Following a quiet two-year stretch from the scene, GoodGirl LA is back. The Nigerian singer-songwriter returns with a body of work that doesn’t just mark a comeback but signals a transformation. Known for her rich vocals, striking visuals, and genre-blending style, GoodGirl LA has always danced to the beat of her own drum, but this time, she’s turning the volume all the way up.
Her latest release blends elements of Afropop and alternative sounds layered with soulful vocals, marking a confident reintroduction. Known for her breakout hit on Vector’s “Early Momo,” which quickly became a fan favourite, she is definitely stepping into her power. MoreBranches caught up with the artist to discuss her hiatus, new EP, latest signing with Andre Vibez, and finally, what the future holds.
First off, congrats again on the release of your EP. I’m a fan. I love it. I’ve never been able to stop listening to it. It’s so good.
Thank you so much!
Let’s talk about the EP, starting with the lead single. What’s the inspiration behind it? I know it touches on a lot of different themes. How does it embody this new era for you?
With the EP, my intention was to take the name “good girl”, which has been used to control women. Like our femininity and our creativity, and flip it completely on its head. I wanted to strip it of its original meaning and turn it into a tool of empowerment for women and anyone tapping into their femininity. Since we were little girls, we’ve been told, “be a good girl”. It’s always been about girls playing by the rules, while boys could do what they want. That mindset is outdated. It’s literally Stone Age stuff. Now, it’s time for girls of now to take up space, take back our power, and reclaim the very things used to control or limit us.
So, I’m calling myself a good girl, but I don’t look like what society expects a “good girl” to look like. My visuals don’t match that. My lyrics don’t match that. That’s the point. This project is meant to inspire other girls to use their own voice, to tap into their inner fire, and to break out of the small boxes we’ve been placed in.
One track especially explores the journey of coming out. Can you share more about that experience?
Oh! Just to clarify. I didn’t come out in terms of my sexuality on this project. This project isn’t about that. It’s about breaking the mold. I’m saying the kinds of things girls are “not supposed” to say. If a song comes to me a certain way, I don’t want to change it or dilute it just because I’m a girl. If I hear “she” in my head, I leave it. I don’t dilute the message or censor myself. I’m very female-centered, I am always thinking that. This project is about defying all the expectations. People always say, “Oh, girls shouldn’t say that.” But who makes the rules? Who decides that I can’t say something just because I have a vagina and not a d**k?
So yeah, this project is me unapologetically being me. Saying things girls aren’t “allowed” to say, dressing how I want, and creating how I want. I know it’s the first time anyone is saying that in Afrobeats. I am not watering down myself. And honestly, it’s been so liberating not just for me, but for other girls too. My work is done.
Was there any fear in being that honest, especially on a record this bold?
Yes. Definitely. But I knew it had to be done.
I know you took a break before this release. What was happening behind the scenes during that time? Were there any doubts about coming back?
One thing I believe is that life isn’t just about keeping up appearances. It’s about fulfillment and creativity. We’re here to create, to feel, and to live fully. I wasn’t interested in keeping up appearances and playing the game just because they said I should do it that way. My journey is unique. At that point in time, I couldn’t show up how I wanted in terms of music and business, so I stepped back. I focused on self-mastery, creativity, and business because I love not just music, but also art, tech, and other forms of expression.
I took the time to learn and to do things properly. So that when I came back, I could show up fully for my fans, my Gs, and do things the right way. It was time for me to do things in the right way.
Let’s rewind a bit. How did your love for music begin? Was it something you discovered growing up?
You know what’s crazy!! Since I could talk, literally since I gained consciousness—I’ve loved music. I’ve always loved sound and dramatic movement.
My mom says anytime I saw people moving on TV, I’d immediately copy them. I remember jumping in front of the screen, trying to do what I saw. Every time I stumbled on something musical, it felt right.
When I saw Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance video for the first time, it felt like looking in a mirror. That weird, expressive, dramatic energy. I already had that in me. It was just natural. It was meant to be. It was just a matter of time.
One of your most successful records is “Early Momo.” A lot of people discovered you through that song. What was the energy like creating that with Vector?
It was amazing and so natural, like everything I do. I was actually just going to say hi to someone else, and Vector was there talking about his album and needing someone on a track. I was like, “Let’s do it right now.” He was meant to go somewhere else, but he stayed. We set up the speakers and equipment in the apartment, picked a beat, and got to it. We started around midnight, and by early morning, the song was done literally early momo time. It was seamless, fun, and it just flowed.
I know you’ve worked closely with Andre Vibez. What’s it like working with him?
Andre is a true visionary. A music connoisseur. We’ve all seen how he’s taken Afrobeats to another level globally. His wisdom and expertise. I’m just so grateful to be around that knowledge. When we linked up, he was already at a point where he’d done so much and was asking, “What’s next?” He wanted to create something new, something unseen and unheard in Afrobeats. At the same time, I was already building something new too, like futuristic Afrobeats, and my dark aesthetics, bold visuals.
So we merged these creative worlds, and it was powerful. The energy has been high and amazing. And honestly, this is just the beginning. When we first rolled this out, Andre was like, “Let’s go light, let’s go easy first.” We’ve got so much more in store. It’s crazy.
If you could talk to the version of yourself right now, what would you say to her?
I’d say you did it. Keep trusting your intuition. Keep believing in your vision. Keep believing in yourself. You saw all of this when no one else did. I’m so proud of you. Keep going. Keep your boots on their necks and don’t take them off.
Finally, I know you’re still basking in the release of the EP, but what can we expect next?
Right now, I’m just knee-deep in pushing this sound, creating new memories with my Gs, and getting it out to the world. But you can expect more. More creativity, more crazy visuals, more music that becomes the soundtrack to your life. Expect more high energy. And definitely some features with your faves. Tell your faves to hit me up, let’s cook up! Let’s come together and really make magic.
