Get Familiar with Sojistar and His Debut EP No Lies
The Nigerian singer/producer speaks about his project and career.
There are no lies on Sojistar’s debut five-track EP No Lies; everything on the record comes from his happiness and struggles. Born to parents who are church ministers, Sojistar was exposed to music at an early age. Six years ago, he set foot in a studio for the first time and decided to sing on an instrumental. A producer friend mixed and mastered the track “Sweet Love,” which featured a female friend of Sojistar. The song gained massive love and attention from Sojistar’s family and friends and that propelled him to chase a career in music.
Sojistar, real name Fajuyigbe Matthew Oluwasomiji, is an indie singer, producer and sound engineer based in Abuja. He had his primary and secondary education in Lagos and tertiary education at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. With No Lies, which took him two months to put together (from beat making, songwriting, recording and engineering), he has crafted an admirable project that is sure to be a reference point in his career.
On the opener “Heart Desire,” Sojistar sends supplications to the Almighty over a mid-tempo, percussion-driven instrumental. “Family is waiting/Many things I’m facing/I run to the north and south/Responsibilities dey chase me,” he sings. He also pleads for protection against enemies. “One Million” is a love tune dedicated to Sojistar’s mother. He recounts the many sacrifices his mother has made for his sake and he promises to love and care for her.
Sojistar diverts some of that affection in the direction of his romantic interest on “My Sugar.” “I no go rest until you be my wife,” he sings while also seeking her to reciprocate his affection. There are undertones of amapiano with the log drum that anchors the beat.
On the title track, Sojistar weaves in and out of the smooth afro-pop melodies as he promises to be faithful to his love interest. He invites another up-and-coming singer Alex Pearl on the dancehall-influenced “Hold Me Down.” She delivers a sweet chorus as both singers pledge to be consistent in their love.
Below is my conversation with Sojistar.
What was the creative process for No Lies?
It was just basically having an experience and communicating them through my unique sound.
What does the project No Lies mean for you?
The entire tracks in the No Lies EP communicate the truth about me, my intentions about relationships, love and most importantly my thoughts. The EP is a way of communicating an obscure part of me - my values, beliefs, intentions and affection.
To me, love is just the expression of a desire. Love is everything and worth singing about. Love is also a universal language so I see love to be a tool to interact and communicate with my world regardless of our cultural differences.
What would you say is the genre of music you do?
Basically, I’m still experimenting with a whole lot of different sounds, especially in the world of afrobeat[s] but inasmuch as I am doing that I have come to realize that my sound generally does have a spice of emotion, so, for now, I feel so comfortable to call it afro-swing. It’s afrobeat[s] with a swinging emotional flavour.
How do you balance being a producer and a recording artiste?
I have set my office as a producer as my primary occupation, so the artiste in me comes out when I take a break from other people’s work
Who is Alex Pearl and how did she get to be on the project?
She is a unique talent that the world will soon get to know and definitely will love her sound. So bringing her on the project was my best shot at introducing her to the music industry. I also observed that she had something to offer regarding the concept of the EP so I had to bring her in on it.
Who are the artistes/producers that inspire you and why?
Sarz and Pheelz are the producers I look up to because I think their creativity is unique and they are very consistent in the industry.
Simi and Tekno are my favorite artistes. They are good singers and have a unique way of delivering their songs.
What does the future hold for Sojistar?
I see myself taking charge of the music industry and setting new standards for upcoming musicians. I also see myself becoming one of the most prominent influencers in the African music industry thus contributing to the entertainment industry globally.
Go HERE to stream No Lies.
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