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Tommy WÁ Starts Off The New Year With Community

Celebrating the one-year anniversary of his EP, Roadman and Folks, Nigerian indie-folk singer-songwriter Tommy WÁ reflects on a transformative year filled with music, growth, and memorable performances. From intimate shows in Berlin to connecting with fans across cities, he has seen his artistry evolve in profound ways. Ahead of his January 9th solo show at Accra’s National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), Tommy WÁ shares insights into his journey, the upcoming show, and what’s next in his musical path.

It’s been a year since you released “Roadman and Folks”. How has the journey with the EP been for you, and what are some standout moments from the past year?

It’s been a year of Roadman and Folks and I must say the journey has been tremendously fulfilling. The shows were some of the standout periods – going on tour, playing shows in different cities and even going to some cities and people singing the songs, knowing the lyrics. The show in Berlin, London even in Brighton, this was a very very special standout moment  and I’m grateful for it.

Looking back at 2024, what has been your most significant musical growth or achievement as an artist?

In 2024, I would say I’ve been able to challenge myself as an artist to be able to play this project I’ve put out in different scenarios – whether a small crowd, a big crowd, whether solo or band. It’s given me so much understanding on who I’m as an artist and how I want to present my music in different spaces. Beyond all of that I’m also thankful for how I’ve been able to have a team around my music. That’s one of my biggest achievements of the year, to be able to have a team around my music. I’ve got Kwame, my manager and even the larger team of different people who believe in a vision and are all working towards something. That is one thing I would forever be thankful for, for 2024 

What can fans expect from your performance on January 9th? Are there any surprises or moments you’re particularly excited about?

To be honest, I want to say expect this or expect that but what I would say is folks should come without expectations. There is something very beautiful about when people gather in a room with no expectation, just an artist and folks and we make the biggest memory of our lives. That is somewhat of an expectation – to enjoy yourselves entirely. Throughout the tour we’ve created different spaces  for fans to actually feel like they wrote this music with me and that is going to reflect in the show. We’ve created more spaces and more ways we can all enjoy this music together and I’m really looking forward to that. The band and I are excited and 9th is going to be a tremendous one. As for surprises, there’s some I won’t spill. Come to the show, go buy a ticket and we’ll see you.

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You’ll be joined by Baaba J and Tomi Thomas. Can you tell us more about your connection with them?

In this industry, relationships are king. Baaba J is someone I’ve known over a period of 4 years and Tomi Thomas, only recently 2 years. We’ve really hung out. It’s not just their musical ethos. It’s their philosophy of life and how they enjoy it, and enjoy this music business that they’re in. For me, it’s “Roadman and Folks”, right? There’s no better way to bring people who I actually enjoy spending time with  to come spend time with my folks. So that’s the energy and I’m looking forward to it. Baaba J is brilliant, Tomi Thomas is brilliant and it’s just going to be a brilliant performance. They’re special, special guests to the show. 

Being based in Accra, how has the city influenced your artistry, and what is the significance of having this anniversary show here?

I love Accra for its proximity to all of these experiences that are in and around the borderline of this city.  I call Accra an incubator space and for my artistry. It was very important that I was able to settle in a place, have the peace of mind to write and create music, and also understand myself as an artist. Even having the people who are coming up, who are in tune with my music are people I found in Accra, because it’s a cosmopolitan city. You meet people from different parts of the world who are able to try new experimental stuff different from what is pop. You will find them in Accra and I’ve been blessed to be in the city because of that.

What does “Roadman and Folks” mean to you now, a year later, compared to when you first released it?

Roadman and Folks, even after a year,  I am still listening to this music, getting surprised by it and getting an understanding of the meaning. I don’t fully understand it but I will tell you this. One thing I appreciate is that it’s given me the consciousness of a community. It’s giving me a structure and a path to actually have a career and I would forever be grateful for this project. There’s no other thing that you can be thankful for and that’s how much it means to me to my community and to my future career. I can never quantify that.

Beyond this show, what are you most looking forward to in 2025, musically or otherwise?

I look forward to growing, enjoying and having great experiences, adding value to the lives of people around me and people that I’ll come across. Whether through my philosophy or my simple life. I’m looking forward to just enjoying this career that I’ve chosen. Great music is going to come. I’m going to write more great songs, I’m going to sing and play greater shows. Most importantly for me, I’m mostly looking forward to enjoying my life and impacting people.

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Join Tommy WÁ for an evening of intimate connection and earnest music.

Venue: National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) Studio III, Accra

Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025

Tickets: Available now at tommywa.com or by dialing *365*88*615#.

Written by Anabel Rose Kubabom.

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The iMullar is the voice of emerging African music and the lifestyle that surrounds it, showcasing exceptional talent from all around the globe focused on promoting the most distinctive new artists and original sounds, we are the authority on who is next.