SPOTLIGHT: ESANDEM - ASBO Magazine

NEW SINGLE '' MISSING YOU '' OUT NOW

“MISSING U” is a heartfelt tribute to loved ones we’ve lost. Blending soulful vocals with rap verses,
ESANDEM explore grief, memory, and healing. It’s both a personal story and a universal anthem
for anyone missing someone special.

Who are ESANDEM ?

ESANDEM is a duo made up of Samson (aka ABACHAA) and Melissa (Lisa K). We first met in a music studio session in 2023 and instantly connected through music and energy. Two years later, we’re not just creative partners but life partners too — raising our 8-year-old son and 7-month-old daughter together while building our dream.

For someone That Is Yet To Discover You, How Would You Describe Your Music ?

Our music is a blend of Afro-beats, soul, and R&B with storytelling at its heart. It’s emotional yet rhythmic — the kind of music that makes you move, but also makes you feel.

What’s The Story Behind The Band’s Name ?

ESANDEM is a fusion of our names — “ES” comes from Samson (ABACHAA) and “EM” comes from Melissa (Lisa K). Together it forms ESANDEM, symbolising unity, partnership, and love. It represents not just us as artists, but also our journey as a couple and a family — blending two individual identities into one creative force. The name itself is about balance: masculine and feminine energy, rhythm and soul, personal stories and universal truths.

What Is Your Pre-show Routine? Who’s The One With The Diva Demands ?

Lisa needs a moment of calm with ginger tea, while Samson hypes himself up with freestyles. No real diva demands — unless you count making sure the sound is perfect.

Where Do You Feel You Fit Into The Music Landscape ?

We fit in where honesty meets rhythm. Our sound bridges Afrobeat's with soulful storytelling, making it resonate with global audiences while staying true to our African and R&B roots.

With 2025 Slowly Coming To An End, What Are Your Plans For The Rest Of The Year Going Into 2026 ?

We’re dropping a new single every week leading into 2026, building momentum for our bigger projects. Alongside that, we’ll be performing live, connecting with fans, and continuing to share our journey as artists and as a family.

Is There S Story Behind Your New Single “Missing U”?

Yes — “Missing U” is deeply personal. It’s a tribute to the people we’ve lost along the way, expressing grief but also hope. It’s about cherishing memories, healing through music, and holding onto the belief that we’ll meet again.

What Would You Say Your Greatest Strength As A Band Is ?

Our chemistry, both on and off stage. Being partners in life and music gives us a unique balance — we bring both masculine and feminine energy into every track.

What Would You Say Your Greatest Weakness As A Band Is ?

We want everything to be perfect, which sometimes slows us down. But we’ve learned to channel that into consistency — hence why we’re releasing music weekly now.

What can fans expect from your new single “Missing U”?

A heartfelt, emotional Afrobeats-inspired song that anyone who’s ever lost someone can relate to. It’s raw, uplifting, and comforting all at once.

What Music Artist/Band Would You Say Have Influenced Your Work ?

Burna Boy, Tems, Lauryn Hill, Wizkid, Chris Brown, and Sade. They all balance emotion, rhythm, and timelessness in a way we aspire to.

Who Would You Most Like To Collaborate With Artistically ?

Tems, Stormzy, and Wizkid. Their artistry and energy would elevate our sound in powerful ways.

If You Weren’t In A Band, What Would Your Dream Job Be ?

Lisa would be a healer or mindset coach. Samson would be a filmmaker or storyteller. Music allows us to merge all those passions into one.

What Was The Most Difficult Obstacle You’ve Ever Faced & How Did You Overcome It ?

Balancing family life, loss, and the pressures of pursuing music. But instead of letting those struggles stop us, we’ve used them as fuel for our songs. Music is our therapy.

What Is Your Creative Process When Making Music ?

It usually starts with a beat or melody. Lisa brings in the emotion and story, while Samson brings rhythm and flow. We bounce ideas until the track feels alive.

What Are Your Top Ten Desert Island Tracks ?