In the modern music industry, streaming numbers and mainstream recognition are two of the most obvious measures of an artist’s success. While most A-list artists check these two boxes, some other talents have been able to garner massive numbers while remaining undiscovered by the masses. One such enigma is Gabzy, a London-born, Nigerian singer-songwriter who has quietly developed a fervent following by captivating listeners with his powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting while amassing over 74 million streams on Spotify in 2022 alone. This week in London, for insntance, he pulled a crowd of 3400+ for his concert.
Born on January 22nd, 1996, in London, music was always present in Gabriel “Gabzy” Akinyemi’s household. He recalls dancing and singing along to music across genres, from traditional African music to soul, reggae, and hip-hop, and says he fell in love with the intrigue and feelings that music evokes at a very young age.
Gabzy, who wrote his first song at 14, is largely founded in Afrofusion. He fuses African melodies with elements of R&B, reggae, and hip-hop and when you take into consideration that he’s drawn inspiration from artists like Meek Mill, Drake, Frank Ocean, Ne-Yo, Wizkid, and Burna Boy, it’s no surprise. Gabzy is not afraid to experiment with new sounds and styles. “I would love to continue pushing boundaries and delving deeper into exploring collaborations with artists from diverse musical backgrounds,” he shares.
Gabzy’s ability to craft personal and relatable songs endears listeners to his sound. Authenticity is and has always been at the core of his music. His first song was a simple composition that he says reflected his emotions and experiences at the time. Today, he continues to look for inspiration in everyday things. “I want my music to resonate with my listeners on a genuine level. Whether drawing inspiration from my own relationships, challenges, or triumphs, I strive to create music that reflects who I am as an artist and as a person” he said when he spoke to us. Through his heartfelt compositions, Gabzy seeks to capture and convey the intricacies of his emotions, resonating with audiences on a profound level.
Love, heartbreak, and personal connections are recurrent themes in Gabzy’s music. He describes his love life as a mix of ups and downs, “just like anyone else’s.” He finds that relationships fuel his creativity, allowing him to express a wide range of emotions through music.
Regarding balancing music and education, the artist who graduated in 2021 said, “It was undoubtedly a challenge, but it taught me valuable lessons in time management and prioritization. I had to find an effective way to allocate my time between my studies and my passion for music. It required discipline, sacrifice, and late nights spent honing my craft. However, I always believed that education was important, as it provides a foundation for personal growth and knowledge that can be applied to various aspects of life, including music.”
Gabzy is famous for his collaborative works with American super-producer Melvitto with whom he created his breakthrough debut collaborative project, Summers. “Meeting Melvitto was truly a game-changer for me and has played an important role in shaping my career. It helped me understand the importance of collaboration which accelerated my journey and opened new doors.” Released in 2019, Summers, the 4-track EP propelled the artiste further into the spotlight, amassing over 44 million streams globally. In 2020, Gabzy followed up with his first solo project, Malone, which was described as “a follow-up to the heartbreak portrayed in Summers”. His latest body of work, At The End Of The Night, was released in 2022.
Before their collaboration, Gabzy had a clear focus on establishing himself as an artist who could bridge the gap between different genres and cultures. His partnership with Melvitto not only strengthened this ambition but also brought it to life. The chemistry between the duo shines on songs like Stay, Infact, Company, and on the Summers EP. Together, they have amassed over 100M streams across digital platforms. Gabzy has also worked with Ayo Jay, Gyptian, Abra Cadabra, and BOJ.
Apart from being an exceptional vocalist and songwriter, Gabzy is also a gifted and in-demand performer. Following the success of his debut solo EP, Malone, the artist had his inaugural headline show at the prestigious Islington Assembly Hall in North London. Moreover, the release of Gabzy’s sophomore project was accompanied by his first official UK tour, where he sold out all venues, including two unforgettable nights at the London Koko, solidifying his reputation as an electrifying live act. Additionally, Gabzy has graced the stage at global festivals like the YAMS Carnival in London and the Afrobeats Festival in Berlin. The artist recently delivered his only London headline show of 2023, which took place at Somerset House in London on July 16th.
As fans eagerly anticipate Gabzy’s debut album, he has recently shared his first single of the year, Jambazz. The song encapsulates a moment of pure enjoyment, pleasure, and recklessness, drawing from his Nigerian culture. With its infectious melodies and relatable lyrics, Jambazz serves as a testament to Gabzy’s journey and his dedication to embracing life’s exhilarating moments. In a pleasant surprise, he followed up with a single titled Hear Me Out, building anticipation for his show. When asked about the release date of his debut album, he said, “I’m excited to share that my debut album is currently in the works, and fans can expect it to be released in the future. I can assure you that it will be a collection of songs that truly represents me as an artist. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements on my social media platforms!”
