In a compelling episode of We Need To Talk with Nyla Symone, Nigerian-born artist Thisizlondon shares the story of his evolution from a young drummer to a multi-genre music producer. Currently based in London, #Thisizlondon’s upbringing in a musical family and diverse cultural influences have shaped not only his sound but also his personal and artistic identity.
Thisizlondon, born and raised in Nigeria, was immersed in music from an early age. Growing up in a household where his mother had nine sisters, all choir members, and his uncle was a pastor and drummer, his path in music seemed almost inevitable. Starting with drumming at age 7, he continued until he was 17, when he discovered music production. With limited resources, he initially focused on creating trap beats, using YouTube tutorials as his guide. His early musical tastes were shaped by the artists his mother played at home, including Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie, as well as his personal favorites like Drake and J. Cole.
Thisizlondon didn’t begin exploring Afrobeats until 2017, a shift that influenced his subsequent move to London to expand his musical scope and explore genres beyond the boundaries of Afrobeats. His time in the UK allowed him to refine his sound and experiment with new styles.
During his time in London, Thisizlondon released “Pina Colada,” featuring Black and Ira, a track created during the “Detty December” period in Ghana. Though the song was completed about two years ago, he made the decision to release it independently, marking a significant step in his career. Alongside this, he also ventured into Latin music with a remix alongside a Colombian artist.
Currently, Thisizlondon is working on various projects that blend different genres, from Brazilian funk to R&B, reflecting his desire to fuse cultural influences and experiment with sounds from across the globe. This versatility in his music production is a reflection of his growth as an artist.
In his conversation with Nyla Symone, Thisizlondon explains how his transition from producer to artist was driven by a need for greater creative control. He wanted to oversee every aspect of his music, from the production to the visuals, artwork, and marketing. Despite enjoying collaborations, he prefers to maintain input on the entire artistic vision for his projects. His use of social media, particularly Instagram and Twitter, has helped him connect with other artists, further expanding his creative network.
Rather than simply releasing singles, Thisizlondon is focused on building a comprehensive artistic world for each song, ensuring that each track is part of a bigger story. This careful attention to detail is what he believes will make his music stand out in a crowded market.
Beyond his music, Thisizlondon offers a unique perspective on his upbringing in northern Nigeria. He contrasts it with Lagos, often described as the “LA of Nigeria,” highlighting the differences between the more developed southern region and the more desert-like north, where seasonal sandstorms (harmattan) are a defining feature of the landscape.
At 25 years old, he reflects on the lessons he’s learned and offers advice to his 18-year-old self, urging him to stay grounded, keep doing what he loves, and avoid unnecessary distractions. His self-awareness and dedication to his craft are evident as he shares his journey with listeners.
