EscapeMag:

You grew up absorbing Afrobeats in Lagos but chose hip-hop as your first language of expression. What did hip-hop allow you to say or feel that Afrobeats couldn’t at the time?

Kozii:

Afrobeats was everywhere around me growing up. It was the sound of celebration, movement, and community.

But hip-hop gave me a language for the things that weren’t always said out loud. It gave me space to confront the parts of my story that didn’t dance.

I was drawn to the lyricism of Lil Wayne and the storytelling of J. Cole, so I dove deep into the discographies of Hopsin, NF, Wayne, Cole, Kanye, Lecrae, and many more.

Hip-hop sharpened my pen, while the soul and rhythm of Afrobeats shaped my ear. The blend of both worlds became the foundation of my artistry.

EscapeMag:

Your sound mixes Lagos roots, American rap, UK hip-hop, and spiritual introspection. How do you balance those influences without losing the reflective center that makes your music personal?

Kozii:

Most of my songs are born out of reflection. I’ll experience something—good or bad—and immediately think, “This needs to be on paper.”

Sometimes it’s therapy. Other times it’s knowing that someone out there will hear it and feel seen.

My influences don’t compete with that because they’re part of who I am. So when I choose beats or write lyrics, the blend happens naturally.

EscapeMag:

You’ve described your music as calm, haunting, and undeniable. What part of your inner world are you tapping into when creating that atmosphere?

Kozii:

I tap into my inner stillness—the quiet places where doubt, faith, fear, and clarity all sit at the same table.

I’ve always had a sense that something bigger is guiding my steps, even when I don’t fully understand the route.

Faith and identity remind me of who I am and who I’m still becoming.

EscapeMag:

The Game’s early co-sign and your CBC Radio Manitoba interview were big moments. Which recognition shifted your mindset the most, and which one challenged you to evolve?

Kozii:

The Game’s co-sign was surreal—it came from a legend whose music shaped the culture that shaped me. It made me realize my work could stand in rooms I used to only watch from a distance.

CBC was different. It was the first time I felt like I wasn’t just making music—I was communicating something to people, with expectations attached.

It pushed me to think deeper about my message and identity.

Songwriting camps and showcase performances have also challenged me. Being in rooms with artists who have different perspectives forced me to grow. Showcases taught me presence—people aren’t just listening for a song; they’re watching for story, energy, conviction.

EscapeMag:

You’ve been writing since you were 12. As you grow, what questions are you currently trying to answer through your music?

Kozii:

My music is driven by questions of identity and purpose—who am I becoming, and why?

I’m asking what it means to stay grounded while evolving, and how to protect your soul in a world that moves faster every day.

I’m trying to understand how to turn my experiences into music that feels honest. People recognize truth when they hear it.

Music feels like my pathway to self-actualization; every song is a step toward becoming the clearest version of who I’m meant to be.