Artist Spotlight: Atueyii
When married together successfully, R&B and Afrobeats can be the perfect merger of rhythm, warmth, gusto and grace. Nigerian-born, North-London-raised singer-songwriter and producer Atueyii is a connoisseur of this very combination, resulting in a sound that swims with vibrancy.
The rising talent has just released his debut six-pronged EP Love & War, a project three years in the making. The body of work is diverse and rich, full of striking performances and silky production, borrowing from various sub-styles to unleash a sound that is unique to Atueyii.
I sat down with the hotly tipped artist to discuss the influence of culture on his artistry, his personal connection with music, and the colour-laden new EP.
Who and what influences you?
My family and my heritage are a big influence on my music. I’m also heavily influenced by my life stories.
What are your musical origins?
As an Afro RnB artist I would say my origin is in Afrobeats.
How did your personal and cultural background and adolescence shape your artistry?
My cultural background is a big influence for sure. Us Igbo people love expressing through different art forms, especially music, and I feel so connected to my culture when I make my music. Growing up singing with my family and in church really moulded me into the artist I am today.
How did you find your sound?
Through years of trial, error and experimentation. As I got older I felt less of the need to please people’s ears, and make music that I can actually connect with and be proud of.
How would you describe the essence of your sound?
Smooth, sensual and fun. Imagine an empty dance floor with a dimmed spotlight, and two lovers dancing; using dance to tell their stories from song to song, vibe to vibe. They explore each other’s lives through their movement and music. That’s my sound.
To me, it’s a melting pot of genres, how have you worked on coherently combining these styles?
I believe music can’t/shouldn’t be labelled as we all feel and connect to music differently. So I’ve learnt to accept music for what it is and to allow myself to be expressed in whatever way it allows me to, and to accept that music can’t be tamed.
Where does your artist name stem from?
It’s actually an unofficial name given to me. It’s an ancient Igbo name meaning ‘something rare/never seen before’.
How do you feel about the release of the new EP, Love & War?
Excited. It’s my first EP and I have an amazing team behind me, I’m looking forward to seeing the world receive it.
What are you trying to convey with the project?
I’m trying to let people in. Love & War is to convey that in life things that you love can also cause you the greatest battles. So this is a soundtrack to let you know that it’s okay to love and still have war, but not lose yourself in any of it.
What do you want listeners to take away from it?
My heart, in music form.
Talk to me about your EP launch party?
The EP launch was e a very special night for me, especially because it’s my first ever EP/headline show. I love performing, and I love performing these specific songs as well.
If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track would you play them?
I’d say Pull Up because it’s a song inviting people in the masses to see me, to pull up to my ‘party’.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
To infinity and beyond.