“To be honest, everything from the beginning for me has been beautiful. To see the industry grow to this point now. I don’t have a favorite moment. The process of the industry growth is just my happiness.”
– X1N0 ON HIS FAVOURITE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY MOMENTS.
The emergence of Afrofusion act X1N0, born Clinton Zino Mena, could not have come at a better time. Being an Abuja-based artiste with a diverse skillset, the ears of listeners have never been more inclined. Since the release of his debut EP, ‘Dangerously Talented‘ in 2020, X1N0 has continued to yield more layers of his artistry through topically diverse releases.
X1N0’s 2023 singles, ‘My Family‘, and ‘Body So Nice‘, perfectly capture this diversity. Sensitive to the multiple facets of the human experience, X1N0 unveiled the introspective ‘Superstar‘ in March 2024. On the single, X1N0 taps into the relatable sentiment of overcoming self-doubt and rising to one’s full potential.
In this exclusive interview with our representative, X1N0 bares his thoughts on his latest release and changing listener preferences. He also walks listeners through his thoughts on the local industry’s evolution in recent years.
A-T: Your latest single, ‘Superstar‘, is more introspective and vulnerable than your preceding releases. What was your state of mind at the time of recording?
X1N0: It was a time of realization for me. I had so much to say about my life and where I came from, so it was just a time of reflection. And it’s a way of using my story to inspire others.
A-T: Is it safe to expect the exploration of more diverse themes from your next release?
X1N0: Well, yes. I’ve so much in stock, so yes.
A-T: As a multitalented artiste proficient in recording, songwriting, instrumentalism, and production, do you feel any type of burden when creating records?
X1N0: Of course. I do feel different ways but I wouldn’t want to go into those details, so yeah.
A-T: The Nigerian music industry has changed significantly since the release of your defining debut EP, ‘Dangerously Talented‘ in 2020. Among the dynamics is the unpredictability of listener preferences. Does this reality affect your artistry in any way?
X1N0: I honestly do not think it does. My music will always have its way.
A-T: What does a day in the life of X1NO look like?
X1N0: I’d say creating music, singing in the shower, planning, gaming and cooking, but mostly creating music.
A-T: What are your thoughts on the present state of the industry, with regards to artistry, branding, label partnerships, and fan engagement?
X1N0: It looks really good right now for Nigerian music, and it’s only gonna get better. It’s amazing!
A-T: In the past year, what would you regard as your favorite Nigerian music industry moments?
X1N0: To be honest, everything from the beginning for me has been beautiful. To see the industry grow to this point now. I don’t have a favorite moment. The process of the industry growth is just my happiness.
A-T: Who are your biggest musical and creative influences, locally and globally?
X1N0: Locally, Burna Boy, Wande Coal, 2Baba. I have a lot, I could go on and on but Burna, Ceezy and 2Baba inspire me a lot. Internationally, Sean Paul does it for me. I honestly listen to everything music unless it’s not pleasing to my ears.
A-T: What artists and producers, locally and globally, would you love to work with in the near future?
X1N0: I’d like to work with Burna, Wizkid, Olamide, 2Baba, and Stonebwoy, but i want to work with a lot of people in Africa honestly. Internationally, Alina Baraz, Sean Paul, and Jorja Smith. A lot, to be honest, but I’m just open to creating.
A-T: What special message would you like to leave your fans with?
X1N0: I wiill always make you proud!
– This interview was conducted and written by Clinton Durueke, an Album Talks writer (X: @ClintCDurueke).
