Lagos-born, South London-based RaysMuzik talks to VIPER about his journey so far and which song of his you need to hear first…

What five words define your sound?

Timeless, Sweet, Melodic, Cultural, Special.

Tell me something unique about your creative process

I’m a big fan of live instruments especially the keyboard and guitars. 

These instruments connect with something deep inside of me and it really ignites my creative spirit. I also speak fluent Yoruba x Pidgin English from growing up in Nigeria which I try to incorporate as well into my music and creative process. Expressing myself and my creativity via these mediums is very important to me as they help my music translate in other communities across the continent and diaspora.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

Song I will like people listen to as an introduction to my music would be either ‘Languages’ or ‘Perfect’.

What inspired you to make those songs?

‘Languages’ is a song I made in my bedroom in 2020. I had brainstormed on the subject matter for a few days, I wanted to create something that will resonate with not just me, but people at large. I also wanted to tell a story that Love ain’t perfect, and as long as you’re able to navigate through the challenges together with your partner then you stand a chance at a beautiful love story. The catch was at this point in 2020 I had no partner, so I had to immerse myself and basically make myself feel that way so I could deliver and record the lyrics the way I wanted them to sound and feel. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

Growing up in Lagos Nigeria, music was everywhere I turned. My mum started me off in music unconsciously as I can remember her playing songs on the stereo systems whilst completing house chores. Growing up as a teen I always had music as the best tool for expressing myself as I am also quite introverted so music really was my way of conveying messages. However I would say my vulnerability really showed on the new projects I’ve been working on in 2023. 

It’s been a tough year on a personal side for me, although I try to not show that as much in my music prior, recent songs like my new single ‘HMM HMM’ highlights this shift because even though the song is an uptempo rhythm I was speaking and singing about a failed relationship with a love interest and how much it hurts me to have played a part by being absent. 

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

My best experience on stage is every time I get an opportunity to perform to the crowd. I feel so blessed to see people paying their hard-earned money and giving me a piece of themselves and their time to listen to me express my art. My worst experience on stage is yet to happen and I pray long may that continue [laughs].

What is your favourite song to perform?

All my songs [laughs]. They are my babies and I love performing them all.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

Lil Wayne’s songs ‘A Milli’ and ‘Lollipop’ sparked my interest in writing music but when I remember the day I saw Reekado Banks record for the first time at his parent’s house when we were younger I knew this was something I wanted to do forever. 

What’s the meaning behind your name?

RaysMuzik is a fusion of my name RAY and what I enjoying doing which is making music.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

My passion asides from creating music is to be a top A&R or label owner at some point, discovering and nurturing the best talents all over the world. If I wasn’t into music at all then I would probably look into sports, most likely something to do with football and Arsenal FC. I’m also an accountant so who knows, maybe KPMG or any of the Big 4.

What’s success to you?

Success to me means accomplishing my goals and objectives everyday. I also love to be able to support my people. I come from the slums so I have my people’s well-being on my mind heavily. 

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

I’ve had a few moments but a pivotal moment however was leaving my old label and management. The situation taught me so many things I needed to know about the music business. It gave me an opportunity to go back and finish my degree and also reset and find my passion and love for music again. 

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

Search @RaysMuzik on everything.