Born, Ayomide Emmanuel Olagunju, Leczy is a singer/songwriter based in Nigeria. Since he emerged on the Nigerian music scene in 2020, has been consistent in releasing amazing tunes, including his hit single Brace For Takeoff ft Olatop Ekula. He currently experiments with Afro-Pop, Hip Hop, and Afro Beats, showing his diversity as an artist. After blessing his fans with great singles, Leczy has finally dropped his debut EP titled “The Genesis” which is garnering attention currently so Bryan Benjamin sits with Leczy to talk about his new EP and his plans for the future.
iMullar: What inspired the title ‘The Genesis‘ for your debut EP, and how does it reflect the musical journey you’re embarking on?
Leczy: The title The Genesis came from the idea that this is my first EP and my first significant body of work. I wanted the title to carry meaning, signifying the beginning of everything. It’s like saying, “This is where it all starts,” the start of a new journey.
iMullar: The lead single “Testimony” features collaborations with PeeRay and C Bryan. Can you tell us about the creative process and the significance of this collaboration in conveying the EP’s message?
Leczy: “Testimony” is a song about manifesting what you desire, singing about waiting for your testimony. It’s a personal and meaningful track. Collaborating with PeeRay and C Bryan felt natural because we all connected personally, sharing our hopes for victories. The creative process involved expressing our prayer points and struggles through the song, ultimately waiting for the testimony. It’s a personal and powerful song for us.
iMullar: Among the seven tracks on ‘The Genesis,’ do you have a personal favorite or one that holds special meaning to you? If so, why?
Leczy: I wouldn’t say I have a favorite song on the EP. The EP as a whole is my favorite because it represents three years of hard work. It’s challenging to choose one song as a favorite when the entire project has significance. The EP, as a complete work, is my favorite, and I believe listeners will understand when they experience it—no skips, just repeats.
iMullar: The EP showcases a diverse range of sounds, from “BraceForTakeOff” to “Hustle” and “Your Body.” How intentional was this musical diversity?
Leczy: I enjoy creating songs that make sense and convey different emotions. The diversity in the EP is intentional because I wanted to experiment with various sounds while maintaining a cohesive and meaningful overall experience. Each track has its unique flavor, showcasing my versatility as an artist.
iMullar: Your EP features collaborations with notable artists like Zlatan and King Perryy. How did these collaborations come about, and what was it like working with such established figures in the industry?
Leczy: I love collaborations with artists I have a personal relationship with. Working with Zlatan, King Perryy, and Berri-Tiga was relatively smooth due to our pre-existing connections. While challenges are always present, our established personal relationships made the collaboration process seamless. For instance, the collaboration with Zlatan came about organically; we simply wanted to create music together. Given our existing friendship, I requested him to send me a track, and despite the physical distance (he was in Nigeria, I was in South Africa), we effortlessly collaborated to produce the song. The collaboration with King Perryy took place during his visit to my place in Cape Town. As we vibed and listened to some beats, the inspiration for “Another Day” struck. I expressed my interest in being part of the project, and we collaborated to create an enjoyable piece of music.
iMullar: How do you approach storytelling through your lyrics, especially in a genre like Afrobeats?
Leczy: I find storytelling easier when it makes sense. My approach involves reflecting on real-life situations—things happening around me, my environment, and personal experiences. I just try to draw inspiration from these elements to create meaningful narratives.
iMullar: How does ‘The Genesis’ build on the success of your previous projects, and what growth have you experienced as an artist since then?
Leczy: This EP marks a significant milestone in my musical journey, highlighting the depth and quality of my work. While I’m currently receiving positive feedback, I recognize that my true growth is still unfolding. The project serves as a foundation for my vision, and though the current acclaim is encouraging, I anticipate even greater achievements ahead. ‘The Genesis’ reflects my dedication and artistic merit, presenting a well-crafted musical endeavor. Despite the challenges of creating a cohesive narrative, I’m pleased with the outcome, as each song contributes to the overall coherence of the project. I believe it’s a substantial and well-executed body of work, setting the stage for further accomplishments in my artistic career.
iMullar: So tell us, how has your artistry evolved since your 2020 breakthrough, and what can listeners expect from this new project?
Leczy: From my first song in 2020 to the release of this project, I can feel the growth in my artistry. Songwriting, production, and vocal delivery have evolved, showcasing progress and maturity. The EP is a special project that merges South African and Nigerian influences, amplifying the culture internationally, and my goal for this project is for people to understand me better.
iMullar: With the release of ‘The Genesis,’ what are your goals and aspirations for this project, both personally and in terms of its impact on your audience?
Leczy: Honestly, I just want people to understand my story and for the project to amplify the culture of Nigeria internationally. Being a Lagos boy, releasing this project in the Afrobeats capital is significant. I also aim to unite South African and Nigerian cultures through this special project, and the positive reception so far is encouraging.
iMullar: Are there any dream collaborations you have in mind for future projects, and what kind of musical direction do you envision for your next releases?
Leczy: In the future, I would love to collaborate with artists like Badoo, WizKid, Burna Boy, Davido, and DJ Maphorisa, among others. It doesn’t matter who the artist is, as long as they make good music and our energies align in the studio. I’m open to collaborating with a variety of African artists, not just in Nigeria or South Africa. I want to tap into the East African markets as well. So, don’t be surprised if I end up getting unexpected collaborations, as I believe in stepping out of my comfort zone and working with people outside my usual circle. My goal is to unite people from different African countries through music because, without a doubt, music is a universal language that brings people together.
Stream Leczy’s Debut EP, “The Genesis” Here.
