Edo State, often overlooked in Nigeria’s music narrative, is the cradle of the country’s reggae and dancehall scene. While the state has recently enjoyed a surge in pop and afrobeats, thanks to artists like Rema and Shallipopi, there’s a growing movement to revive its reggae roots.
Litovibes, a rising star who is blending reggae, dancehall, and afropop, is leading the charge. His latest single, “My Way,” featuring Dancehall legend Patoranking, is a feel-good track that helps set the mood for the weekend and the genre’s potential resurgence.
We caught in up with Litovibes to discuss his growth, his latest single, and his plans.
Growing up in Edo State and Sapele, how did those places shape your sound, particularly your blend of Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeat? Were there any local artists or musical traditions that particularly inspired you?
Litovibes: Growing up in Edo and Sapele definitely had a huge impact on my music. The rich reggae history in Edo, and my dad playing reggae songs from legends like Lucky Dube and Bob Marley, greatly influenced my love for dancehall. Especially during the festive seasons, hearing these songs on the radio during transit to my hometown left a lasting impression on me.
Your debut EP, “Simple Difference” came out in 2021. Since then, how has your sound evolved? Did collaborating with Patoranking on “My Way” influence your creative direction at all?
Litovibes: Since my debut EP, “Simple Difference”, my sound has evolved significantly, both in production quality and overall artistry. Collaborating with Patoranking on “My Way” was a pivotal moment that influenced my creative direction. It taught me the importance of patience and reevaluating the art I put out. I believe I make better music now than I did a few years ago, and the beauty of growth lies in this continuous evolution.
What ignites your creative fire? Is there a specific ritual or experience that gets you in the zone for songwriting or recording?
Litovibes: My creative process is quite organic. There’s no specific ritual to it. I draw inspiration from my emotions and surroundings, allowing the music to naturally flow as I capture the moments and events happening around me.
Reggae and Dancehall have a rich history in Nigeria. Who are some of the NG Dancehall legends that inspire you, and how do you incorporate their influence while maintaining your style?
Litovibes: Reggae and dancehall have a rich history in Nigeria, and some of the legends that inspire me include Majek Fashek, Lucky Dube, Patoranking, and Timaya. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping my style while allowing me to maintain my unique sound.
“My Way” featuring Patoranking is a hot track! What was the collaborative process like with Patoranking, and how did it elevate the song?
Litovibes: Collaborating with Patoranking on “My Way” was a magical experience. As an A-list artist, his involvement truly elevated the song and brought a special energy to the track. It was a wonderful collaborative process that added depth and richness to the music.
As a rising artist, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the music industry? On the flip side, what’s been the most rewarding experience so far?
Litovibes: As a rising artist, one of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating the music industry without a dedicated team. Being an independent artist meant handling everything myself, which was not easy and somewhat limited my creativity. However, now with my team at Crystal Egg Entertainment, I have the support I need to focus on creating delightful music.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your music? Where do you see Lito Vibes in the coming years, both musically and geographically? (e.g. touring internationally, collaborating with dream artists)
Litovibes: Looking ahead, my aspirations for my music are to shape narratives through my art and to become a source of healing and joy for my listeners. I see Litovibes’ music transcending boundaries and resonating with Listeners both locally and internationally. My goal is to tour the world and collaborate with artists who share the same vision of creating emotionally compelling and uplifting music.
