If you ask any Afrobeats enthusiast about Mr Eazi, you’ll likely see a smile spread across their face. With a relaxed vibe and a catchy catchphrase (“It’s your boy Eazi”), this Nigerian superstar has captivated audiences around the world. DJ Edu from Radio 1Xtra recalls the spiritual and energetic connection between Eazi and his audience during his first performance in London. This moment solidified Edu’s belief in Eazi’s undeniable talent.
Fast forward to the present, and Eazi has been making waves in the music industry. He recently formed a band, ChopLife SoundSystem, with DJ Edu and released their first mixtape, “Chop Life, Vol 1: Mzansi Chronicles.” Additionally, he is set to release his first album, “The Evil Genius,” this month. This album is not your typical debut, as Eazi has already made significant strides in his career since his first mixtape in 2013. He has released two more mixtapes, a string of hit singles, and collaborated with renowned artists like Beyoncé and Burna Boy, earning him a Grammy. He has also ventured into entrepreneurship, earning a spot on Forbes Africa’s “30 under 30” list.
During our interview via Zoom, Eazi spoke to me from Accra, Ghana, where he was preparing for the opening of the art exhibition accompanying his album. The idea for this multimedia project came to him serendipitously. While in Cotonou, he stumbled upon a painting by Patricorel that beautifully depicted love. Inspired by this raw emotional connection, Eazi decided to commission artists whose work resonated with his album’s themes. The result is a lively and vibrant combination of sound and imagery, showcasing the diverse styles and influences of African music.
The art exhibition, which will also be featured at the 1-54 art fair in London, includes politically charged paintings by Patricorel and surreal world-building creations by Sinalo Ngcaba. Eazi discovered Ngcaba’s work on Instagram and appreciated her ability to capture joy and invite listeners into her artistic world. The resulting artwork accompanies the song “Chop Life No Friend” and portrays Eazi with towering spiked hair, lights, ribbons, and a room in place of facial features. The lyrics, “I’m continental / Sentimental / I’m monumental,” served as the inspiration for this captivating piece.
Nigerian painter Tammy Sinclair contributed a mirror image for the album’s opening track, “Olúwa Jọ.” The artwork features a man surrounded by black putti with his eyes closed and head lifted high, while the sun bursts forth. Throughout this artistic project, Eazi seamlessly combines confidence and vulnerability, dreams and swagger. The exploration of visual art unexpectedly unearthed deep emotions for Eazi, who describes it as a therapeutic journey that has even opened him up to the idea of therapy.
Releasing this project to the world was not without its challenges. Eazi admits there were times when he considered shelving it, questioning whether anyone would care or if people just wanted to party. Nonetheless, he believes in the power of this project and the connection it fosters with his audience.
Eazi’s journey to becoming Mr Eazi began with his love for parties and entrepreneurial spirit. While studying mechanical engineering at Kwame Tech in Ghana, he organized parties as a means of escaping lectures. This led him to recording studios, where he began providing backing vocals. His innate ability to be in the right place at the right time propelled him forward. Taking risks and seizing opportunities became second nature to him, resulting in a successful music career.
During our second conversation, held in person over breakfast in London, Eazi excitedly shared messages on his phone to recount how he collaborated with legendary artist Angélique Kidjo. Eazi had recorded a song in LA that he believed could be perfect for a Coca Cola advert, a World Cup anthem, or a song that artists release toward the end of their careers. A friend suggested working with Kidjo, so Eazi sent her a simple “Hello” via Twitter. Four days later, she responded. Eazi eventually shared the song and lyrics with her, and they collaborated remotely on a music video. This collaboration led to Kidjo’s inclusion on her 2021 album, “Mother Nature,” and Eazi’s album, “The Evil Genius.”
All in all, Mr Eazi’s artistic journey has been a series of serendipitous encounters and bold choices. He has embraced the fusion of music and visual art to create a unique and captivating experience for his audience. Despite moments of doubt and hesitation, Eazi’s determination to share this project with the world has resulted in a striking display of talent, vulnerability, and creativity.
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