Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Ohimai
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory of music is rooted in my childhood, surrounded by a vast and eclectic collection of sounds. My father worked at an African Arts and Crafts store that sold a wide range of premium merchandise, including art, books, fashion, and most importantly for me, music. He would often come home with records from artists like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Michael Jackson, Julio and Enrique Iglesias, and Michael Bolton. I have vivid memories of listening to these artists at a very young age on the vinyl record player we had, which was also purchased from his store. I think I still have a few of those vinyls. The album covers are old and worn now, but they are a powerful reminder of my introduction to the world of music.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for creating music began in primary school when I was selected to be a drummer for school assemblies and march-pasts. Learning the drums was my first real step into music. Interestingly, being left-handed came with some resistance from a few teachers at the time. In some communities in my country, using your left hand for certain important tasks was, unfortunately, viewed negatively. While that belief still exists in some pockets today, time and technology have helped calm a lot of those backward ideas. My journey continued as I played drums throughout secondary school, which eventually led me to learn how to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) at university. That was the pivotal point where I started making music professionally.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My latest project is an album I released in 2024 titled **“ATI DÈ.”** The phrase can mean either “I’m on my way” or “I have arrived,” depending on the context. The message I wanted to convey is that I am entering the music industry with valid intentions and a clear sense of purpose. It’s a 13-track album filled with sultry sounds and lyrics. While creating it, I was simply having fun and being authentic. The project gained some wonderful traction—it was played on radio stations in Nigeria and led to an interview invitation from AIT, the first and most popular private television station in the country. I’ve already started working on a new album, though the title is still under wraps!
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would describe my sound as vibrant and soulful. It exists at the unique intersection of modern Afropop, Afrobeats, Afrohouse, and smooth R&B. With heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, my music offers an immersive experience into themes of love, life, and self-discovery. I aim to seamlessly blend the infectious, danceable rhythms of Afrobeats with the intimate, emotional depth of R&B and Soul, and the danceable kicks and drums of the Afrohouse framework. The result is a sonic landscape that feels both fresh and familiar.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
The most transformative lesson I’ve learned is that music must come from the soul. You can’t write music solely in pursuit of a hit and expect to create one. Authenticity is key. You have to go with the flow, trust your instincts, and allow nature—or that creative spark—to take control.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My primary tool is a DAW called FL Studio (Fruity Loops) on my PC for composition and production. I was fortunate to have piano lessons as a child, which gave me a strong foundation for navigating the world of “in-the-box” music production. For recording my vocals, I use another DAW called Studio One, and I’m comfortable mixing and mastering on either platform.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’m currently captivated by a song called **”Mi Lugar Favorito”** by B-Rain and Ema Feud. It’s a beautiful Afrohouse track that I just can’t stop listening to.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal experiences are the bedrock of my music and artistic vision. Whether it’s the joy of a “yes,” the pain of heartbreak, or any other significant life event—good or bad—I draw inspiration from everything that happens to me and even from stories I witness in the lives of others. This approach ensures I always have something to sing about because life is unpredictable, and things happen every single day.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope my listeners take away the reassurance that it’s okay to feel everything. It’s human to be down, up, happy, in love, angry, tired, or energetic. All these emotions are valid as long as you are alive and feeling them.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The most important lesson music has taught me is **patience**. You could be rushing to meet a Friday deadline to submit a track, only to wait for months to get approval for its release from a label or other entity. Patience is key in every single aspect of the music industry; without it, you risk burning out.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I would definitely love to perform at the **O2 Arena** in London. As for festivals, my dream ones are **Donauinselfest**, **Coachella**, and **Lollapalooza**.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could, I would choose to collaborate with **Michael Jackson**. Of course, he has passed, so it’s not possible—unless I were sent one of his unreleased recordings to work on! Apart from him, I don’t have one specific artist I’m absolutely dying to work with; I’m more focused on creating authentic connections through music.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Listeners can find me and my music on all the major platforms:
* **Instagram:** [instagram.com/ohimai101](https://www.instagram.com/ohimai101/)
* **X (formerly Twitter):** [x.com/ohimai_](https://x.com/ohimai_?s=21)
* **All Music Platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.):** [linktr.ee/ohimai101](https://linktr.ee/ohimai101)
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream for the next chapter is to create beautiful music that is shared around the world—music that leads to a change in people’s hearts and minds. I see myself touring, fully in my element, and most importantly, happy.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they discover my quirkiness, my pain, my laughter, and my tears. But most of all, I hope they discover my **authenticity**. I believe that’s what every human should strive for.
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**Getting to know Ohimai and “ATI DÉ” – interview with AIT**
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