In a short period of time, the Lagos native has morphed into a fan favourite, making him the next force in Nigerian music to reckon with. Born Olalekan Emeka Taiwo, he found his love for playing drums at a very young age, unlocking a musical path. Growing up, he idolised icons like 2Baba, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and Fela Kuti. Their music would define Logos and inspire his craft. But it was his relationship with Nigerian producer Ragee that saw him come into his own. The duo met as students at Lagos State Polytechnic back when Olori was still learning how to rap. Their ten-year friendship and rapport as artists yielded Olori’s signature Afrobeats sound.
Logos Olori always understood partnering with producers and the chemistry it creates. In 2022, he staked his place in the music industry when he linked up with Magicsticks, Asake’s right-hand producer, and released his debut single “Only You.” He dropped a handful of songs that eventually caught the ears of listeners and the attention of one of Africa’s biggest record labels. Then in 2023, his signing to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) and standout feature on Davido’s Timeless album put the spotlight on Olori as an up-and-coming name in Afropop.
This year, Logos Olori was finally ready to unleash his debut solo project. And iMullar connected with Olori to discuss everything that went into the making of his new EP, Olori and what’s next for the rising star.
On working with Davido and signing to DMW
I thank God, and I think it is God’s blessing that everything happened as it was planned, from the first […] Getting signed to DMW was like a miracle. I recorded an EP that I wanted to drop, but I knew I needed a label. So, I was up and about until I got the deal with Magicsticks to be on Timeless. After a lot of studio sessions, I eventually told Davido I was an artist as well, not just a songwriter. He said I should play my songs for him, and I did. He asked me why they were not out, and I said I didn’t have a platform. He said, “Welcome to the family.” It was like a dream come true, and that is Davido for you, very genuine and ready to push you to the next level, glad I found myself in his camp.
Ragee as a producer and friend
Ragee has always been my friend; I’ve known him for like 10 years. I met him in Ikorodu way back in Laspotech when I wanted to be a rapper. Magicsticks was in that studio session as well. Ragee is always the active producer in the studio. He’s the kind of producer that will bring out the best in you. You can take a verse like four times, and he’ll say, “It’s not right, you have to do it again.” He plays the role of a father figure when behind the booth, he will guide you through it all. A very good guy to have on your side.
On featuring Musa Keys on the EP
The song with Musa Keys was organic. We were in Dubai for a show at the Coca-Cola Arena, and we were having a house party after the show. Ragee was on the beats, and we were having fun. I was singing the song, and it happened that Musa Keys was there as well. It was just two people vibing and making music together, and it came out great. We partied to the song all night long.
Plans for the future
As an artist, I’m always changing, not even just as an artist, but as a human being. I feel like I’m always changing, and the Logos you see today is not going to be the Logos you see tomorrow. That translates to my sound as well. The music I make today is always going to be better and better, and there’s no stopping it. It’s always going to be better. Yeah, I can’t wait. We’re dropping more music, probably an album this year. You know the video for “Easy On Me” is going to be crazy, and I’m excited.
