Popular Nigerian singer, Lojay, has revealed a deeply personal side of his journey, disclosing that he once came close to quitting music entirely.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, the Monalisa crooner reflected on his early struggles and moments of self-doubt, saying, “I’ve had moments where I almost quit music. There were nights I doubted if anyone would ever hear my songs. But those silent years shaped me; they taught me patience, resilience, and gratitude for every single listener today.”
On how he copes with the pressures and expectations that accompany fame, Lojay explained that he often takes intentional breaks to reconnect with his roots. “Family, faith, and silence. Sometimes I just disappear for a bit — no music, no social media. Just time to breathe and reconnect with God and my people. That’s how I remember who I am outside the noise,” he said.
Reflecting on his breakthrough single Monalisa and its global remix with American pop star Chris Brown, Lojay said the collaboration reinforced his belief in the universality of music. “It showed me that music really doesn’t have boundaries. Chris came in with full respect for the record — he understood it, felt it, and elevated it. It made me realize that authenticity travels further than trying to sound ‘international,’” he stated.
Addressing the long wait before the release of his debut album XOXO, the singer explained that he took his time to ensure the project was grounded in real-life experiences. “I didn’t want to drop an album just to say I did. I wanted to live first — to experience enough emotions that could fill an album with truth. Every song on XOXO came from a real place, and I needed time to find that honesty,” he said.
Lojay, who has collaborated with artists such as Davido, Chris Brown, and Sarz, also shed light on what makes for a strong creative partnership. “Trust. If the energy isn’t pure, the music won’t connect. The best collaborations happen when both sides are willing to listen and build something organic — not just tick a box,” he added.#newsafro_
