AZüMI: A JOURNEY OF SOUND AND SPIRIT
In Nigeria’s vibrant, ever-evolving musical scene, one name is starting to shine brightly: Azümi. We sat in her studio session on the 27th of September 2024, where we witnessed her artistry in action. The atmosphere was relaxed yet focused, as she brought us into her world, creating an inviting space to discuss her journey, inspirations, and aspirations.
Azümi's performance journey began in earnest just last year, marked by a pivotal moment at Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO show during Lagos Fashion Week 2023, her first major performance. “I actually really enjoyed it,” she recalls, “and I thought, wow! This is definitely something I want to do.” Since then, she has continued to hone her craft, with several performances under her belt and more on the horizon.
One upcoming event, Afropolis, has her particularly excited. This festival will showcase artists from across Africa and beyond, featuring notable names like Made Kuti and Keziah Jones. She expresses surprise that such a significant event is not more widely known, highlighting the challenge of visibility in the music scene. (Find a portion of our time in her studio as she practiced for Afropolis at the end of this interview)
In spite of this particular bottle-neck, Azümi is slowly but surely carving out a distinct niche within this landscape. While Nigeria is predominantly recognized for its Afrobeats, she is leaning into the Alte scene, a genre that embraces eclectic sounds and creative freedom. Her official releases—a two-track EP titled Tangerine Dream and the single Better Days, exemplify this shift. These songs showcase her unique artistry and contribute to the growing diversity within the Nigerian music scene.
She is particularly enthusiastic about the growing acceptance of various musical styles within African music. “Rema's new album has opened doors to different sounds,” she explains. “There’s finally room for experimentation, and artists can explore without feeling pressured to conform.”
Reflecting on this evolution, Azümi notes that there is progressive positive change. She recently joined a creative community founded by DJ and producer Yosa, designed to foster collaboration among indie and alternative artists. “It’s really great to have a space where we can connect and share ideas,” she emphasises, highlighting the importance of such environments in nurturing diverse sounds.
Her creative process is both spontaneous and intuitive. “I never know what I’m going to make when I start,” she admits. “It’s all about vibes.” This approach allows her to flow freely, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and experiences. As she looks to the future, Azumi is eager to engage in more collaborations, especially with producers, to enrich her musical palette and diversify her discography.
Beyond music, Azümi is venturing into performance art, inspired by her upcoming shows. She aims to blend her indie roots with experimental elements, exploring African instruments like the kalimba. “I’m on an exciting journey,” she shares, “and I don’t see myself as just a singer anymore.”
As Azümi continues to navigate her career, she embodies the spirit of a new generation of artists who are redefining the boundaries of African music. With her unique sound and vision, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the Nigerian music scene and beyond. The journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see where it goes.