Fresh Sound

We chat to seven artists actively shaping the music landscape, exploring their distinct creative approaches and insights on crafting timeless music

- Anele Geqiwe

Khaid

Singer and rapper

Hometown: Shibiri, Lagos Key Track: ‘Run Away’ @khaidxr

How did you come up with your stage name, Khaid?

My stage name was given to me by Sydney Talker, he just came up with the name and I gave it a meaning myself, and the meaning is overtaker.

What was the inspiration behind your debut single ‘With You’, which became a hit and charted on Nigerian music stations?

In the streets, people really don’t talk about relationships and heartbreak, most people talk about violence, so I felt like heartbreaks and emotions needed to be talked about in the streets

What were the key influences that led you to pursue a career as a musician?

Although I had few influences, but my main motivation was myself and my family, I didn’t want us to stay the way we were, I wanted us to have a better life, that was my main influence

How do you approach the creative process of composing a song? 

Most times I go to the studio with a blank head, I just accept whatever inspiration I get in the recording process, I just follow the vibe I get, it can come out sad or happy.

Your first and second EPs were solo projects. Are there specific artists you’re excited about collaborating with in the future?