A pure product of the cultural marriage between Haiti and Nigeria, Timi Dre embodies a musical crossover uncommon these days, bringing together two rhythmic and passionate musical worlds. Hailing from Lagos and living in Brooklyn, this talented artist weaves intimate connections between vibrant Afrobeats rhythms, the sensitive melodies of the Haitian diaspora, and sincere emotional depth in his music. Love is his motto. His collaboration with Haitian artist, Kenny Haiti, on the remix of ‘For You’ illustrates this cultural dialogue: a successful blend of modern Afrobeats and Haitian Konpa, sung with finesse in English and Creole. This track boosted his visibility to heights never reached in his young career. We sat down with him to discuss key moments in his career, what defines him as an artist, and his latest EP, “Pour Toi”, a genuine tribute to love.
Journey and Identity
How are you and how is your year 2025 going?
It’s been an amazing year all around. I’ve received love almost every day. I had the chance to work with people that I’ve always looked up to and I’m still exploring. I’m grateful.
You started music in 2022 with the song “Lover”. How would you compare the artist that you were in 2016 versus how you are today?
I used to be naïve, which is normal at the beginning. I always thought that there’s more to explore. Right now, I’ll just say I’m more mature in the way I experiment sounds. When I finished the song “Lover”, I was like “oh snap maybe I can actually write songs!” Now, it’s the same thing with the same level of excitement I’ve always had. From “Lover” until now, I have never recorded a song in a studio outside of mine because I learned everything by myself and I was just trying things out. I’m so proud and so happy with my path now. It’s been such a bold move to try something new and see people relate to your songs. I’m just grateful that more people are accepting me.
What made you start making music in the first place?
Music is one thing I’m just exceptionally good at and I can’t even deny it. Talent is like 10% but the way you work hard for it is the most important part. So, I just look at my life as a story shaped by music, whether I’m playing instruments, producing or writing songs. It is one thing that just comes easy to me.
You come from three different cultures (Nigerian, Haitian and American) which forge your hybrid artistic identity. How do you manage to draw on these cultural resources to fuel your musical creations?
Growing up in Brooklyn, I was exposed to different cultures. I remember guys from my neighborhood listening to a variety of music like Rap, R&B and more. I just sat, listened and danced to everything. Brooklyn is a hotspot of cultures. It’s like everybody picks and chooses what they feel and connects with them. There’s a big Haitian community in Brooklyn. So now when I create, I pick my inspiration from everything that stimulates me, whether it’s from Haiti, Nigeria or Brooklyn.
Which artists did you grow up listening to?
I listened to Wizkid a lot, and David0 as well. Back in the days, my mom played a lot of Fela, so I grew up with his powerful sound too. Also being from Brooklyn, I listened to a lot of Alicia keys music and R&B in general. This genre inspires me so much.
What were your first experiences with music?
Funny thing, I wasn’t raised in church, but I raised myself in church. I found music in church. I started playing the keyboard there. I was 16 and I just found myself always going to church by myself because I didn’t have a keyboard at home and I had the opportunity to practise by going to church. Even now people see me play instruments on Instagram and are surprised. I’m a church boy. I still believe that’s my biggest strength. I am very conscious of how the church has, in a way, sharpened my musical skills.
How many instruments can you play?
Almost all instruments. I’d say Bass is one of my strongest skills. I even went on tour with Tiwa Savage thanks to it. I made a video of myself playing Bass to a song on Instagram, then Tiwa’s team saw it and they reached out like “Would you like to go on tour with us? Hell yeah”. But I don’t want to be known for this. I want to be Timi Dre the artist. I felt like if I’m able to do it then I should, and that’s why I went on tour with them. As long as it can get me to the room I want and the exposure I need.
The theme of love is at the forefront in the lyrics of your songs. Does this come from personal experience?
I come from a place of love. My family and I, even through difficult times, all we had was love. Always. It was very visible to me. This feeling is deeply rooted in me. And in my love life, I wouldn’t say I had the best relationships, but they helped me grow. Love is everywhere so I want to express this in my music. That’s how I grew up.
What is your opinion on the status of Konpa in the global music landscape? With, for example, the success of Franco-Haitan artist Joe Dwet File.
I’m so happy that people are finally accepting this genre on a very commercial level because I feel like everything is so fast paced now. People are driven by this nostalgic feeling when our parents are playing konpa songs. Back in the days, we were tired of hearing Alan Cavé, Carimi, or Haïti Troubadours all day long. As we grew up, our minds began to sense the cultural richness and power of this genre. What Joe Dwet Filè has managed to achieve with it is legendary. Now it’s global. To be honest, growing up in Brooklyn, I was quite unfamiliar with the importance of the Haitian community in France and its close relationship with konpa. It’s a big deal and it’s so cool to witness that.
Some of your music is more konpa, some afrobeats and some amapiano. Is there a style in which you feel most comfortable?
I don’t even try to be comfortable with any style in particular because I’m constantly exploring new sounds. I can’t even go through all the musical cultures I have explored while creating sounds. I feel like the essence of music is spiritual and tapping into different sounds just gets something else. That’s the beauty of this art. Personally, I’m in a place where I don’t want to do the same thing every time.
Do you have some influences or artists that you particularly want to do a feature with?
I admire producers like P Priime from Nigeria, who is super amazing. I also think that Sarz is a legend. I can’t even imagine being in the studio and working with them. Generally, getting the opportunity to collaborate with all the artists who have inspired me throughout my career would be a blessing.
His last EP “Pour Toi”
How would you describe this EP?
The production of this EP is a direct response to all the overwhelming love I’ve received for the track ‘For You’. It’s a way of returning the kindness they’ve shown me. This EP is a declaration of pure love to everyone that accepted me.
If you had to pick one song from this EP and go deep into the story of this song, which song would you choose and what is the story behind it or the message that you wanted to share with your audience?
I’ll pick the track “On you”. It’s a very fun song. It was one of those songs where we were messing around and having fun while doing it. Tonton Bicha and I had already recorded the verses probably two weeks before I finished the song. The vibe of this song is showing off and spending money on someone blindly. That’s my Nigerian personality all over the track. So yeah, the creative process of this one was fun.
You recently did a freestyle on “On The Radar” and appeared on a song with Brianna Knight. What can we expect from Timi Dre now, as the year comes to an end?
Experience more sounds, as much as possible. My prayer is that people could accept me through my different phases. Continue having fun while making music because that’s the main thing I can enjoy right now without being forced. Having opportunities to do more shows and hopefully get to Paris.
Written by Piway Loko.
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