UWADE INTERVIEW: Nigerian-American artist, Uwade, first captured the world’s attention with her spellbinding vocals on the opening track of Fleet Foxes’ Grammy-nominated album, ‘Shore’. From that moment, she has shone through in tours with the likes of Fleet Foxes, The Strokes, Jamila Woods, Sylvan Esso and more. Stepping out with her much anticipated debut album in 2025, it’s time to get familiar…

What five words define your sound? 

Comforting, warm, dreamy, quietly energetic.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

I genuinely believe I don’t have that much of a hand in what I create, it really feels like it just comes sometimes. But I have to be open and make space.

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

‘Call It A Draw’

What inspired you to make that song? 

A desire for closure.

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

Writing about grief, self doubt, or change usually generates some darkness and I try not to censor myself, so the first few drafts of ‘Call It A Draw’ have a few heavy lines that felt good to express.

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

Best – too many to count! Worst – During the first few open mics I played, I couldn’t feel my tongue. Hard to sing like that. 

What is your favourite song to perform? 

‘The Man Who Sees Tomorrow’.

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

‘Evergreen’ by Yebba. It unlocked something in me. Shortly after, ‘Virtue’ by the Voidz was a very influential album.

What’s the meaning behind your name? 

It is my given name, and it means “wealth is coming” in Edo language.

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

I’d be in a PhD program, which I happen to be doing right now.

What’s success to you? 

Being happy with what I’ve shared, having a normal human life, staying connected with friends and family, listening to my spirit, feeling peace.

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

Going back to school and trying to figure out how to continue with music/balance different aspects of my life.

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

Instagram, @uwade.music! YouTube! Or email me if you wish 🙂