Artist Spotlight: Marllie

Lagos-born artist Marllie blends Hip Hop, R&B, and alternative sounds, shaped by his city’s energy and hustle. With co-signs from M.I Abaga, collaborations with YKB and Pink $weats, and performances with Rema, he’s making waves globally. In this Q&A, Marllie shares his journey, influences, and what’s next.

Growing up in Lagos, how did the city’s energy and hustle shape your sound?

Lagos is pure energy chaotic, beautiful, and relentless. The city teaches you to move with purpose, dream big, and hustle hard. That drive is in my music, whether it’s the storytelling in my lyrics, the rhythm in my beats, or the hunger in my delivery. Lagos shaped all of that. 

Your mom sounds like a real-life superhero how has her grind and determination influenced your music journey?

She’s the definition of resilience. Watching her make things happen, even against the odds, taught me that nothing is impossible. That mindset fuels my music—I keep showing up, keep creating, and keep pushing forward. From working with Glassface to performing with Rema and Phyno, it all comes from that same keep showing up mentality.

Who were your go-to artists growing up? Any unexpected musical influences we’d be surprised by?

A mix of legends Westlife, Michael Jackson, Craig David (Born to Do It was on repeat), Mo’Hits, African china , Backstreet Boys, and 50 Cent. Growing up in Nigeria, we had a strong connection to UK music, so European sounds were big on the radio. You might be surprised, but I also listened to a lot of Coldplay and Don Williams (I Believe in You was a favorite). That alternative and country influence sneaks into my music in subtle ways.

Your music is a crazy blend of Hip Hop, R&B, and alternative vibes was that intentional, or did it just happen naturally?

It just happened. I never wanted to be boxed in. I grew up on so many genres that my music naturally reflects that. If it sounds good and feels real, I’m rocking with it. 

What’s your studio vibe like? Candles? Mood lighting? Late-night sessions or early-morning genius?

I usually record in the afternoon, but my best work like Lose You, Timeline, and Body came from late-night sessions. There’s something about the quiet at night that makes creativity flow better. I like dim lighting, maybe some LED lights. At home, I do candles, but honestly, that’s just so my place smells nice! 

“Lose You” and “Timeline” have been making waves what do you think makes these tracks hit different?

They’re personal. Lose You taps into that universal fear of losing someone important, while Timeline is about navigating relationships in the digital age. When music is real, people connect with it. That’s why these tracks resonate. 

You talk about love, struggle, and success in your music—are these real-life stories, or do you pull from different inspirations?

A mix of both. A lot comes from my own experiences, but I also pull from stories around my friends, family, and the world in general. As long as it’s honest, I’ll write about it. 

You’ve worked with some serious names like YKB, Pink $weats, and Cousin Stizz what’s the most fun or unexpected thing that’s happened in a collab?

Working with Pink $weats was wild it was for a video shoot, and I got credited for it, thanks to Glassface pulling some strings. YKB is one of my favorite artists out of Nigeria right now. He actually made two versions of Kickback record I sent him, and to me, that’s how music should be just bouncing ideas off each other. Preezie J is also one collaborator I enjoy working with. It’s like Santan Dave & Jhus.

Getting a co-sign from M.I Abaga and sharing the stage with REMA & Phyno—what was that moment like for you? 

Surreal. We’re talking about M.I Abaga? African Rapper No. 1 . Funny thing is, my first rap cover in high school was to that song. I’d go to class and rap it for my schoolmates. So when M.I co-signed me, I didn’t even know he did that. I just woke up to my friends tagging me under his post (he actually tagged the wrong Marllie page at first) so that was crazy to me.

Sharing the stage with Phyno was crazy too. I first met him in Abia State as a fan, so performing alongside him felt full-circle. And Rema? That’s real love. He put me on stage during his American tour he didn’t have to, but he did. That showed me I’m on the right path. 

If you could have a dream collab with any artist, dead or alive, who’s making the cut?

Bob Marley. No question. The energy, the message, the vibe everything about his music is timeless.  And I’m Marllie so that’s a cool synergy

What’s been the wildest or most unforgettable moment in your career so far?

There are a lot, but recently, a couple used my Lose You artwork and rollout concept for their official wedding shoot. That was crazy. That man was making sure he didn’t lose his wife, haha. Seeing people connect with my music like that is next level. 

Your music is charting worldwide how does it feel knowing fans from Romania to Ghana are vibing with your sound?

It’s humbling. Music has no borders, and seeing people from different cultures connect with my sound just reminds me why I do this. 

Every artist faces challenges what’s been the biggest hurdle for you, and how did you push through?

Breaking through. The industry is tough, and there were moments I doubted myself. But I kept showing up, stayed consistent, and let the music speak for itself. That’s the key—just keep going. 

What’s next for Marllie? New music, tours, world domination? Give us a sneak peek!

I just dropped my latest single of my Mixtape Healing Eagle Pressure, and it’s one of my best work yet. Working on the visuals as we speak. The support has been amazing so far.  More new music is coming, with Glassface as the executive producer of my tape. Honestly, this is some of my best work yet. I performed a live event October last year with Breaking sound so I’ll be doing More live shows, more collaborations… and yeah, world domination is definitely on the list! 

If your music could leave one lasting message with your fans, what would it be?

Be real. Stay true to yourself, no matter what. The world will always try to define you don’t let it.  Dream big & Keep Showing Up.