In just a few months, British Nigerian musician DumomiTheJig has stormed into the Afrobeats scene with explosive singles ‘Anticipating’ and ‘Fantasy’, amassing two million global streams and earning acclaim from top Afrobeats voices. Now, he has dropped another banger ‘MARIA’, a dazzling Afrobeats-Amapiano fusion featuring NINIOLA, in collaboration with producer Black Culture, accompanied by a visually stunning music video shot in London.
Rooted in Ikeja, Lagos, and thriving in London, DumomiTheJig’s musical prowess spans rapping, singing, producing, and video editing, shaped by a family legacy and a deep love for music. His dedication since 2008 solidifies his status as an artist poised for global acclaim.
We had a chat with DumomiTheJig to find out more about the inspiration behind ‘MARIA’, his journey, and the exciting future of his musical career and world of vibrant sounds and boundless creativity.
Your roots in Ikeja, Lagos, and your current life in London seem to have created a vivid backdrop for your music. How have these diverse cultural influences shaped the stories and emotions you weave into your tracks?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: The cultural influences of Ikeja, Surulere Lagos, and London have a major influence on my sound. Although I try not to be bound by my environment. I’ve realized that Surulere brings out the storyteller in me, while London adds a layer of diversity to my sound. It’s a fusion that allows me to tell stories that many can relate to at home and internationally.
Taking a step back to your childhood, could you share a pivotal memory where your father’s passion for the piano deeply resonated with you, leaving a lasting imprint on your musical journey?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: One pivotal memory is watching my father passionately play the piano on a daily basis. That emotional connection to music became a driving force in my journey. It’s a memory that constantly reminds me of the power music has to convey emotions.
Reflecting on your journey from 2008 until now, how has your perception of success evolved, and have there been defining moments that altered your approach to your art?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: Over time, my perception of success has shifted from validation from others to personal fulfillment. Defining moments, like the release of songs that took me to the next level, have reinforced the importance of staying true to my artistic vision.
The recent surge in popularity surrounding your tracks ‘Anticipating,’ ‘Fantasy,’ and now ‘Maria’ has been meteoric. How do you anticipate this newfound attention influencing your creative process moving forward?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: The newfound attention has been humbling, to say the least, and has been influencing my creative process by encouraging more experimentation and collaborations while being more critical about how my music sounds considering I’m very aware that an audience is listening.
Speaking of ‘Maria,’ your personal experiences seem to echo through the song’s narrative. How did your past relationships influence the emotional depth of this track, given the constant theme of proving one’s love and intentions?’Maria’ also comes with a visually stunning music video. Can you unpack your creative thinking around this video in relation to the song?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: ‘Maria’ is from personal experiences, reflecting on my past relationships. Each relationship has come with blessings and lessons and has added emotional depth to my sound. The music video is basically a visual narrative of a situation a lot of us have been through, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the song and providing listeners with a unique experience.
Collaboration seems central to your vision. Could you discuss how collaborating with artists like Niniola and Black Culture impacts the direction and depth of your music?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: Collaboration with artists is a very welcomed aspect of my artistry. Working with artists like Niniola and producers like Black Culture really enhanced the quality of my music. Their unique perspectives contribute to a more layered musical experience.
Your versatility as a rapper, singer, producer, and video editor is quite remarkable. How do these different roles intertwine and influence each other in your creative process?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: My roles as a rapper, singer, producer, and video editor are interconnected. Each role informs the others, allowing me to approach music holistically. Being involved in every aspect ensures that my creative vision is fully realized.
Balancing authenticity and commercial success can be challenging. How do you navigate this in your music to maintain your authenticity while aiming for broader recognition?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: Balancing authenticity and commercial success can be delicate. I stay authentic by staying true to my experiences and emotions. Commercial success is a byproduct of that authenticity.
Ultimately, what do you hope listeners take away from your music, particularly those who share similar experiences or cultural backgrounds? How important is that connection on a personal level to you as an artist?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: I hope listeners find a sense of connection and relatability to my music. The personal connection is very important to me as an artist.
Looking ahead, considering your remarkable journey so far, what are your aspirations and future plans as an artist? How do you envision your music evolving or the stories you aim to tell in the coming years?
[DUMOMITHEJIG]: Looking ahead, I aspire to continue evolving and experimenting with my sound. My future plans include exploring new genres, collaborating with diverse artists, and telling stories that reflect my experiences. The journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to see where the music takes me.
Featured Image Source(s): Supplied
