Starlight singer Troms is a new pulse for lovers of good music.
Rising from the heartbeat of Lagos streets, Troms is not just another artist. He is the pulse of a new generation of music artists. Blending groovy and ominous vibes with introspective rhythms, the 21-year-old sensation releases his latest single, Starlight—a mid-tempo Afrobeats anthem that peels back the layers of romance, exploring its thrills, complications, and subtle nuances.
On Starlight, Troms delivers an intricate weave of lush percussion and gentle guitar riffs, crafting a sound that transcends typical Afrobeats. It is a tale of connection and vulnerability, where Troms’s lyricism shines, drawing from influences like Jon Bellion, JP Saxe, and Jazmine Sullivan. His vocals glide effortlessly, pulling listeners into the warmth of a late-night conversation between lovers under the Lagos night sky.
Starlight pulses with a fresh, magnetic sound that sits on the edge of Afrobeats, yet refuses to be boxed in. Troms fuses traditional rhythms with a forward-thinking approach, making the record as introspective as it is catchy. As he glides over the beat with effortless vocal precision, you find yourself immersed in the tension between vulnerability and bravado, a signature blend Troms effortlessly pulls off.
At 21, Raheem Moses Oluwaseun, better known as Troms, is on the pathway to carving out a space in music that many spend a lifetime trying to define. Hailing from the bustling streets of Lagos, Troms grew up immersed in a family of music and entertainment lovers. His early days were filled with school and church performances, but by 2020, Troms had locked his sights on the world stage.
Influenced by artists like Jon Bellion, JP Saxe, Moelogo, and Jazmine Sullivan, Troms’s sound sits at the intersection of soul, groove, and something darker—A vibe that lingers in the air long after the music stops. With every note, Troms taps into an evolving global sound, positioning himself as one of Nigeria’s next great exports.
Troms shares the recipe of his artistry and journey so far in a chat with RadrAfrica.
What was growing up in Lagos like with a family that is pro-music?
Growing up in Lagos was decent. I grew up in Berger, Akute, and was a church boy. Being the only child of the family doing music, all I knew was my guitar and the church.
When did you realize that you wanted to do music professionally?
Honestly, Not that far back. It might have been a few years ago. I knew how to sing but did not know the other components involved in being an actual musician. I thought I would be an actor or something, but the moment I discovered I could also write music, it became my reality. It is all I wanted thereafter.
Troms is an interesting name. Is there a story behind your name, or what inspired it?
There is no story behind it. I was unsure what to call myself, so I spelled out my name and took out the initials, and now you have ‘Troms.’
Where fuels your inspiration to make the kind of music you make?
My music reflects my emotions. I have a space in my head where I pour out my experiences and put them into lyrics. I am also a huge believer in love, and I think my music speaks to that.
Can you share your creative process with us?
My creative process is not unusual. I like to sit with the producers during recordings, listen to the instrumentals before writing, and hear the chords in my head. I love the strings, and it fuels my writing and melodies.
Since your debut and in your latest release, Starlight, you have referenced love and romance in every song. Why is that?
I am a pretty simple guy. I believe in love, and I preach it. So, I want the listeners and my fans to see and hear that in my music and visuals.
What has been your biggest challenge in building a career in Africa’s most evolving music genre?
I think, like every other talent or artist breaking out of Africa, what I find interesting would be the need to break away from the in-sync sound (not trying to sound like the next person) and be original. However, I believe I have the right team around me, and my talent speaks for itself, so we are good.
If there is anything you could pass across with your music, what would that be?
Love and Kindness. Let love shine through every song.
What are your thoughts on collaborations, and are there artists you look forward to working with?
Not right now, but yes. Of course, Collaboration is essential in any industry. I have a few names I would like to work with, such as Young John, Lojay, and Alpha P.
How do you see your skills impacting the Afrobeats movement shortly?
Oh, it is inevitable. Afrobeats needs people with skills like mine, but the sad part is they do not make that many anymore. I am here to preach love and remind people what real music feels like. They will come for the recipe soon enough.
Troms is not the first of his kind but a force to reckon with among the growing crop of young and talented singers from Nigeria. With his latest release, starlight, he ushers in a new realm for his artistry and fans to enjoy.
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