Mr Eazi, a rising star in the African music scene, recently sat down with Euronews Culture to discuss his debut full-length album, Evil Genius, and the remarkable journey that led him to become a global Afrobeats sensation.
Humble Beginnings in Ghana
Originally from Nigeria, Mr Eazi’s path to fame took an unexpected turn when he ventured to Kumasi, Ghana, to study mechanical engineering in college. Dissatisfied with his uninspiring lectures, he began hosting events that evolved into wild parties and music festivals, which ultimately sparked his interest in making music.
The Breakthrough with “Skintight”
In 2015, Mr Eazi’s career took a significant leap when he released his single “Skintight.” This track became a massive hit and paved the way for his remarkable journey in the music industry. Fast forward to today, his music has been streamed over 1.5 billion times on Spotify.
Pioneering Banku Music
Mr Eazi is recognised as a pioneer of Banku music, a unique fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions. His distinct style has earned him collaborations with some of music’s biggest names, including Beyoncé, J Balvin, Diplo, Burna Boy, and Bad Bunny.
The Artistic Side of Evil Genius
To celebrate his new album, Evil Genius, Mr Eazi commissioned 13 artists from across Africa to create unique pieces inspired by each track on the record. This 16-track album, three years in the making, explores themes of love, betrayal, family, and legacy, offering a perfect canvas for artistic expression.
Showcasing African Art in London
Mr Eazi recently unveiled these artworks at London’s 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. He provided tours and explained the profound connections between each painting and song on the album.
An Insightful Conversation with Mr Eazi
Euronews Culture had the privilege of chatting with Mr Eazi, where he shared his journey to success, his musical influences, and the factors contributing to the global popularity of Afrobeats. He also discussed his dream collaborations, the collaborative process behind ‘Evil Genius,’ and the impact of his extensive travels on the album’s sound.
The Message of Freedom
A central theme in Mr Eazi’s work is freedom, particularly freedom of artistic expression. He aspires to empower others to create freely and achieve both economic and creative independence.
AI: A Tool for Creativity
Mr Eazi views artificial intelligence as a tool that can assist creatives in their work. He believes AI can enhance the creative process and enable artists to experiment with new sounds and styles.
Evil Genius: Lush and Intricate
In three words, Mr Eazi describes Evil Genius as “very lush instrumentation.” This album, released on October 27th, promises a rich and intricate musical journey for listeners.
Mr Eazi’s remarkable rise in the music industry reflects his unique blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and a passion for African art. Evil Genius represents a milestone in his career, offering a rich soundscape and themes of freedom and artistic expression. As Afrobeats continues to captivate audiences around the world, Mr Eazi remains a shining star in this musical revolution.
