Following an eventful summer of North American festival headline sets at AfroNation Detroit, Toronto’s Afrobeats To The World, and Afro Switch Festival in Calgary, after selling out London’s OVO Arena and the Manchester Academy in May, award-winning global music superstar KIZZ DANIEL is back with two massive new singles titled ‘MARHABA’ and ‘WE MUST’ to continue his all- year-round ‘Vado At 10’ celebrations, marking a decade at the top of afrobeats music. The double A- side drop comes on the heels of two back-to-back Official Nigeria Top 100 chart-topping releases in ‘Showa’ and ‘Twe Twe’, which is also the most streamed song in Nigeria so far this year.
Produced by Billboard chart-topping and platinum-selling musician Ramii (Kid Cudi, Anderson. Paak, Big Sean), ‘Marhaba’ is an unapologetic celebration of success, confidence, and living life on your own terms from Kizz Daniel. Driven by South Asian tablas and West African percussion drums, over which the afrobeats icon exudes a sense of self-assuredness through a blend of bold and playful lyrics, highlighting themes of resilience, independence, and navigating through life’s pressures. The infectious track taps into Kizz Daniel’s journey of staying grounded and defiant, while achieving global success, and also delves into the complexities of fame, enjoying the highs of life, and staying focused.
*What’s the story behind these two new tracks ‘Marhaba’ and ‘We Must’?*
Both songs are the result of me stepping out of my comfort zone, experimenting, and infusing diverse cultural influences into my music, which is something I’ve been passionate about for a while now. “Marhaba” blends Afrobeats with North African traditional music influences, bringing a unique mix to the table. With “We Must,” I initially wanted to feature a UK rapper, but after numerous delays, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I went into the studio, put myself in grime mode, recorded the verse, and ended up featuring myself on the credits as “Thyself.” It was a creative decision to keep the vision true to what I imagined.
*How does it feel to still be a key reference for Afrobeats music after 10 years?*
It feels incredible to still be here and to know that we’ll continue being part of the scene for the years to come. In a genre as dynamic as Afrobeats, where new talents emerge daily, it’s hard to describe the joy of remaining a key player. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and evolving.
*What has been the most interesting aspect of celebrating ‘Vado at 10’ this year?*
Every aspect has been fascinating—the performances, the songs, the stories, the support from fans. It’s impossible to single out one part as the most interesting because ‘Vado at 10’ has been an extraordinary journey. The entire celebration has been memorable, and I’m excited to end it with a bang.
*After 10 years, who or what still inspires your storytelling and lyrics?*
I’m inspired by everything—what I see, what I hear, the people around me, and my own thoughts. There’s a story behind everything, and I love exploring what I can draw from it. The songs themselves are reflections of these inspirations, capturing moments and experiences.
*What have you learned after 10 years of doing this job and navigating this industry?*
There’s always something new to learn, but the most important lessons have been patience, adaptability, and discernment. Patience is crucial; you need to believe in yourself, put in the work, and trust the process, knowing good things don’t come easy. Adaptability is equally essential; the music scene is always changing, and staying rigid can leave you behind. Being inventive and willing to change has helped me stay relevant. Discernment is also key—making the right choices at the right times can make all the difference.
*Who is your favorite Afrobeats artist of all time and why?*
I can’t say I have one favorite Afrobeats artist of all time. I love and respect several legends who’ve been instrumental in shaping the genre, such as 2face and Fela Kuti. Their contributions have been invaluable to Afrobeats’ growth.
*How do you now approach the production and sonic aspects of your music? How has it changed since your debut?*
As I mentioned earlier, being a successful artist means being inventive and adaptable. I now approach production with a more global perspective. My sound has evolved—I’m more willing to experiment and collaborate with international producers. Compared to my debut, I’m less focused on fitting a mold and more on creating a unique sound experience for each track. I want every listener to connect with my music, regardless of age, location, or exposure.
*What was the best piece of advice you ever got? Why did it resonate with you?*
The best advice I received was, “Stay true to yourself and keep learning.” This has been crucial for me because while it’s important to evolve and experiment, authenticity sets you apart. I’m proud that whenever you hear a Kizz Daniel record, you know it’s me—there’s no confusion.
*What advice would you give to a newcomer in this industry?*
Don’t stop pushing—eventually, a door will open. If you face rejection, pick yourself up and keep going. Consistency is key, and as long as you’re good at what you do, opportunities will come. When they do, be prepared. Also, be patient, adaptable, resilient, and make connections. Keep learning, and never lose sight of your goals.
*What can we expect from you after these two new tracks?*
There’s a lot in the works—more songs, more projects, and even bigger things ahead. It’s going to be an exciting journey, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what I have in store.
