Azanti, the 19-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer ‘boy wonder’ born in Ondo State, Nigeria, was introduced to U.S. audiences over the summer with “GetTIN’ Hot,” his premiere U.S. major label single and video via Def Jam Recordings, today releases his hotly-anticipated new album, HEART PARTS & NOSTALGIA. The album includes “Late 4 Dinner,” the new single and video premiering across all platforms today.
“Since I was young, music was all I’ve known,” says Azanti, who has grabbed the spotlight of the continent’s competitive Afro-pop industry with his unique, self-created fusion of R&B, hip-hop, AfroBeats, and trap soul. “It’s only when I’m making music that everything goes away and I’m in my own world. Making music is very special and has a sacred community. Nothing else gives me the same peace of mind.”
Azanti has been identified within the burgeoning Afrobeats/ Alté Cruise scene as ‘up next.’ Wonderland magazine recently raved: “The future is looking very bright for the highly-talented artist…Offering us an irresistible dancehall-meets-Afrobeat sound, rising Nigerian-born artist Azanti crashes into the music scene… The 19-year-old singer, songwriter and producer, pegged as ‘boy wonder’, makes his artistry look easy with his ethereal soul-cutting vocals, catchy flow and unique instrumentals…the lovable artist is reaching new heights and gaining some much-deserved recognition worldwide…he proves that the only way from here is up.”
Azanti wants to shift the center of gravity of Afrobeats. The 18-year-old singer/songwriter and producer from Abuja, Nigeria is set on taking over and introducing the world to his kaleidoscopic blend of R&B and Afropop. The 11 tracks on his debut album Heart Parts & Nostalgia rattle the core of the genre, introducing playful energy, and a knack for off-kilter, but infectious melodies, that results from the fresh perspective he brings as one of Afrobeats’ youngest stars. It’s meant, in part, to encapsulate Azanti’s lifelong musical journey. Born in Abuja, he absorbed various cultures through his family’s travels throughout the world. From age three, Azanti was mimicking the artists on the records his mother played, which included Nigerian legends like Yinka Ayefele, Tope Alabi, and King Sunny Ade. As a child of the Internet age, he encountered all sorts of music—from pop to R&B to rap—through YouTube. Soon he’d start making music of his own. He sent some early demos to local trap star PsychoYP, asking for advice, but a few emails later, he was the newest addition to YP’s Apex Village collective. They solidified the deal with 2020’s YP and Azanti, Vol. 1 joint EP. HeartParts & Nostalgia is the next step, and it’s an achievement in its own right, but Azanti never wants to lose sight of his work ethic. “Since I was young, music was all I’ve known,” he says. “When I’m making music that everything goes away and I’m in my own world. Nothing else gives me the same peace of mind.”
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