistency beats talent when talent gets tired. Many gifted artists quit too early because results don’t come immediately.

For me, showing up daily mattered more than perfection. Even when engagement was low, I kept creating. Eventually, the algorithm and the audience aligned.

Nigerian music is now global. Do you feel pressure competing internationally?

There’s pressure but it’s positive pressure. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido opened doors globally. Now, younger artists must maintain that standard.

The world is watching Afrobeats, so every release carries responsibility. You’re representing culture, not just yourself.

What inspires your songwriting process?

Real experiences mostly. Conversations with friends, relationships, struggles or even observing strangers. Sometimes melodies come before lyrics; other times I start with emotions.

I like recording late at night because that’s when honesty comes out naturally.

Social media played a huge role in your emergence. Do upcoming artists still need record labels?

Social media gives visibility, but structure still matters. Labels provide distribution, strategy and global reach. The best situation is combining independence with professional support.

Artists today must also understand branding, marketing and audience engagement — not just music creation.

You’ve collaborated with several notable artists already. What do collaborations mean to you?

Collaboration is learning. Every artist approaches music differently. Working with others expands creativity and exposes you to new audiences.

I always choose collaborations based on energy, not popularity alone.

What were the toughest moments before recognition came?

Financial struggles and self-doubt. There were periods when nothing worked despite effort. Friends moved on with stable careers while I chased music. But my belief kept me going. Sometimes your vision makes sense only to you at first.

Many young Nigerians see you as proof that digital platforms can change lives. What advice would you give them?

Don’t wait for validation. Start with what you have. Your phone can launch your career today.

Also, develop patience. Viral success looks instant but usually comes after years of unnoticed work.

How do you stay mentally balanced amid rising fame?

Family helps a lot. I keep a small circle that reminds me who I was before success. Music can become overwhelming if you lose grounding.

I also take breaks from social media when necessary because constant comparison can affect creativity.

What distinguishes this new generation of Nigerian artists?

Fearlessness. We experiment more and aren’t afraid of blending genres. Nigerian youth understand global culture while staying rooted locally.

That combination makes our sound unique worldwide.

 Looking ahead, what should fans expect from Shoday beyond HYBRID?

Growth. More storytelling, international collaborations and live performances. I want to tour extensively and connect physically with fans across continents.

This is just the beginning phase of my career.

Finally, what does success mean to you today?

Peace of mind and impact. Awards and charts are beautiful, but knowing someone somewhere feels motivated because of my music means more.

If my journey encourages another young person not to give up, then I’ve succeeded.