Afropop Artist and Producer Idahams Talks about His Debut Album Truth, Love & Confessions

Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer Idahams releases his debut album, Truth, Love & Confessions, via Grafton Records.

Idahams explains, “Recording the ‘Truth, Love and Confession’ album was quite a journey. It took almost two years to record, and I’ve musically documented my life, environment, and personal experiences in the album. As a young man who has gone through life, I believe some of my stories on this album will connect with people. It is a very relatable project and I have opened myself up for people to see, I’ve also made sure I maintained my true essence as an artist, a musician and entertainer.”

Led by the buzzing chart-climbing single, “Bad Girl,”, which was engineered by Grammy Award-winning producer Vtek, Truth, Love & Confessions is a masterful 13-track album that runs the gamut of soundscapes, from pop and R&B to highlife and afro beats.

Driven by production from Idahams himself, as well as long-time collaborators Yussy Beats (Adekunle Gold, Yemi Alade) and Orbeat, with additional production from the likes of French Ivorian beatsmith Price D, and Senegalese DJ/producer Mr. Meyz (Tiwa Savage, Nailah Blackman, Oxlade), Idahams has also brought together an eclectic mix of guest artists from all around the world, including Xenia Manasseh from Kenya, Zach Zoya from Canada, and Tugga Skii from the UK, to help bring the album’s themes and stories to life.

CelebMix spoke with Idahams to discover more about the person behind the music, how he got started in music, and his writing process.

What three things can’t you live without?

I can’t live without music because music saved me. Music has been my escape route when it felt like there was no way out for me to join my peers in social vices. I am really happy; I followed my dad’s love for music.

I can’t live without food because I need to eat to stay alive. The thing about food for me is that I am a foodie, but in small portions, but I like to try new food all the time.

And lastly, I can’t live without God, because He’s the reason I’m still here. I have a strong belief that for what I have really gone through in life, it takes the mercy and love of God for me to be here still breathing.

What inspired your new album, Truth, Love & Confessions?

It was inspired by both my personal experience and the things that happened around me. This is me opening up about my life and story to the world. While it can sound serious, there are very entertaining parts to the album.

How did you get started in music?

I started singing in an Anglican Church choir. I learned how to play the keyboard, bass guitar and trumpet there. Although I learned how to sing through my late dad, he was the one that first introduced me to music, and from there, we are here now.

How did your hometown impact your sound?

I spent most of my childhood in the famous Bonny Island, Rivers State. My music is about real life, and all the things that happened while I was there have influenced my music, for example, the militancy struggle, and the illegal oil refineries.

Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?

When I was a kid, my dad used to play the late Rex Jim Lawson for us at home – that’s his favorite highlife singer and I became used to it and resonated with his music. Kanye West influenced my creativity, Burna Boy as well, but in general, my life is the greatest influence of my music.

Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?

Music changes but your originality still remains. I am deliberate when it comes to my sound. I always know what I want people to feel in every one of my songs.

What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?

Firstly, I draw inspiration from God, then from my personal experiences or people’s stories. Sometimes I can be inspired by other artists’ music too.

What can you share about your writing process?

My writing process is simple, I get the melody first, then I pause and ponder on what I want to talk about in the song, and then I record. There’s no effort in what you know how to do best.

Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?

Everyone is killing it in their own way, but apart from Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido, I’m really happy for Ckay.

How do you define success?

When you’re able to add value to yourself and society by what you do, and also to your family, then you’re successful.

What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs?

By September 16, my album will be out so we will be promoting it heavily, shooting music videos, touring, and performing shows. I’m also looking forward to my own headline show in Port Harcourt. My headline show has been a long time coming.

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