Born Ayooluwa Akindeji, Luwa.Mp4 is constructing new sonic worlds and building an entirely different frequency through his music. With glitchy synths, punk ethos, and a distinctly Nigerian edge, the self-described pioneer of “Cyberphunk” is part of a new underground wave of artists creating on their own terms and pushing beyond mainstream approval.
That ethos comes into sharper focus on his lead single “pUNK FANTASY” and debut project “punKstA”, a chaotic, genre-blurring body of work that captures the full scope of his vision. Moving between hyperpop distortion, punk urgency, and Afropop rhythm, Luwa leans into a fluidity that resists easy definition.
MoreBranches caught up with the young star to talk beginnings, inspirations, and what the future holds.
I can see that your full name is Ayo Akindeji. How did “Luwa” become your stage name?
Luwa.mp4: My full name is Ayooluwa Akindeji. When I was younger, everyone shortened it and started calling me “Luwa.” It just stuck, so I took it as my nickname. When I started making music, I wanted something that represented my life from a visual standpoint. “Luwa” just made sense; it felt natural.
I love that. I know you grew up in Ibadan. I also grew up there as well. How would you say the city and your surroundings influenced your music?
Luwa.mp4: It definitely influenced me, even if I can’t pinpoint one direct thing at the beginning. Growing up in Ibadan shapes your perspective. When you’re from Ibadan, you see Lagos as the “big city,” and everywhere else feels bigger too because Ibadan can feel very traditional and behind in some ways. That mindset made me want to push boundaries. Once you step outside that environment, you realize there’s so much opportunity elsewhere. So it definitely played a role in how I see art in general.
How would you describe your journey so far, from when you started making music to becoming well-known in Nigeria’s underground scene?
Luwa.mp4: The journey has tested me a lot. I’ve had to really understand myself and develop a strong identity. When I moved back to Nigeria three years ago, there wasn’t really a defined scene. For a long time, I was creating without seeing much reaction. It felt like I was just working in isolation. Now there’s a whole scene growing, and that’s been amazing to witness. It was tough at first, but it showed me I wasn’t crazy for believing in it. It wasn’t just a dream.
Your music has punk, hyperpop, and experimental elements. How would you describe your musical identity to someone new?
Luwa.mp4: I call my sound “Cyberpunk”- spelled P-H-U-N-K. There’s always a bounce to it, but there’s also a strong cyber element. The ethos is very punk, especially because Nigerian mainstream music is kind of the opposite of that. My sound pushes against mainstream structure. It’s alternative in spirit and presentation.
Do you have any artists or genres that have influenced your sound?
Luwa.mp4: In general, I look up to artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Lady Gaga, especially Gaga, for her vision and presence. In Nigeria, I really appreciate older Nigerian artists. If I’m talking about people who directly influenced my sound, I’d say old Wizkid. I would say Wande Coal for sure. I really tapped into that. I also like Lancey Foux. Those are some of the artists that shaped how I think about music.
Let’s talk about your latest project. How do you feel your music has evolved from your earlier releases to your most recent project?
Luwa.mp4: That was my first album, and I put a lot of thought into building a world around it. Musically, I’ve definitely grown, but the biggest change was in how I presented the music. With the project, I really tried to encapsulate my ideologies. I was walking around with a game mask, and people were asking what it meant, but it was intentional. There were subliminal messages in everything.
It pushed me to make sure people understood they weren’t just listening to someone making hyperpop. They were listening to someone pushing Nigerian alternative music forward. I’ve mostly worked with the same producers, which has been great because we’ve built the sound together. We’ve added one or two new collaborators, but it’s still largely the same team.
The reception has been very positive. How has that felt?
Luwa.mp4: It was crazy. I just decided to put it out and see what would happen. When I saw the reactions on the first day, it was such a thrill. I stayed up late just watching everything unfold. It felt really good because people understood that I wasn’t just making fast, disposable music.
Sometimes people assume you’re making music for TikTok trends or quick virality. But with this project, I wanted people to understand that I can create a full world through music. Something immersive. Something you can listen to and feel like you’ve stepped into a different space.
I agree, it’s very unique.
Luwa.mp4: Thank you so much.
How would you describe the current Nigerian underground music scene to someone, especially as one of its front-runners?
Luwa.mp4: The scene is very unorthodox. Compared to underground scenes globally, I think Nigeria has one of the most diverse ranges. Everyone sounds different. There’s space for individuality, but you have to push yourself. You can’t come in doing something mediocre. If everyone is already alternative, you have to redefine what alternative means. You have to push it further.
I agree. It’s very diverse, and no one sounds the same. There’s always a comparison to the Alté movement. Do you see this current scene as connected to that, or is it distinct?
Luwa.mp4: I think it’s something new, but it’s reminiscent of the alté movement. It’s another wave of young people deciding not to wait for big labels or validation. We’re just creating. There’s definitely a connection in spirit, but this is its own evolution.
Where do you see your music in the next five years?
Luwa.mp4: I definitely see my music in a video game. Also, in films, not just any film, but something dystopian, maybe African-inspired. Globally, of course. Every artist says that, but I genuinely see a specific country really embracing the sound, maybe somewhere unexpected, like Thailand or somewhere in Asia. I can see it being deeply appreciated there.
I love that, especially pushing the Nigerian narrative globally.
Luwa.mp4: Exactly.
When I listen to your music, it reminds me of The Matrix. I don’t know if that’s intentional, but that’s the visual I get.
Luwa.mp4: For sure. The Matrix is a big reference point for me. It’s about breaking down reality, and that’s how I think about music. I want people to question things and to enjoy it, but also wonder why they’re enjoying it. Sometimes it might not fully make sense, but it still connects. That futuristic, reality-bending energy is definitely part of the vibe.
