Lucid is fast rising into an Afrobeats enigma, and every new release confirms it.
From his debut opus, Hi, I’m Lulu, where his emo pop soared to life across brilliant love-themed storytelling, to his latest two-track release Hooligan/Why, Lucid has shone brightly as a sonical marksman nailing every release with shock value.
Born Victor Nanribetmun, the 21-year-old Abuja-based singer began picking up influences in music from the tender age of 11. He drew inspiration from the likes of Asa, Burna Boy, and Travis Scott, among others, inspiring his gusto to craft the heartwarming vocals that have shaped his artistry.
In this chat with Radr Africa, the Plateau indigene peels through the layers of the stories behind his come-up while touching on his creative process and the vision for his career.
How did you get into music?
To be honest, I didn’t know I was going to get into music when I was little. It was something that gradually grew in me. I think it was when I was in my freshman year at the university, and I think 2019 was when I decided to drop my first song. It was a playful song, but people resonated with it. It was encouraging, and it made me focus more on my art. So, since I dropped Tatashe, it has been an interesting journey, and I can’t wait to release what I have right now.
What type of music did you start with?
When I was in secondary school, I spent a lot of time hitting desks and freestyling with my friends, that’s the kind of person I was. They would rap, and I was the chorus and hook guy for them because I don’t rap. I got the energy from there, and I started freestyling and posting on Instagram. I kept freestyling until I got recognition from certain people, and it boosted my energy, and I started recording. While I was recording, I wasn’t even thinking of how I would drop the song initially. I was just recording and having the songs there till whenever, and as God would have it, I got signed to O Records after winning an online challenge. Ever since it’s been God, and I’m grateful.
What guides your style?
I sing about anything in life. Living life and experiencing things is part of what inspires me to write every day. I write every day. I compose music every day and seeing other people’s experiences inspires me to make music. I mostly like to sing about realities with some romance index. It’s usually a fusion of both worlds.
Do you have a particular creative process?
Firstly, I listen to music when I want to make music because I let the energy build from there. Most times, I let the producer play whatever beat he has and will work on the one I’m connected to the most. Sometimes, it’s melodies that pop into my head, and sometimes it’s words, and I capitalize on them. So it’s based on the vibe and how I feel at any given moment.
What do you want people to experience from your artistry and your career?
I want to be able to create moods. I want to be that artiste you listen to and feel a certain type of way. It either makes you dance, or it just makes you think, you know, draws you to reality and everything around your existence.
If you could pick any African musician who has influenced your style, who would they be?
First off, I will say Asa because since I was little, I have always been a fan of her music. Her music is so beautiful and evergreen. That’s the kind of music I aspire to make more. Evergreen music is the kind of music you can listen to at any time and in any season. Also, Burna Boy because I feel his music says a lot about him. So those two for now because I could keep going.
What is the vision for Lucid?
This year, I honestly just want to keep serving good music and showing the world my art. And this year, I have a lot installed for my people. I’m dropping a project this year. It might be an EP or an album, I’m not certain yet, but I have sweet plans, beautiful plans for 2024.
Tell us one fun fact about Lucid.
I don’t know if it is supposed to be a fun fact, but I think I’m good at drawing.
Like illustrations?
Yeah, I like drawing. If I’m less busy, I get to the books and get creative. I either draw things I see or from my head. I also play FIFA.
As Lucid explores the depths of his artistry, he seeks to share the plethora of his discoveries and creations with the global audience.
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