The EKENE Interview
Some projects arrive as collections of songs, while others feel like personal milestones. For EKENE, his latest EP represents the […]
Black News 
Some projects arrive as collections of songs, while others feel like personal milestones. For EKENE, his latest EP represents the latter—a deeply introspective body of work shaped by years of patience, self-reflection, and emotional honesty. Built from a series of life experiences rather than a single defining moment, the project serves as a series of messages to his younger self, exploring themes of healing, faith, growth, and acceptance.
In this conversation, EKENE opens up about the three-year journey behind the EP, the importance of staying true to his artistic vision, and why authenticity remains at the heart of his music. From discussing the emotional weight of standout tracks like Feedback and Lullaby to reflecting on the lessons learned throughout the creative process, he offers an intimate look into an artist entering a new chapter—one that’s as much about personal evolution as it is about the music itself.
Your latest EP feels like a defining moment in your career. What was the vision behind the project, and what story were you determined to tell?
The vision behind the EP was to heal the parts of myself that I hadn’t been in contact with for a while. I wanted to make a project that became messages to my younger self. Almost like a timestamp. I wanted to address parts of myself that I hadn’t spoken to.
How does this EP reflect your growth as an artist compared to your previous releases?
This EP is my first release. Everything else I had released was on SoundCloud. Comparatively, I feel like it’s a new chapter. My songs from before were from SoundCloud and I am very proud of them. They are a big part of the music that influenced me from posting online to posting on DSP’s. It’s a big change. Now, fans ask me when I am dropping new music. It’s like a mark of a new era
Was there a particular life experience or turning point that inspired the direction of this EP?
I wouldn’t say there is one specific moment that sparked the project. It was more a collection of experiences. One of which was entering university and my experiences there. My experiences with my faith and growing in myself. These pivotal moments is what made the EP. At the time, I didn’t know I was writing the EP. After a while, I realised that the songs I was writing had similar messaging.
Which track on the EP is the most personal to you, and why do you think listeners will connect with it?
I would say ‘Feedback’. It’s the only song where I feel like I am talking directly to myself. Most songs take more of a narrative approach but with feedback, it was different and I feel like it’s something that listeners can relate to. In terms of the concept of the EP, ‘Feedback’ carries its essence.
The production and songwriting feel intentional throughout the project. How involved were you in shaping the overall sound from start to finish?
I would say that I was very involved. It was a multiple man effort. From working with close friends to working with executive producers in multiple studio sessions. There were songs I had to record about seven times because I wanted the production to match the vision I had for each of the song.
How do you balance making music that feels authentic to you while also considering what your audience wants to hear?
I think it’s a pretty age old question ‘making music for people vs making music for yourself’. What I find is being honest is the way to go about it. I’m making sure that everything I’m writing is as true to the story I am telling as possible. I find that that ends up connecting with people.
If someone could only listen to one song from the EP, which would you recommend, and what makes that track the perfect introduction to the project?
I would say ‘Lullaby’ because it is the perfect mix between the sincerity of the project and the groove of the project. It’s something people could listen to and feel deeply.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while making this EP, and how did overcoming it influence the final result?
I think patience for the most part. This took almost 3 years to make. There were points were I felt like I was missing the train for being an artist. Should I put it out as is? However, I knew I had to be patient with the project. I was going back and forth with my manger. He told me it’s important to not rush these sort of things.
Music is often a reflection of where an artist is mentally and emotionally. Where was EKENE when this album was created?
Mentally I was trying to writing something honest. Sometimes I felt like I was kind of pandering to make the songs sound real or sad. I was really trying to be honest with the music. Emotionally, I was sad for the most part but also apologetic.
As fans spend time with this album, what’s the one conversation or feeling you hope it sparks long after the music stops playing?
I feel like I want them to sit with emotions they have ignored. Emotions that have been pushed back and tried to avoid. That’s what I want them to takeaway.
