A Star Rising in Afrobeats
In the ever-expanding universe of Afrobeats, few stars have risen as gracefully—and as swiftly—as Lojay. Known for his velvet-smooth voice, infectious melodies, and an uncanny ability to blend vulnerability with groove, Lojay has carved out a space where sultry emotions and club-ready rhythms co-exist seamlessly. From underground beginnings to global recognition, his journey is a testament to how new-generation Nigerian artists are rewriting the rules of African music.
The Early Strides: From Passion to Profession
Born Lekan Osifeso Jr., Lojay grew up in Lagos with a deep love for music, pulling influences from R&B, hip-hop, and traditional Nigerian sounds. While many of his peers gravitated toward rap or dancehall, Lojay’s artistry leaned heavily toward emotional storytelling, shaped by the silky cadences of global greats like Chris Brown and the soulful traditions of African highlife.
Though he dabbled in music as a teenager, his official entry into the industry came in 2019 with a handful of singles that hinted at his potential. Yet, it was clear that he wasn’t chasing just hits—he was sculpting a soundscape.
The Breakthrough: LV N ATTN and the Wizkid Stamp
2021 proved to be the defining year for Lojay. Linking up with renowned producer Sarz, he co-created the critically acclaimed EP “LV N ATTN.” The project was more than just a collaboration; it was a statement.
Tracks like “Tonongo” and “Monalisa” showcased his sensual lyricism and knack for infectious hooks, but it was the EP’s title track, featuring Wizkid, that catapulted him into Afrobeats royalty. Suddenly, Lojay wasn’t just an emerging act—he was the voice behind one of the genre’s smoothest anthems of the year.
“Monalisa” went further, crossing borders and receiving a Chris Brown-assisted remix that stamped Lojay as an artist capable of global resonance. The original song also made it to Billboard’s 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time at #38.
The Sound: Where R&B Meets Afrobeats
Lojay thrives in the intersection of Afrobeats, R&B, and Afro-fusion. His music is moody yet danceable, sensual yet accessible. He doesn’t just sing—he confesses. Whether it’s yearning on “Tonongo,” the playfulness of “Monalisa,” or the raw vulnerability in his later works, he has built a reputation as Afrobeats’ lover boy with depth.
What sets him apart is his vocal tone—airy yet commanding, delicate yet unforgettable. In a landscape filled with bass-heavy bangers, Lojay’s featherlight delivery cuts through with intimacy.
Beyond the Hype: Gangster Romantic and Artistic Evolution
Following the LV N ATTN wave, Lojay faced the daunting task of proving he wasn’t a one-project wonder. In 2023, he delivered with “Gangster Romantic,” a project that leaned even further into his emotional artistry.
Songs like “Moto” and “Available” revealed a darker, moodier side of his creativity, showcasing his ability to experiment with sound without losing his unique identity. It was the work of an artist evolving beyond the club into full-fledged storytelling.
Collaborations and Global Reach
In just a few years, Lojay has worked with an impressive lineup of artists:
- Wizkid, on LV N ATTN
- Chris Brown, on the remix of “Monalisa”
- Chris Brown ft Davido & Lojay on “sensational”
- Ayra Starr, Oxlade, and other new-gen peers, on features that solidified his space in the new wave
- Producers like Sarz and P.Priime, who helped shape his signature sound
These collaborations aren’t just names on a tracklist—they represent how Lojay has been positioned as both a Nigerian star and a global prospect.
Why Lojay Matters in Afrobeats
The Afrobeats wave is often driven by high-energy anthems, but Lojay has carved a unique lane by slowing things down and making vulnerability fashionable. His artistry resonates with fans who crave both rhythm and emotion. He’s proof that Afrobeats isn’t one-dimensional—it can be seductive, moody, and introspective while still owning the dancefloor.
With each release, Lojay edges closer to cementing himself as one of the faces of Afrobeats’ new era. With his debut album on the way, his ability to fuse soul-baring lyricism with global-ready beats positions him not just as an artist to watch, but as one likely to define the genre’s future.
From Lagos to London to Los Angeles, the world is tuning into the velvet voice of Afrobeats. And if his trajectory so far is anything to go by, Lojay’s best chapters are only just being written.
✨ In essence: Lojay isn’t just making hits—he’s curating emotions in sound, giving Afrobeats a new dimension of intimacy.