Nigeria’s music scene is a vibrant tapestry, brimming with remarkable artists who possess the power to make a lasting impact on both the industry and society through their distinct contributions. These artists are not just creating music; they are crafting stories, reflecting the country’s culture, history, and contemporary experiences. Their lyrics delve into social issues, love, struggle, hope, and everything in between, resonating with audiences far and wide. By pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds and styles, they contribute to the evolution of Nigerian music and its global recognition. One of such artistes is Moore DH, a UK-based Nigerian artiste who creates alternative Afrobeat music.
As a singer-songwriter and producer, he infuses his music with honesty and personal experiences, creating captivating stories that resonate with his listeners. He draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including St John, Rema, Travis Scott, and Drake, to create a unique sound that sets him apart.
In this exclusive interview, we take an in-depth plunge into the artistic soul of Moore DH, uncovering the inspirations behind his music, the heartfelt stories he narrates through each song, and the profound impact of his melodies on society.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical background and your journey so far?
My name is Moore DH and I’ve been making music for a long time. I started making music in 2009 or 2010, but I remember being like 10 or 11 years old using a desktop computer to try to make beats. My brother used to be in a rap group and that really inspired me to start rapping. He’s a poet now. I just stayed on the music journey and I’ve been doing it ever since. It’s been like 12 years now.
What do you think sets you apart as a musician?
I think my experience does. Being somebody who’s worked in the tech industry for 6 years, worked at fintech giant Goldman Sachs and helped build tech products in Nigeria, and is trying to take music extremely seriously, I feel like that is different.
I don’t think I’ve seen anyone in the music industry that has that kind of experience.
I also feel like my songwriting ability sets me apart. I try to really pay attention to the lyrics of my songs and what I say because I’m always trying to pass a message not just make people feel good. I want them to share something, to take something away from my music all the time.
Your most recent release has been creating a bit of buzz. Can you give us some insights into the inspiration behind the songs and the creative process you went through while working on them?
Okay, so La Familia came to me. I wasn’t looking for the song. I think it was the day before I made La Familia I had a conversation with Lojay about his songwriting skills. I asked him how I could learn from his writing and he said; “The first thing is to forget about the hacks that anybody wants to tell you and just think about things that you have been through because people listen to music because they want to hear what has happened in the artist’s life and not what the artist thinks they would want to hear”
I went back home and I slept. I started hearing the melody blood no be water, blood no be water and I knew that I had to write a song about my family especially since it was christmas period. I spoke to my brother and my mum. I was trying to get in touch with family during Christmas ya know.
I looked through a lot of beats and then I went to my Johnson IP folder and I found this beat that sounded very unconventional… I think it was from 2021 or something and I know IP definitely wasn’t gonna use it. So, I decided to sing that melody to the beat and that’s really how I created La Familia.
Do you think Lojay’s advice is something that you’ll continue to implement in your future songs?
Yeah, definitely. It changed a lot in my songwriting because I was going through a phase where I was talking to a lot of people about music and trying to figure out what people’s processes were because I wanted to improve mine. Once I realised that songwriting is a very selfish thing it really changed a lot.
Looking back at your career, what have been the top 3 most significant milestones or highlights for you? Any particular moments that stand out?
I walked out of the toilet at a party and met Boj. Too Soft had just dropped and he was gassed about the song and he recognised me. I thought that was crazy. I’ve been listening to BOJ since I was like 14.
Another highlight would probably be working with Blaqbonez on a song and music video. I’m a big fan of his so that was an amazing experience.
The third highlight… I had a showcase recently and a bunch of people pulled up. They were singing La Familia word for word and it hadn’t been out for 24 hours. I felt honoured.
How would you describe your musical style and the overall message or emotions you aim to convey through your music?
My musical style is alternative really. It’s kind of different from the music you’re used to.
The message I’m trying to pass is to believe in creativity and freedom of expression.
I believe everybody’s unique perspective is important to the puzzle. So, that’s the message I like to preach. Being yourself is cool.
As an artist, how do you navigate the ever-changing music industry and stay true to your artistic vision? Any challenges or opportunities you’ve encountered along the way?
The industry is tough and it can be toxic. It’s always changing and it’s dynamic. What worked yesterday might not work today.
So, you have to be very careful with the kind of advice you get from people because a lot of people are just either talking from what they heard or what they did in the past so I really just like to observe.
But I just always listen to my inner voice because I feel like that’s always going to push me in the right direction. So, even though i’m observing, I’m definitely not copying and pasting. I’m still sticking to what I like and what I think is right and I think that’s going to go a long way.
Reflecting on your musical journey, have there been any unexpected or surprising lessons you’ve learned about yourself or the music industry that have shaped your approach as a musician?
I think I learned that I’m who I think I am and whatever I’ve been doing, I just need to keep doing it and improve.
I’ve also realised that I’m a pretty likeable and positive person. I think growing up I didn’t realise that not everyone was likeable. Working in the music industry can really mess up people’s minds because it’s very tough. I think it’s one of the hardest jobs to do.
What are your aspirations and goals for the future? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re excited about or would like to pursue?
I’d really like to work with Amaarae and Davido. Amaarae has a beautiful voice and approach to music and Davido’s vibes are great. His energy, attitude and charisma are things I really like about him. He’s just a pretty positive person.
What role do you think music plays in society, and how do you see your music contributing to the larger cultural landscape?
Imagine a world without music… Imagine if there was no rhythm, I couldn’t imagine it. Music has the power to influence decisions, lifestyles and change.
It has a large grip on society and the direction society is going. I hope my music can contribute by giving people a chance to connect to something bigger than themselves.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have influenced your musical style? How have they impacted your creative process and the way you approach your own music?
Definitely Afrobeat artists. I listen to a lot of Afrobeat. I think the top three people i’ve listened to the most in the last two years are Omah Lay, Victony and Rema.
I feel like they are very creative artists and bring something different to the table.