In Nigeria’s evolving music industry where emerging talents are constantly seeking ways to distinguish themselves, TJ Vybez is building an artistic identity around confidence, relatable lyrics and contemporary African sounds.
With songs including “Illegal”, Myself”,: “Available” and “Baddie” contained in his EP “I Must Succeed,” the artist is gradually expanding his creative footprint.
His new song “YAWA” introduces another dimension to his artistry, combining energetic street expressions with messages of ambition, perseverance and self-belief.
As a rising Afrosounds artist, TJ Vybez believes in originality, creativity and expressing real-life experiences through music. His sound is principally influenced by his environment, life challenges and the determination to succeed against all odds.
“I want people to listen to my music and feel something they can relate to,” he said.
Beyond entertainment, he wants his music to reflect ambition, confidence and the realities of life.
According to him, “YAWA” was inspired by the idea of standing your ground and remaining focused on your journey.
“Everybody has dreams, but along the way, you encounter distractions, competition and people who may not understand your vision,” he said.
He described the song as an expression of confidence and determination.
“It’s a song people can enjoy, but there is also a message behind it,” he added.
“The message in “YAWA” is to encourage people to believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams. Life comes with challenges, but you cannot allow every obstacle to stop your progress. Sometimes you have to stay focused, work hard and trust the process.”
TJ Vybez described ‘YAWA” as a song about confidence, survival, grace and the determination to move forward despite challenges.
Despite having a rich catalogue, the singer gave _YAWA_ a cinematic music video rather than a conventional performance video. The video, directed by multiple award-winning filmmaker Ino Moses, created a meeting point between music and film that resonates with audiences.
Speaking of the visuals, TJ Vybez said he wanted to communicate something beyond the lyrics.
“Music is powerful, but when you combine it with storytelling, people can experience the message differently. The idea was to create a video that people would not only watch because they enjoy the song, but also because they are interested in the story,” he explained.
On working with Ino Moses, he said the director brought a filmmaking perspective to the project.
“I wanted a director who understood storytelling and could interpret the energy of the music visually, and Ino Moses fit in. The creative direction was about connecting the music with characters, emotions and experiences that audiences can relate to. It was important that the video reflected the message of the song while also giving viewers something memorable.”
TJ Vybez said his goal is to keep improving his songwriting, delivery and production quality while maintaining the identity that makes his music unique.
“I will continue to learn, experiment and understand my sound better without limiting myself to one expression,” he said.
