Seyi Vibez Unveils the Creative Journey Behind His Fuji Moto Album
Seyi Vibez has firmly established himself as one of the most captivating figures in the Afrobeats scene in recent years. His unique approach to music, which seamlessly blends indigenous Nigerian sounds such as Fuji, Apala, and Afrobeat, has set him apart since his major breakthrough in 2020. Over the course of his career, which includes five studio albums and four extended plays, this Yoruba Hip-Hop artist has transformed his street-inspired narratives into powerful anthems that resonate deeply with everyday Nigerians. Through his music, he explores themes of love, ambition, struggle, and triumph, earning a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
Award-Winning Talent and Global Recognition
His exceptional musical abilities have not only garnered local admiration but have also propelled him onto the international stage. Seyi Vibez has been honored with a Headies award for Best New Street Hop Artiste and received a BET nomination for Best New International act. Additionally, he has achieved several notable chart successes, solidifying his status as a rising star in the global music industry.
Fuji Moto: A Landmark Album for Fuji Music
Hailed as a torchbearer for the modern evolution of Fuji music within contemporary Nigerian pop, Seyi Vibez's latest album, Fuji Moto, represents a significant milestone in his career and for the genre itself. This 14-track project features collaborations with American artists Trippie Redd, NLE Choppa, and French Montana, as well as Nigerian heavyweight Olamide. It introduces his refined fusion of Fuji and Hip-Hop to a broader audience, while also incorporating elements of Nigerian electronic dance music, Mara, and RnB into his intimate and immersive soundscapes.
Insights from the Artist: The Making of Fuji Moto
In an exclusive interview, the 25-year-old rapper-singer provided a detailed look into the creative process behind Fuji Moto. He shared his inspirations, the stories behind his progressive musical blends, and his commitment to evolving his craft with timeless sounds.
On the Mental State During Creation: "When I was creating Fuji Moto, my mind was calm but very alert. I was hungry for growth and clarity. I wanted to tell my truth without noise. The project came from a place of balance between the streets and my spirit, and I was focused on speaking directly to my people."
Early Experiences with Fuji Music: "My earliest experience with Fuji music came from growing up around it at parties, on the streets, and in family gatherings. Fuji always spoke about real life, joy, struggle, and prayer. That honesty is what still draws me to the genre today because it feels like home."
The Meaning Behind the Title Fuji Moto: "Fuji Moto is me expressing my love for Anime and Japanese culture in my own way. I wanted to create something that connects different worlds but still feels like me. There is something on the project for everyone because I explored different sounds and worked with producers from different places. It is about bringing those influences together through my own lens. I wanted it to feel like a journey where different cultures meet and still feel natural together."
High-Energy Tracks Like Shaolin and Mario Kart: "The energy came from movement and momentum. I was just ready to go at that time, and the music matched my mindset. I did not try to control the adrenaline. I let the beat lead and followed the feeling."
Love Stories in His Music: "Love has always been part of my music, and the stories on Fuji Moto are real experiences from my life. Some of them are soft, and some come from pain."
Attraction to Japanese Culture: "Fuji Moto is actually the name of an anime character but aside from being a huge anime fan, I am also drawn to Japanese culture for its discipline and focus. I respect their culture, craft, and attention to detail. As per naming the album Fuji Moto, it was all of this plus my love for cars. Fast cars."
Spirituality in His Creative Process: "Spirituality is everything in my process. Some people even call me Orisa because I listen deeply and stay connected to my roots. No matter the sound I try, I always carry my story, my language, and my people with me. It gives me direction and purpose. I am not just making music, I am speaking from a spiritual place. I pray before I record and I listen for guidance. At this point, it is not even something I think about, it is just who I am, and you can hear it in my lyrics."
Collaborations with International Artists: "No history, just mutual acknowledgement of greatness. Each of them brought something different that felt right for Fuji Moto. The collaborations came from mutual respect, not force."
Most Spontaneous Record on the Album: "That has to be Shaolin and Happy. Recorded them on the same day."
Preserving the Spirit of Fuji Music: "Blending Fuji with street pop comes naturally to me because it is how I grew up. I do not have to force it or think too hard about preserving Fuji. It lives in me already. When I record, it just comes out the way I feel it."
Protecting His Sonic Identity: "I do not really think about protecting my sound. Music is meant to grow and it is nice to see people connect with what you do and even try to sound like you. But at the same time, I want my voice to be clear. I want people to recognize me immediately when they hear me. I stay true to where I come from while pushing myself to get better every day. I am very aware of my sound and I protect it by staying true to myself. I do not follow trends because that can take you away from who you are. I focus on what feels real to me, and that is what keeps my identity strong and easy to recognize."
Personal Growth and Future Ambitions
Changes Since His Debut: "What has changed the most is how I understand responsibility. In the beginning, I was just trying to survive and make it out. Now I know people are watching me and looking up to me. Young boys from places like Bariga and Ajegunle see me and believe it is possible. That comes with pressure. Fame is not enough if you do not have wisdom. I have learned to slow down, think more, stay grateful, and protect my peace. Music made me known, but life is shaping who I am becoming."
Musical Ambitions Post-Fuji Moto: "Right now, I just want people to wait and see what is coming. I want to take this sound to places it has never reached and perform it on stages all over the world. I want people who have never heard this genre in this way before to feel it deeply. I also want to work with artists who challenge me and push me to grow. Beyond the music, I am focused on building something that lasts. I want to leave a legacy that will always be respected."
Activities Outside of Music: "When I am not making music, I rest a lot. I spend time thinking and putting ideas together in my head. Sometimes I watch anime or listen to sounds that are not considered conventional. It helps me stay inspired in a different way. I also play a lot in my own space."
Future Collaborations: "I already checked one off my list- and that's Omah Lay. We collaborated on My Healer. For the others honestly, at this point, it's more of collaborating than looking forward to. But right now, a collaboration with Playboi Carti or Beyoncé would hit!"
What's Next for Seyi Vibez: "I always let the sound announce my next move. Staying unpredictable and letting the music speak first. I like to move in silence and surprise my people when the time feels right. The focus is constant creativity, steady work, always giving something fresh, and leaving impressions without explaining too much."
