Words by Theo Thompson
In the heart of Afrobeats, few names resonate as powerfully as Kizz Daniel. As part of his Vado at 10 celebration, the Nigerian superstar has released two standout singles, Marhaba and We Must, marking a new chapter in his illustrious decade-long career. These tracks not only showcase his musical prowess but also encapsulate his journey and the depth of his experiences.
Kizz Daniel’s ability to blend diverse cultural sounds into the vibrant fabric of Afrobeats has always set him apart. This is particularly evident in Marhaba, which features the production talents of Ramii, a platinum-selling producer known for his work with artists like Kid Cudi and Anderson .Paak. The track itself is a testament to Kizz’s artistic growth, merging South Asian tablas with West African percussion. It’s a bold, celebratory anthem that exudes a sense of resilience and triumph. “Marhaba is about celebrating life and success on your own terms,” Kizz explained. His time in Northern Africa and the Middle East inspired the track, where the word “Marhaba,” meaning ‘Welcome’ or ‘Hello,’ deeply resonated with him. This influence is reflected in the song’s joyous tone, an uplifting celebration of achievements that Kizz believes everyone should embrace unapologetically.
On the other side of the spectrum is We Must, a track that delves into themes of loyalty, perseverance and collective ambition. The song sees Kizz Daniel returning to his collaborative roots, working with Ay Zed and Blaisebeatz to create a rich, Afrofusion sound. “This track is about the hustle and staying true to your people,” Kizz shared. Originally intended to feature a UK rapper, delays led him to deliver the verse himself, blending Afrobeats with a grime-like flow, adding his own twist to the genre. “I got into a grime mindset and recorded the verse myself, turning it into something uniquely my own,” he explained, crediting the feature as “Thyself” in a nod to his versatility. We Must is not just a song, it’s an anthem for the collective grind, highlighting the importance of shared success amidst life’s challenges.
The dual release comes off the back of an eventful year for Kizz, who dominated stages across the world, from London’s OVO Arena to headlining major festivals like AfroNation in the U.S. and Canada. His previous singles, Twe Twe and Showa, not only topped the charts but also reaffirmed his standing as one of Afrobeats’ most enduring talents. Twe Twe became the most-streamed song in Nigeria this year, continuing his unstoppable reign.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey, Kizz credits his upbringing and personal experiences as key influences. Growing up in Abeokuta, he was surrounded by music through his father’s love for artists like Fela Kuti and Stevie Wonder. “Music was always around me, even from unexpected sources,” he said, recalling a local character named Orobo, who would be showered with free food and gifts as a result of his voice, in turn becoming very influential to Kizz with his gift for singing.
As Kizz Daniel embarks on the next decade of his career, the world is watching as he continues to push boundaries, experiment with new sounds and inspire through his unique blend of Afrobeats and global influences. With Marhaba and We Must, Kizz Daniel once again proves that his musical journey is far from over; if anything, it’s just getting started.
