Spotlight: An Interview with Abi Jenaé

Hailing from Brixton in South London, Abi Jenaé is a multi-talented artist making waves in both London and Lekki, Lagos. With a background rich in diverse genres such as Rap, Hip-Hop, Grime, R&B, and Afrobeat, Abi's influences range from Aaliyah and Tiwa Savage to Burna Boy and Jay-Z. Starting her musical journey with Grime beats in school, Abi quickly developed a love for music, writing her own material and building a loyal following. Known for her fun-filled, melodic, and energetic style, Abi Jenaé is poised to take the music world by storm. In this interview, we delve into her musical influences, creative process, and what’s next on her journey.

1. Your new single "Para" combines Afrobeats and Hip Hop with powerful messages of self-belief and empowerment. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and what you hope listeners take away from it?

"Para" was inspired by my journey and the challenges I've faced. Combining Afrobeats and Hip Hop allowed me to blend cultural influences with a modern sound. The song's powerful messages of self-belief and empowerment stem from my personal experiences of overcoming obstacles and striving for success. I want listeners to feel inspired and motivated to pursue their dreams, regardless of the hurdles they encounter.

"Para" is about resilience, confidence, and the belief that one can achieve anything with determination and hard work. I hope it encourages others to stay true to themselves and keep pushing forward.

2. "Para" features a blend of English, Yoruba, and West African Pidgin English. How do these languages and cultural elements influence your music, and what significance do they hold for you personally?

Blending English, Yoruba, and West African Pidgin English in "Para" allows me to authentically express my cultural heritage and connect with diverse audiences. These languages are integral to my identity, reflecting my roots and the vibrant, multicultural environment I grew up in. Incorporating them into my music enhances the storytelling, adds depth to my lyrics, and brings a unique, rich texture to my sound. Personally, it’s a celebration of my background and a tribute to the linguistic diversity of my Nigerian heritage.

3. You've mentioned being inspired by artists like Lady Gaga and Jay Z, and you dream of collaborating with industry greats like Don Jazzy. How have these influences shaped your musical style and career aspirations?

Artists like Lady Gaga and Jay Z have greatly influenced my musical style and career aspirations. Lady Gaga’s bold fashion sense and fearless approach to music have inspired me to push boundaries and embrace my uniqueness. Jay Z’s entrepreneurial mindset and lyrical prowess have taught me the importance of authenticity, storytelling and business acumen in my music career.

I believe a collaboration with Don Jazzy would elevate my sound, helping me reach new heights. We had a few talks in the past, but it just wasn’t the right time. Now, I feel more ready with my music career and confident in my artistic direction. I firmly believe in the power of positivity and speaking things into existence. This mindset has guided my journey, and I trust that the right opportunities will come at the perfect moment. Working with Don Jazzy would be a dream come true, and I’m excited about the possibility of creating something extraordinary together.

4. Growing up in Brixton and splitting your time between London and Lekki, Lagos, how have these different environments influenced your music and artistic identity?

Growing up in Brixton and splitting my time between London and Lekki, Lagos, has deeply influenced my music and artistic identity. Brixton’s vibrant, multicultural atmosphere exposed me to diverse sounds and cultures, fostering my love for music. London’s dynamic music scene honed my skills and broadened my perspectives. In contrast, Lekki’s rich cultural heritage and Afrobeats influence instilled a deep connection to my roots. This blend of environments has shaped my unique sound, merging urban grit with Afrocentric rhythms, and has allowed me to authentically represent both worlds in my music, creating a fusion that resonates with a global audience.

5. Your music emphasizes themes of empowerment and self-worth, as seen in the conviction of "Para." How do your personal experiences and upbringing contribute to these messages in your songs?

My personal experiences and upbringing are central to the themes of empowerment and self-worth in my music, especially in "Para." Growing up in Brixton and Lekki, I faced various challenges and learned the importance of resilience and self-belief. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work and confidence, teaching me to overcome obstacles and stay true to myself. These lessons have deeply influenced my songwriting, driving me to create music that inspires others to embrace their strength and value. By sharing my journey through my songs, I hope to motivate listeners to pursue their dreams with conviction.

6. Starting your musical journey with Grime beats during your school days, how has your sound evolved over the years, and what can fans expect from your future projects?

Starting my musical journey with Grime beats during my school days laid the foundation for my rhythmic style and energetic delivery. Over the years, my sound has evolved by incorporating elements of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and diverse global influences. This evolution reflects my growth as an artist and my desire to create a unique fusion that resonates widely. Fans can expect future projects to feature more innovative blends of genres, powerful messages of empowerment, and authentic storytelling. I aim to push creative boundaries, experiment with new sounds, and continue delivering music that inspires and connects with listeners on a deeper level.