Winny Adanu was surrounded by people who saw her star shine even when she couldn’t. She envisions herself as a merchant of northern tradition, carrying its stories through her personal style. In Jos, where she began in 2014 after a friend featured her on a song—a pivotal moment that set the stage for everything that followed—she recorded her very first EP, WINNY. This self-titled EP comprises 7 songs spanning 17 minutes.
The EP played a significant role in her journey after moving to Lagos in 2021. “Moving to Lagos was a turning point for my music career. It provided me with more opportunities, a great team, and valuable connections. It really helped turn things around for me,” she shared during our conversation. Her statement is evident in her more recent track, “Take Me.”
“Take Me” features contributions from many talents, including Bezaking, Othniel Yakubu, Sam Harper, Alonzo Vargas, Graeme Lynch (The Wall Studio), Ifebusola Shotunde, Lady Donli for Bad Moon, and James Harrison (Hamezz). The feature of Thutmose on the track further elevated its quality, proving that a collaborative effort can sometimes surpass expectations.
Winny commented, “It’s important to have a common goal and alignment among the team. When everyone is on the same page, the process becomes much smoother. This was key for the creative process behind ‘Take Me.’”
Released on August 2, 2024, the two-minute track was inspired by “feelings for a lover and imagining our future together,” as she generously put it. Change is the only constant thing in life, and it’s refreshing to meet a talent unafraid of it. While many musicians’ styles evolve after gaining prominence, Adanu embraces this possibility.
“Experimentation is part of growth,” Winny Adanu stated in response to my question about the potential for a change in sound following her first EP. With a songwriting process that is already timeless, one can’t help but wonder what she has in store for her fans.
“Melodies come first for me. I need to be inspired before I start recording. I work on the melodies, then add lyrics, and I often incorporate guitars into the beats. I find that sadness can inspire some of the best music. Being in touch with my emotions helps me create more deeply felt and meaningful music,” she explained.
Her final words to readers and aspiring musicians during the interview were, “Work hard, pray, and stay determined. Your efforts will eventually pay off.”
Winny Adanu’s songs focus on love and embracing whatever you’re going through. Her goal is for her music to offer comfort and connection.
