“Just keep in touch, just keep watching. Watch me to the point where I’m unstoppable“.
Zichy in his interview with Album Talks.
Zichy is not just an artist but a storyteller, whose music carries a distinct message of perseverance, passion, and authenticity. Born Elvis Chimezie Akunjobi, Zichy is an emerging Afrobeat artist whose deep, soothing sound reflects the heart and soul of Lagos. With a unique blend of Afro-fusion and intentional, emotionally-driven music, Zichy aims to inspire and connect with listeners through his deeply personal and captivating songs.
Zichy’s journey as an artist has been a two-year evolution, refining his voice and perfecting a sound that blends the raw energy of Afrobeat with the smooth, melodic elements of R&B and hip-hop. His debut EP, “Deep Hearted Sound” is just the beginning of a long and promising career. “Deep Hearted Sound” represents a turning point in Zichy’s career—a moment where he sets the pace for his future sound while embracing his roots in Afrobeat.
A member of the Album Talks team caught up with the act virtually after the release of his latest project to discuss his creative abilities, career and expectations for himself.
Tell us a little about your background, how it was like growing up and your immediate family.
Growing up for me, it wasn’t easy, but it was good. God has been good, God is the greatest. God was setting up everything in place for me because we had needs collectively, but God has been good, showing up at important times and making things go smoothly.
How did you find music as a very tangible thing to do?
I find music as a very tangible thing to do because I enjoy making music. It’s one of those things that comes natural to me. I just want to live my life doing what I enjoy doing and making memories with it. Music has saved my life as well, so it’s just fair if I give it back too, it might save someone else too.
Who were your musical idols and influences while growing up, and those you admire now?
My musical idol at a time was Chris Brown, and he is still one that I admire till now because no one really does it like CB. I got Wande Coal as well as someone who influenced me a lot and my music.
When did you start music professionally and what fueled your decision to delve into music?
Professionally, I dropped my first music with my friend back in 2021. I dropped a song with my friend and it went crazy. It was unexpected, but it made people know me and want to listen to more of my stuff. That was a sign for me to just go into it full time.
Review: Zichy’s “Deep Hearted Sound” Takes Listeners on a Journey of Emotion and Rhythm.
How will you describe your sound and how it makes you unique as an artist?
I made good music only, good music only. That alone is unique because the essence of making music is to make it good, so people can feel it. I make music that is deep, and people can feel and relate to. So whenever I make a record, whatever it is, I make sure people can feel me.
You have been in this music journey for a while, what are your lessons learned? Share with us some of your lowest and highest points.
I’ve been in the music journey for at least three plus years, let’s say nearly four. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs in this career, and I have learned the hard way. Sometimes, you do something in a way, and just because you don’t know the best way to do what you want to do, and it doesn’t work out, it can be a lot to bear.
I think my lowest point was at the time when I had no one to confide in as regards my music. I was just alone and didn’t know how to start or push it, until I met people who came through for me. Shout outs to them, and shout to God for always coming through. My highest point though, I’m yet to reach that heights because I’m still doing more for myself, and this is just my starting point.
You worked with Victony in 2020 on the record “Sing My Song”. How was that moment for you? What did it mean for your career ?
This is the song I did that made me decide to do music. It was a great moment because it was the song which showed that people were actually going to sing my song. Everybody was singing my song, meaning the universe was telling me that people were going to sing my song, and it really meant so much to me. So I took it seriously, and here we are today.
Review: Zichy’s “Deep Hearted Sound” Takes Listeners on a Journey of Emotion and Rhythm.
More interesting, you went from doing an IDK cover earlier this year to co-writing Wizkid’s Morayo, on his new record “Time”. What does that mean for you ?
It means a lot to me. I say it emphatically, it means a lot to me. That was me prophesying about what I wanted and God did it. It was just wonderful, I don’t know how he did it, but he did. It means a lot to me, that’s all I can say.
Your new project “Deep Hearted Sounds”. What was the inspiration behind the project, share with us little details that explains the artistic concept of the project.
Deep Hearted Sounds. It wasn’t recently that I had the name, I’ve had it for quite some time. I kept hearing the voice for over 3 to 4 years now. I’ve done different kinds of cover arts and just kept it in my mind and to myself. Deep Hearted Sounds is how I want my sound and my music to resonate, so definitely, I made those songs just to make people feel something, feel what I feel basically. I did that because if I want to grow deep hearted people, they need to feel what I feel. In fact, my next EP, its magic feels. There is a lot to feel in my music, because as an artist, I feel a lot.
What are your expectations with the record?
My expectations with my project, hmm. I always have high expectations for myself. My expectations are that it should reach the places it should reach. I know where it should reach, and I will do it over and over again if I have to until it gets to that place I aim for. I pray God allows it to get there as my expectations are pretty high.
Review: Zichy’s “Deep Hearted Sound” Takes Listeners on a Journey of Emotion and Rhythm.
What are your next plans for growth or to move to the next level in your music career?
Just keep in touch, just keep watching. Watch me to the point where I’m unstoppable. My next plan is to keep growing and growing till I’m unstoppable. I don’t mind being patient enough until the world can see the talents that I have, and I’m going to work myself off till I get to that point.
If you could have your wish now, which artists will you love to work with?
I’d like to work with Chris Brown. I’d really love to do that. I trust God will make it happen, and I’m not just wishing, I’ll also work to make it happen.
Leave a message for your fans
Keep rocking, stay with me. I got loads of stuff coming your way, and we are going to create beautiful memories together.
Listen to “Deep Hearted Sound” Here
