We’re excited to bring you an exclusive interview with SIDIQ, a remarkable London-born Nigerian singer and songwriter who is making waves in several music genres. His musical journey began at a youth club during his secondary school years, and since then, he’s been captivating audiences with his performances. In this interview, we delve into SIDIQ’s musical influences, which range from legendary artists such as Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston to the diverse sounds of R&B, pop and gospel. We also explore his latest project, Euphoria, a three-volume EP series that showcases his diverse genre fusion with hints of Africa.
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Channel WAVY: How did you get your start in music?
SIDIQ: I got my start in music at a youth club while I was in secondary school. The guy who was running the club mentored a few local young talents. By age 13 I started recording and performing locally. From there, it just progressed.
Channel WAVY: Who are your biggest influences?
SIDIQ: Life is my biggest influence and all I sing about are aspects of the life I live – love, relationships with others, relationship with myself and God and things I see on TV and movies that resonate with me.
Musically, I love Michael Jackson, Brandy, Usher, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. I’d say R&B and pop music have had the biggest influence on my music. There are loads more artists I love and have been inspired by, but the list is way too long. Growing up I listened to a lot of Nigerian music, so I’d say that has also been a huge influence on my work, as well as gospel music.
Channel WAVY: How have friends and family reacted to your journey so far in music?
SIDIQ: Luckily, my friends and family have been very supportive of my music journey. I don’t think they fully understand the business of it all, but most people don’t. But the love and support is definitely there, so I’m thankful.
Channel WAVY: Congratulations on the release of your new EP, Euphoria, Vol. 1. What can you tell us about the makings of this project?
SIDIQ: Thank You! This project is a series of three volumes. I had a lot of music unfinished on my laptop from last year. I decided I no longer wanted to hold on to music but share it with fans of my work. Instead of dropping singles, I wanted to create a theme that represented what music means to me and that is euphoria. When I’m in the studio creating or on stage it’s a euphoric feeling.
I worked with some up-and-coming producers to create R&B/pop music with some sprinkle of African music, and that is basically the sound of Euphoria, Vol. 1, 2 and 3. It also signifies my style and vibe as an artist moving forward.
Channel WAVY: Your music travels through different genres from soul, R&B and pop to gospel, Afrobeats and amapiano. Was this a conscious decision to do different genres? Where do you feel most at home?
SIDIQ: I am a music lover through and through. Growing up, I soaked up so much music from soul classics of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, to UK and US pop music of the ‘80s and ‘90s, to ‘90s and ‘00s R&B, to gospel music from church and Nigerian music that my mum played at home. We even listened to Bollywood music at home. I see music as just music. If I like it and it fits me vocally, I’ll write and record it. Me being a diverse artist definitely comes from my eclectic taste in music, so doing different genres isn’t a conscious decision it just happens. I see it as a major advantage. I don’t really like sticking to one vibe or sound, as I get bored, and I used to always have this internal battle about this topic. Some would say an artist should stick to one sound, and others will argue this point.
For me personally, all the artists I admire have always been diverse, even within their albums – Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Bruno Mars and so on, and that’s the type of artist I am. My sound and style though from a vocal aspect definitely comes from R&B and gospel, and you can hear it from the vocal runs, to the harmonies in the background vocals and the adlibbing. That’s all R&B. I’d say regardless of what type of musical genre I’m singing on, my voice, tone and style will always remain SIDIQ.
Channel WAVY: We particularly love your song “Better”, which has a gospel feel. Is gospel a genre you would like to explore further in your music in the future?
SIDIQ: 100%. I am a spiritual person, and I have a great relationship with God. I’m not here to convert anyone to a specific religion, but I am here to uplift and inspire people to want more and to do better the way I desire to. Singing inspirational music just does that for anyone, and it’s very much needed in this time.
As an artist I am very conscious of my place in this world and how I am contributing to the lives of those listening to my music. It’s all good singing about love and the rest of it, but we all know there’s more to life than being in love with your other half. Depression and anxiety are just a few of the dark sides to this world, and I feel music can combat those things that trouble us all. I want to create music that also does that.
Channel WAVY: Who are some artists or producers you’d love to work with in the future?
SIDIQ: Wow! There are so many, so I’ll split it up, and even then I’d still have more. Afrobeat: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Maleek Berry, P2J, Asake, Tems, Wande Coal and Fireboy DML. UK: Stormzy, Bellah, Tiana Major9, Flo, Jvck James, J Hus, MNEK, Calvin Harris, Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran. US: H.E.R., Ty Dolla $ign, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Usher, Justin Timberlake, SZA, Beyoncé, Brandy, Summer Walker, Blxst and Justin Bieber.
Channel WAVY: What do you enjoy doing outside of music in your downtime?
SIDIQ: I love being alone and binging out a good series on my sofa in peace or reading. I love chilling with family and just eating and drinking away. I do love a BBQ and games night drink up with friends too when I get the chance and traveling.
