A chemistry that birthed two expressive albums, their joint project.
Apex Village’s influence on Nigeria’s refreshed music industry is underrated. Still, they know what they are about and where they are headed, especially for the two-man collective, Azanti, and PsychoYP. The duo gave us an ideal introduction to their world, a collaborative project that birthed their chemistry, an ever-growing one. After years of successfully inviting fans into their circle, they are back with a new project, a follow-up to the first vody of work, the one that amplifies their bond as multi-talented artists and free thinkers. For iMullar, The progressive duo discusses their constant quest for transcendent moments, working together, and Apex Village.
You both play roles as recording artists and producers. What made you guys come together and become a two-person collective?
PsychoYP: I feel like the talent spoke a lot for him and the drive was way too similar to myself that I knew there was a lot of magic to be made here.
Azanti: I wouldn’t call us a two-person collective. But that’s a new way of looking at it. We just love making music with each other. The synergy is there, the quality is outstanding and it’s a unique blend of sonics.
Four years ago, you guys introduced us to your joint tape’s first volume. Fast forward, we are getting a second volume. What have you learned following the first volume that helped you prepare for the second one? What triggered the need for a follow-up?
PsychoYP: Everyone was already anticipating a follow-up since the OG drop and we were kinda the ones slowing down the process but in everything, timing is always of the essence.
Azanti: The fans. That’s why we do this. They love it. The feedback we got from the first project told us all we needed to know. We know what they want to hear from us and we’re ever ready to give them.
A second volume also means one thing, a very good chemistry between you guys. As a two-person collective, how do your personalities impact your studio sessions?
PsychoYP: Being who we are every session consists of us trying to break the barrier or exceed our already well-known doings to something more spectacular. We both are very special artists so working on a project like this gave room for us to learn and grow while doing what we love.
Azanti: I feel like we’re both pretty reserved and chill individuals. However, I still have some youthful exuberance that cuts through in my music and personality. YP is kind of a seasoned pro at this. We complement each other very well.
You are both products of Apex Village, one of the movements responsible for producing some of Nigeria’s finest acts, How has the Apex Village imprint influenced your artistry?
PsychoYP: I feel like even the industry doesn’t get what we’re trying to do right now but they will soon enough. Most of the people who do are from similar backgrounds as us either from my city or they’ve been placed in the same box as us. It’s all gonna be worth it at the end of the day.
Azanti: Apex is family. We love music just as much as we love each other. We watch each other’s backs so this in turn means we’re constantly pushing each other sonically. It’s exciting.
Can you each name your favourite moment recording Volume 2?
PsychoYP: Finishing up the project in LA with Azanti was surreal, and I don’t think I can ever forget it.
Azanti: For me it’s 2hot2handle. Feel Good music.
The tape is filled with different elements of sounds, ranging from modernized Afrobeats, and Alte to Afro-Soul, Would you say your music blurs the lines between new and nostalgic Afro sounds?
PsychoYP: In a way, yeah. I listened to a lot of music growing up so I feel like I can blend everything I have soaked up over time. And still have my own steeze on it.
Azanti: That’s the point mahn. To keep blurring the lines. That’s how you create something fresh and new but still familiar. That’s a very unique and difficult thing to do.
“Should’ve Been Here” is a personal favorite, I love it when artists sprinkle pieces of vulnerability on songs and that’s all that this record is about. How fun/Challenging was the video shoot? Can you tell us about it?
PsychoYP: This is pure music. The video shoot was crazy as usual, not gonna lie. The studio we shot this in was hot as hell. But no one would notice that because we’re just fresh. Dope setup, lights, amazing band, everyone came through to deliver. That shows how much a song like that can make you feel and I want to do more live band performances.
Azanti: The video shoot, hmm. Omo na so we reach set, AC no dey work oo lol. Jokes aside, it was pretty cool. I love performing live. That’s my forte. Should’ve been here is almost like a meme. The message is so funny but the seriousness behind the message kills me.
