There comes a point in every artist’s journey where the pursuit of making meaningful art takes precedence over the need to simply just make hits. For Nigerian singer and songwriter L.A.X, born Damilola Afolabi, that desire has been constant in his career. From his early years under Starboy Entertainment label to carving out his own lane, L.A.X. has never been afraid to evolve. But with the upcoming release of his new album, “Nobody Like Zaza”, it’s more personal. The singer is choosing to lead with love, making it the heart and soul of this project.
“The album is all about me showing the world my feelings, which are currently love, happiness, and joy,” L.A.X. tells More Branches. The project is intended to reflect an artist who isn’t afraid to feel or to let his listeners feel with him. Lockdown, his latest single, sets the tone for the album as the artist does not hold back. It captures the intensity of being consumed with love, a feeling that L.A.X. easily channels.
The album’s tone is clear. This is music that embraces sincerity. As L.A.X puts it, “I think people will fall in love when they listen. The best way to experience it is to listen with love and share it with people you love.”
Your latest single, “Lockdown” has been creating a lot of buzz. What was the inspiration behind the track?
It was just another day in the studio. It was a normal recording session for the album. I had two amazing writers who helped work on the single. The album is all about me showing the world my feelings, which are currently love, happiness, and joy.
Would you say any past or present experiences inspired the single?
My music contains about 50% of my real experiences, and the remaining half are illusions.
On your social media, you have been hinting that this album is something different from your previous ones. What can we expect from it?
To be honest, it is different from where I am at in my life, but it’s definitely a continuation of how my sound has always been. My sound has always been sweet music, but this is just a better version of what I have put out before.
Can you tell us anything about the new album that’s coming? Things to expect or the name?
The name of the album is “Nobody Like Zaza”. It still boils down to what I have been saying which is that nobody does this type of sound than me. I am just affirming it and actually releasing the body of work that certifies it.
How does this upcoming album reflect your growth and evolution?
I would say that I always touch base on what is happening while also infusing my originality in it. I am always searching for growth. I listen to new music and artists, even the ones that are not mainstream yet. I am always a big supporter which helps with my own music.
So far, how has it been like navigating your journey?
I feel like the journey has had its ups and downs, but I keep pushing. I am an advocate for its never easy but you need to continue to push through. I am in a position where a lot of people want to be even if I am still looking up to other people. I am still in a very good place but I still keep pushing and working. The journey has been sweet.
How would you describe the creative process for the album?
The creative process has been amazing because I can literally remember every track and where it was recorded. It wasn’t just sitting in the studio. I travelled and enjoyed my life as I recorded. It’s been a very nice, crazy, and fun experience recording.
I know you mentioned that every track was memorable. However, I have to ask if any track is a personal favourite?
I would say Track 1 is very different. It’s where I got most of my inspiration from which is Fuji music. It’s very unassuming because when I was recording it, I never thought I would add that to my track. But the producer came with the beats and the recording was seamless. But every song means something to me so there is no song that stands out.
Can we expect any collaborations from the album?
I would say that out of all my projects, this is the most I have featured any artists. The collaborations are interesting. Everyone will love it. I have a combination of great artists on the project.
When can we expect this project?
The album is dropping on my birthday. The 10th of April.
You’ve been in the industry for a while now. What has been the most rewarding part of your musical journey so far?
I was talking to someone about this. I would say 2020 was the biggest highlight because I was in the middle of giving music a break. But that’s when I recorded my biggest project. Even a week before its release, I had cold feet. I wanted to push it back, but everything worked out. God came through and gave me my biggest song and album.
What made you take a break?
I was just contemplating taking a break. This was based on a lot of things: stress and not getting what I wanted. It helped me understand my purpose. My purpose for music is to touch lives, and it goes beyond just making hit songs. It is all about the passion as well as encouraging others coming after me. It was for others to understand that it is not an easy game, but the spirit to keep pushing. It was a way for me to understand why I need to keep doing it.
With that, we got to witness different evolutions of you as an artist. What would you say constantly drives you to evolve?
I would say my fans. I never like to let people down. I know I have a lot of people listening even when I don’t drop. Those are the people that I did not want to let down. It helps me to know that I have people who are living through my music.
What can listeners expect with this new project? What would be new when they listen to this?
I think people will fall in love when they listen. It will showcase real love because it comes from a pure place. I want people to experience it how I am thinking about it. It’s an amazing project, and people will love it.
What should we expect from L.A.X in the near future?
I will be going on tour as well. I also want to do things for people who have been supporting since day one. I will do free concerts, RSVP events, and charity events. There will also be an album party. A lot of the things I will be doing are events that will connect to my core fans. That’s the goal of the album.
