Jinmi Abduls is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer who has earned his reputation as one of the most compelling new voices within Nigeria’s alternative music scene.
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With a number of hits under his belt, including ‘Tinuke Eko’, ‘Saro’, and ‘Jowo’, Jinmi Abduls has collaborated with artists like Mayorkun, Oxlade, Joeboy, BOJ, Ric Hassani, and Teni. His music is known for blending Afropop, Alternative R&B, and Soul.
On the eve of the release of his latest single, ‘Sade’, we spoke to Jinmi Abduls to ask him seven questions, to learn more about him, his music and what inspires his music.
How would you describe your musical sound and where has it come from?
My sound is rooted in African music but influenced by everything I’ve been exposed to growing up. At its core, it’s melodic, emotional and honest. I’ve always been drawn to music that makes people feel something, so my songs sit somewhere between Afrobeats, soul, R&B and contemporary African pop. It comes from my experiences, the music I grew up listening to, and the cultures and people I’ve encountered over the years.
What inspired you to become a singer?
I’ve always loved music. Long before I thought about it as a career, it was something that fascinated me. I was drawn to musical instruments, songwriting and storytelling. Singing became the most natural way to express those ideas. Over time, I realized that music wasn’t just something I enjoyed, it was something I was meant to dedicate my life to.
Are there barriers to a successful music career in the UK if you are Black?
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Which artists (any genre) do you admire and why?
There are quite a few. Asa for her artistry and attention to detail, Fela Kuti for his fearlessness and cultural impact, and artists like Davido and Wizkid for showing how African music can travel globally while remaining authentic. I admire artists who build worlds around their music and leave a lasting impact beyond the songs themselves.
What prompted your interest in sound engineering?
Curiosity. I wanted to understand how records were made, not just perform on them. The more time I spent in studios, the more fascinated I became by the technical side of music. Learning sound engineering gave me greater creative control and helped me become a better artist, producer and collaborator.
What’s your biggest success so far?
Longevity. I’ve spent over a decade building a career in music, accumulated millions of streams globally, collaborated with incredible artists, and been featured on major platforms. I’m grateful for all of that, but I think my biggest success is still being here, still creating, and still growing.
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If you could open up for any artist (any genre) on tour right now who would it be?
Jon Bellion. His shows are world-class, and I think my music would connect well with that audience. It would be an incredible opportunity to introduce my music to people who appreciate strong songwriting and alternative sounds on that scale.
What will the African music scene look like in 10 years’ time?
I think African music will be even more diverse and influential than it is today. We’ll see more genres emerging from different parts of the continent, more African executives and companies shaping the business, and more artists building truly global careers. I foresee more sub genres evolve from Afrobeats and South Africa’s two step sounds.
