L.A.X INTERVIEW: VIPER sat down with Nigerian star L.A.X, the genre blending force reshaping the soundscape of modern Afrobeats. Rising from his early days as a Starboy signee to becoming a fully independent artist under his own Rasaki Music imprint, L.A.X has crafted a vibrant, globally resonant sound rooted in Afrobeats but effortlessly infused with R&B, Amapiano, and House. With landmark projects like ‘Zaza Vibes’, ‘No Bad Vibes’, and his fourth studio album ‘Nobody Like Zaza’, he continues to refine what he calls the Zaza Sound a colourful, carefree, and deeply expressive sonic universe.
On ‘Nobody Like Zaza’, L.A.X pulls listeners deeper into the world of his alter ego “Zaza” a more vulnerable, unfiltered extension of himself. The project’s themes of individuality, romance, and self-assurance are delivered through collaborations with Nigerian heavyweights like Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Niniola and more, with production from Clemzy, Rage, Omzy and other top tier hitmakers.
Having charting singles like ‘Lockdown’ and ‘MVP’, as well as a signature vibe that keeps both dance floors and hearts engaged, L.A.X continues to push sonic boundaries while staying grounded in truth and feel-good energy. As he reflects on his journey, global rise, and the duality of Zaza as both a sound and a state of mind, it’s clear; there really is nobody like Zaza.
‘Nobody Like Zaza’ is your latest album, and the title itself suggests a strong sense of individuality and unique flair. How much of ‘Zaza’ is an alter ego, and how much of it is a deeper reflection of your artistic journey and the evolution of your sound that we hear on this album?
Zaza is very much an alter ego. It represents a deeper, more vulnerable side of me one where I’m fully expressive and unfiltered. That energy really shapes the sound of the album. Most of the songs are me speaking my mind and sharing my truth without holding back. So yes, Zaza is a powerful alter ego, and a big part of who I am as an artist.
You’ve always been known for blending Afrobeats with other contemporary African rhythms. On ‘Nobody Like Zaza’ what new sonic territories did you explore, and were there any specific sounds, instruments or genres that you experimented with to create the distinct vibe of this project?
I’m always blending Afrobeats with other contemporary Afro rhythms, and this album is no different. I experimented a lot with sounds pulling from R&B, House, Amapiano, and even influences from The Fugees. Instrumentation wise, I leaned heavily into sax and guitar to maintain that sweet rhythm and flow I’ve always been drawn to. The genres I explored on this project; R&B, House, Amapiano, The Fugees inspired elements, are all rooted in African influences and I really wanted that fusion to shine through.
Given your previous work and the collaborations on this new album, how do you approach selecting artists and producers to work with? What was the collaborative process like for ‘Nobody Like Zaza’, and what do you feel each featured artist brought to the overall narrative and sound of the album?
Since wrapping up the album, I haven’t been recording much but I actually recorded a lot during the process. I’ve got a bunch of unreleased tracks that I’m planning to release as part of a deluxe edition, which I’m really excited about. There are some collaborations I didn’t include on the original release, along with a few surprise features that I can’t wait to share soon.
You’ve collaborated with both established and emerging artists. Are there any collaborations in the pipeline for your 2025 releases that you’re excited about, and what do you look for in a collaborative partnership that enhances your artistic vision?
With collaboration, I’m always very picky. I like to work with people that are on the same vibe with me musically and also people that want to actually work. I’m very picky with collaborations and I also love to collaborate.
Your music often carries a feel-good vibe. How do you maintain this signature energy while also exploring potentially deeper or more complex themes in your songwriting for your projects coming out in 2025?
When I’m recording, I always think about how to make people feel good, and I’m happy that that’s been stated, because it means what I’ve been doing has been understood. For me music just comes from within, so I really don’t think so much, I just express myself with the music however I feel. If I’m feeling good, I record. If I’m down, I record. If I’m sad, happy, anyhow I’m feeling, that’s my safe place and that’s where I go to my little therapy on the side. Music is just where I express myself.
Lyrically, what are some of the key experiences, observations, or stories that are currently shaping your songwriting for your music?
I would say travelling is a very big part of my musical inspiration now, it helps me see the world. Travelling from place to place has really impacted the way I see music and the way I record, and my songwriting. So travelling now will be a very big part of my music inspiration.
Interview by Dejee Jno-Baptiste
