Meet The Multidisciplinary British-Nigerian Talent… Azekel

If you’re looking for a dynamic emerging talent to immerse yourself in, then look no further Azekel is the artist for you. Hailing from Nigeria, Azekel fell in love with music shortly after his family moved to East London. Wasting no time to explore his newfound interest, the young talent taught himself how to play the guitar and keyboards. In addition to the aforementioned instruments, Azekel also explored the vast worlds of songwriting and production – resulting in him becoming a multi-hyphenate talent. After years of honing his music abilities, the London-based artist released critically acclaimed projects like ‘Raw, Vol 1,’ and ‘Our Father,’– which tackled various subjects related to art, culture, life, love, sex and pain.

On 17 March, Azekel continued his upward music trajectory by releasing his new mixtape ‘Analyze Love.’ Recorded between London and Ghana during the Covid-19 pandemic, the project explores themes of romance, parenthood and community. ‘Analyze Love’ also features an array of superstar collaborations, including Ebo Taylor, Kojey Radical, anaiis, Nao and Made Kuti. With plans to release two more additional music projects, Azekel’s star is showing no signs of slowing down. We were able to chat to the ‘Chocolati’ artist about everything from his new mixtape to his evolution as an artist. Read our full interview below. 

Heya Azekel! Thanks for sitting down with Spindle! How’s it going?

It going well thanks.

Congratulations on your new mixtape, “Analyze Love.” How does it feel to have the project out in the world?

It’s feeling great, thanks. Happy to release it, after holding on to it for so long.

Having recorded this 15-track project throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, what themes or topics did you want to explore while creating this record?

The themes came about naturally through recording the songs, we were in lockdown and the world was changing, i think being forced to be apart sparked the inspiration to analyze relationships. I made sense of the songs after getting 5 songs in, and afterwards with started piecing the tape with intention. I wanted to explore the different aspects of love, like romantic, sexual, parental, and brotherly love.

Alongside your own incredible artistry, “Analyze Love” features appearances from other music talents like NAO, Kojey Radical, Professor George and more. Can you take us through the collaboration process? How did you end up linking up with some of the project’s nine featured artists?

I wanted the mixtape to not just be my perspective of love, as it would feel biased. I linked up with the different artist in the tape throughout the process and played them the music, and they gave their insight through collaborating. It was all natural, a lot of the features I’ve known over time. Some of the collaborations happened over the internet too, as we wasn’t able to travel during the Covid period.

Was there a track on the mixtape or a specific part of the creative process that was difficult for you to get through? If so, how did you overcome the obstacle?

Yeah – love & death was difficult… I did like 5 different versions. It’s a cover from the afrobeat legend Ebo Taylor. I was initially using a sample for the song. Then we decided to get the sample replayed with a band. I reached out to friends who are dope musicians, Moses Boyd(drums), Charlie Stacey(keys), Jerimiah olayedele (bass), and Shiela (horns). It still didn’t feel right.. whilst I was in Ghana. I got the final version recording a choir in Ghana. Was a long process. We just wanted to do the cover justice and at the same time make it my own.

Looking back, how have you evolved as an artist since releasing your first single, ‘New Romance,’ in 2015 to your recent mixtape “Analyze Love”? What are some lessons that you’ve learned along your journey?

Yeah most definitely. I’m a better vocalist, and musician. I understand myself better as a person so I’m able to put that through song. I also understand the business around music better now. I’ve learnt so many lessons, patience is a big one. Some I already instinctively knew but forgot along the way… like there was a period I started forcing it, but through that process I understand the key of letting the inspiration enter the room when making music.

We hear that “Analyze Love” is the first in a three-part project. Can you give fans a sneak peek into what the next two parts will hold?

Yeah the next tape is more electronic and more feeling.

Lastly, will there be an “Analyze Love” tour anytime soon?

Yep, will be touring this year! Europe and some shows in the states.

Make sure to listen to Azekel’s brand new mixtape ‘Analyze Love’ here or below.