In an industry where the new generation musicians like Rema, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, Ayra Starr, Tems, and others have dominated with their enviable talents, Iyanya confirmed he has not returned to compete with them.
The ‘Kukere’ master explained in a recent interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channel TV’s Rubbin’ Minds that he loves to listen to all the trending artistes who have made impressive achievements since they broke out under four years or fewer.
Iyanya noted that his style of music, which he classifies as Afro-Pop, is still unique, but more mature than it used to be. Speaking on the new thing he is bringing to the industry following the changes that have occurred in Nigerian music, he said;
“When you hear it’s Iyanya, it’s different, that’s one thing for sure, and I am not competing with anybody. I’m just doing my music and I have my fans who love my music, and I focus on them.”
“I just focus on my fans; if they say they want this, I give them this. If they want that, I give them. Especially with the fact that I started off as an R&B singer, if there are people that want me to drop R&B, I drop R&B, if they want me to do dance tracks, I do it.”
He continued, “I believe that the sound that I am putting out right now, is matured. It is more matured than the songs I used to put out before. Back then, there was a time when you didn’t have to put words in melodies, but you still drop the songs. But now, there are hits and lyrics; everything has changed. Now, you’re making songs that people can relate to.”
“I listen to everybody and when I’m making my music, infuse everything in there. So, when you hear my music, you can hear the old me and you can hear the new version of me at the same time.”
On his mental health and how he conquered it, Iyanya revealed, “With hits come pressure; the ups and the downs. Fans don’t see that. But you, as an artiste have to tell yourself the truth, take some time off, and do what’s right. It was very intentional for me to leave and come back better.”
He added, “For me, I wasn’t ready for all of that. I knew I was going to be famous, but I didn’t realise it was going to be that huge. The effects on me weren’t so good at some point. Yeah, of course. [It was a toxic time for me.”
“If you’re not careful, it could break you. It was crazy, mentally and otherwise. When you become a version of yourself that you don’t like, you have to take some time away. It was for about three to four years.”
“I had to shut down. I lost my mind. Mentally, I was gone. If I didn’t, I won’t be here today. Ubi Franklin and I made up a long time ago, but we didn’t say so on social media. The issues that made us fall apart don’t exist anymore.”
He further spoke, “I was young, and everything happened so fast. Now I know you have to listen to people, especially those giving you advice for growth. Yeah, [I’m in a different headspace. And I’m more mature.”
Watch the interview below.
Iyanya went on a four-year hiatus from doing music to heal from the mental health he suffered from the fame he was too young to handle, to excuse himself from social media bullies and record label saga.