**Interview by Daniji Emmanuel**
In a music landscape overflowing with recycled sounds, **Yusuph** has carved out a lane of his own. Dubbed the *Fuji-fusion Alchemist*, the Lagos-based artist is reimagining Fuji music for a global audience, fusing it with tropical grooves, urban beats, and heartfelt storytelling. His latest single, *Paradise* — a collaboration with U.S. rising star Fleeka — is already catching attention as a love-and-freedom anthem that celebrates joy and boldness.
As anticipation builds for his forthcoming debut album, *W\.O.N.U (Why Originality Needs Uniqueness)*, I sat down with Yusuph to talk about his journey, the making of *Paradise*, and the philosophy that drives his sound.
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### **Q\&A**
**Daniji Emmanuel:** What have you been up to lately, both musically and personally, before dropping *Paradise*?
**Yusuph:** Moving correctly takes continuous learning. I’ve been in between balancing life after my degree and keeping up with the grind of creating art.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** *Paradise* is making waves already. What inspired this record, and how did the collaboration with Fleeka come about?
**Yusuph:** *Paradise* was inspired by my perception of life. I see paradise as a feeling of love and freedom.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** You’ve been described as the *Fuji-fusion Alchemist.* How would you explain your unique sound in your own words, and why do you call it that?
**Yusuph:** My sound is a blend of our Yoruba-rooted Fuji music with other global genres I connect with. People started calling me the Fuji-fusion Alchemist because of the way I craft my sound—magical. I describe it as Fuji-fusion because it’s like jollof: full African vibes, yet global in appeal.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** Fuji is a deeply Nigerian genre, yet your sound feels global. How do you fuse Fuji with other styles without losing its authenticity?
**Yusuph:** It’s about exploration with an open mind. That openness exposed me to the similarities between different genres and their cultural influences.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** “Paradise” is tagged as a love-and-freedom anthem. What message do you want listeners to walk away with when they hear it?
**Yusuph:** Happiness is free. Let love lead the way.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** Your earlier releases like *4040* received a lot of love internationally. How does *Paradise* stand apart from your previous records?
**Yusuph:** Fleeka’s phenomenal voice and joyful vibe made the record special.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** Tell me a behind-the-scenes story from recording or producing *Paradise* that fans would love to know.
**Yusuph:** We actually started working on *Paradise* as far back as 2019. Different efforts were made to make the song whole until God finally made a superb way to bring this beautiful song to the world in 2025.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** Your forthcoming debut album is titled *W\.O.N.U (Why Originality Needs Uniqueness).* What inspired the title, and what direction should fans expect from it?
**Yusuph:** *WỌNU* was inspired by my journey through self-discovery. My beautiful lovers should expect thrills, depth, and joyful vibes.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** What role do originality and uniqueness play in your music-making process?
**Yusuph:** Everything about me boils down to authenticity, and I channel that energy into the rhythm.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** How do you balance creating music that stays rooted in your culture while also appealing to a global audience?
**Yusuph:** It’s about awareness of where I’m coming from—staying rooted and deeply connected to my Nigerian heritage—while staying focused on a global trajectory.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** How important are social platforms like Instagram and TikTok in sharing your music and building your global reach?
**Yusuph:** Absolutely important. It’s been a journey of evolution, sharing my music through Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms with the world.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** What challenges have you faced in pushing this Fuji-fusion sound to both Nigerian and international audiences?
**Yusuph:** Ōmō, the acceptance was really slow at first considering the trends in the mainstream music industry. But it grew with patience, persistence, and consistency. God’s grace especially made the difference.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** Looking ahead, what should people be watching out for after *Paradise* and in the run-up to *W\.O.N.U*?
**Yusuph:** All gas, no brakes. Big vibe, big energy. From stages to stages.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** Where do you see yourself headed musically in the next few years?
**Yusuph:** I see myself at the top of global mainstream music while also thriving as a creative and entrepreneur.
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**Daniji Emmanuel:** Finally, what legacy do you want your music to leave behind?
**Yusuph:** Peace, joy, and tranquility.
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### **Closing**
Yusuph is not just chasing trends; he is defining a sound that blends cultural identity with global ambition. From *4040* to *Paradise* and soon *W\.O.N.U*, the Fuji-fusion Alchemist is proving that originality and persistence are the true currencies of longevity in music. As his journey unfolds, one thing is clear: Yusuph is building a legacy of joy, authenticity, and sonic innovation that the world will not forget.
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