Barely two months on from his chart-topping hit single ‘Wap’ featuring afrobeats legend Davido, which has amassed over five million plays online, and as he continues to tease out his forthcoming debut album BY ANY MINZ, afrofusion sensation MINZ is excited to unveil another massive collaboration from the highly anticipated album – this time with afrobeats royalty Tekno. Titled ‘DIALLO’, the infectious summer-ready anthem was crafted and recorded in Berlin with fast-rising German production trio 255, who have recently worked with the likes of Burna Boy, NSG, and Victony, among others.
Serving as an homage to his African heritage, ‘Diallo’ was inspired by the continent’s diverse cultures, which have intrigued Minz as he has been traveling across Africa performing and connecting with fans over the past year. The track sees Minz waxing lyrical to ‘Diallo’, who is personified as a beautiful black woman that has left the rising star lovestruck, embodying an abstract expression of his love for African culture. Driven by lush guitars, infectious drums, captivating melodies, and inspired songwriting, ‘Diallo’ reveals itself, according to Minz, as “one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever written”.
Tell us about your travels across Africa and how they inspired ‘Diallo’.
As a young boy who grew up in Lagos, I always had my sights on the “abroad” and like most kids my age, Europe or America was always the dream location. Destiny, however, had other plans and the first time I ever stepped out of my home country, Nigeria, it was to a French country, Gabon. I was flown out to do what I love, perform my music. It was a very special experience and I got to experience a very different culture.
Ever since then, I’ve been privileged to touch Cote D’Ivoire, Benin Republic and a few other African countries. On these trips, I’ve met a lot of beautiful African people, and been introduced to new ways of life that I was oblivious of before. These experiences have added to me and given me so much inspiration that a Nigerian kid like me can make a song like “diallo”.
What about your African heritage and culture inspires you the most?
The colours and our food. The diversity is also shocking to see.
What are your favorite parts of Africa and why?
Nigeria, home is where the heart is as they say. Ghana is always lovely as well, and Gabon, they were the first to accept my music outside of Nigeria.
What inspired you to personify a woman and call her Diallo?
To me, women are a major part of the essence of life, we all come from our mothers’ womb and the earth around us is often referred to as Mother Nature. I think the most beautiful way to convey my adoration and surrender to the beauty of this continent is to give her the devotion I would give to a lover. Diallo is Africa.
How did you fall into music as a child? What was the turning point for you?
I grew up around so much music, it was always nearby. My fatr would play the juju & highlife music of King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. My aunties would have gospel music from Tope Alabi spinning every other Sunday.I personally fell in love with the genre of hip hop, I remember hearing 50 Cent’s P.I.M.P. and becoming a fan instantly. Ever since then, I’ve been a geek of music.
What’s your creative approach when working as a producer with someone else?
When it comes to producing and just being a contributor to music in general, whether it’s mine or another person’s music, I always look to add value. To have an open mind and to try out new things.
How would you describe your own sound and artistic persona?
I think my sound is constantly evolving and my art is always in motion. I’d say my persona reflects in my music, calm but very jovial and expressive. I don’t like to hold on to feelings so I put them in my songs.
