In this interview, we chatted with the soulful artist Sani, hailing from Edo State, Nigeria, and now based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Known for his versatile music that spans R&B and Afro-fusion, Sani doesn’t stick to a specific genre. “I would say R&B and maybe Afro-fusion, but I really don’t like to box myself in; I have so many different types of songs,” he explains. He draws inspiration from various artists, and if he had to pick a dream collaboration, it would be with African star Rema. In our conversation, Sani shares insights into his musical evolution, the significance of his stage name, and his creative process. He also delves into his latest EP, “Her: Prelude II,” and explores the inspiration behind tracks like “9am in Amsterdam.” Keep reading to discover more about this talented artist and his unique sound.
How would you define your music?
In one word, Soulful.
Which artist inspires you the most, and who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I would love to collaborate with everyone. there’s so many names coming to my head thinking of this right now. But if I had to pick, I would say REMA. Um I don’t think I have an artist that inspires me the most because sometimes I pick things from different artists. I listen to different artists so there might be something I really like about someone and then there might be something else I really like about someone else and it’s just, I can’t think of the name of someone that really inspires me like the most it’s just it’s just a bit of everyone.
Why did you choose Sani as your stage name and what does this name mean to you?
What the name means to me is an identity. it’s like a creation and my product is music although I plan on doing a lot of things other than music but right now we’re talking about music so what that name is to me is an identity, a representation of what you can be and that’s just a part of you, it’s not even the full, you but it can achieve so much. The full name is asani and it’s a very long story, I’m not even sure how to go about it but when I came across the name (it’s not my real name) I felt it, and when I looked up the meaning, it describes just who I was. it just felt like that was it.
Can you tell us about your new EP “Her: Prelude II”?
HER: Prelude II is actually the 2nd of a series. The first one was HER: A prelude. I released it when I had just started becoming an artist. it’s only on SoundCloud. It was 2 songs, and it was supposed to be a demo.
When I started releasing music, I recorded a lot of songs and these two songs ‘’9:00 AM’’ in Amsterdam and ‘’Her too’’, it just reminded me of the feeling I had when I made the first one, so I decided to make a part 2. Subconsciously the people who knew me from back when I just started music, the SoundCloud days, I mean SoundCloud is still great of course, but those people would resonate because they understand that this is the prelude 2. So yeah, subconsciously is just something for the day one listeners also. it’s also a setup to another project that I haven’t released I don’t want to say the title but at some point, I’m going to put out an album that involves all R&B songs and it’s basically for her. HER is sort of a concept in my mind not just a person.
In “Her: Prelude II,” you have a track called “9am in Amsterdam.” Can you describe what an early morning in Amsterdam feels like to you?
Depends on what day of the week it is. if it’s during the weekday 9:00 AM in Amsterdam is pretty much busy. everybody going to work, trains, buses, everybody is going to work or just arriving at work. personally I’m probably on my way to work or just arriving at work but on the weekend umm it’s pretty much busy but it doesn’t feel like work. you can feel it in the air and it just feels casual and it’s fun I’m not going to lie, Amsterdam is fun to be honest but it’s really busy. everyone is moving.
Can you give us any hints or teasers about what you’re currently working on?
I am Working on some more visuals. that’s really what I want to get into this year I want to invest in visuals and make more videos. I’m also working on a project, (I feel like I’m always working on the projects) and I’m (doing is) recording and recording and more recording. I’m trying to connect more with other artists, trying to network, trying to grow my reach and it’s looking progressive.
What is a message you would like to give through your music and why?
To be honest what I would like(each) and(every) listener to receive when you listen to my music is to feel uplifted. I say this because I have different kind of songs. I have songs that are really personal, I have some that are just for the vibes and I have you know other type of songs so I don’t know which one you might listen to at which point, but I hope whichever one it is, it uplifts your spirit. I hope it makes you feel better than you felt before you listen to it. i Hope it brightens your day and if that happens, personally I believe my job is done at least for that day. In terms of message, to be honest I would really like to pass more of a message with myself, just my way of doing things and my actions. I don’t necessarily always have a message in mind every time I’m making a song. Sometimes I just let my spirit lead me. I believe if I need to pass a message, most likely a positive message of course, it has to come from my actions because people will learn from watching you rather than just listening to you.
Write here something you want to let people know.
Don’t be complacent look around you try and make an impact with the people around you.
Listen to Sani‘s “9am in Amsterdam” on our Spotify playlist:
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