SONA INTERVIEW: British Nigerian artist and songwriter Sona has been shaping the UK Afrobeats landscape from his South London abode for well over a decade. His unique Afrofusion style blends Afrobeats, UK Afroswing and R&B with lush vocals, infectious melodies, and lived-in storytelling. After shelling it on a DJ AG livestream in the summer, and performing to a sold-out crowd at the Diaspora Sounds concert last month, Sona opens a fresh new chapter. With more music on deck for 2026, Sona continues to shine as one of UK Afrobeats most authentic voices – rooted in London, wired to the world, and primed for his strongest run yet. Get familiar…
What five words define your sound?
Authentic. African. Energy. Enjoyment. Therapy.
Tell me something unique about your creative process.
I don’t write my lyrics, I tend to freestyle the melody and go back and create the story I’m trying to tell.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
‘Story’
What inspired you to make that song?
I made it at a time where I was going through a lot mentally and physically, and I was just sort of explaining that to everyone and reminding myself who I was.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
I sort of don’t fully allow people in all the time, which I know is bad, but I’m just like that as a person, but I’m open about relationship stuff.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
I think the best experience may be just standing next to Ed Sheeran on a stage watching the crowd reaction. The worst would probably be one of the first three shows I ever did, when I was walking on stage and tripped over a light 🤣
What is your favourite song to perform?
‘Ginger’
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
It wasn’t really an artist or song. I’ve been in a household of music growing up. My dad was the choir master, so it’s been in the blood.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
Sona means changing energy into something else. I change my energy into music.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
Ayan Olu Maintain 🤣🤣 I’ll be a personal trainer I think.
What’s success to you?
Success is my people being comfortable and not having to worry about anything because I have it sorted.
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
I think the birth of my second child.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
@therealsona1 on Instagram and @itsyourboysona on TikTok!
