The Book stands as more than just an interview platform—it is a cultural archive, a meticulously curated space where the raw, unfiltered essence of artistry collides with immersive storytelling. Here, conversations are sculpted into living narratives that pulse with the heartbeat of the journey. It’s an intentional documentation of the stories and voices shaping our Nigerian music Industry.
This latest installment with FirstKlaz is a continuation of a dialogue from our inspiring sit-downs over the years—a dialogue that has since evolved alongside his meteoric rise. Fresh off the release of Gen Z Arewazobia, a genre-defying anthem featuring Jeriq and Zlatan, FirstKlaz unpacks the layers of his growth, the birth of Iliya Entertainment and the cultural calculations behind his latest work.
This is not just an interview. This is a chronicle.
The energy is palpable through our conversation. FirstKlaz, ever the embodiment of quiet intensity, leans into the dialogue with measured ease. “I’ve been good—taking each day as it comes, you know? Doing it for the culture,” he offers. It’s a statement that encapsulates his philosophy: a relentless pursuit of authenticity, one day at a time.
A year ago, in our last interview, he laid out his ambitions with the precision of a strategist. Today, those plans are materializing. “From the look of things, it’s all coming together,” I observe. He confirms my thought, but the air holds satisfaction—and the hunger for what’s next.
When pressed on the most significant lesson he’s learned since our last conversation, he exhales, the weight of the question settling in. “Patience. If you rush to get wherever, you will end up making the wrong decisions.” He trails off, recalibrating. The silence speaks volumes. The grind, it seems, has taught him the value of patience—the kind that doesn’t rush the process but trusts it.
Iliya Entertainment, his burgeoning label, is a testament to this ethos. Born from late-night studio sessions, chance encounters, and the unyielding hustle of Abuja’s creative underground, Iliya was birthed as a passion project. He expressed its becoming as organic as breathing.
“It so happens that bands like that are quite common in Abuja,” he explains. “They go around entertaining the people, and they are appreciated for it—in currency.”
But Iliya is more than a platform—it’s a cultural ecosystem. When asked if this would be a long-term collaboration, he discloses that he intends to put out a body of work with them.
Gen Z Arewazobia is not just a song; it’s a manifesto. Featuring Jeriq (Igbo), Zlatan (Yoruba), and his own Arewa roots, the track is a linguistic and sonic tapestry. *”That was the initial idea I had when I made the song,” he reveals. “Before then, I wanted to do that. I knew I wanted Zlatan and Jeriq’s music, but before then, I needed to push big before I was able to approach them.”
This goes to show how FirstKlaz has mastered the art of timing, strategy, and preparedness. He knew that for such a collaboration to come to life, he needed to pay his due diligence—do his homework, create a structure, and ensure sustainability.
The production was a meticulous dance of cultural respect and creative innovation. When asked if there was a particular message or emotion he wanted each artist to embody based on their language—or, in this case, their tribe—he responds:
“Yes. I didn’t even need to direct them on how. I gave them the story of what I envisioned, and they delivered. What I heard after that blew my mind.”
The different cultures and indigenous instruments serve as the cornerstone of the track—a compass guiding its direction. “I needed to get everything right.” The result is a sound that is at once ancestral and avant-garde, a bridge between generations.
The reception to Gen Z Arewazobia has been nothing short of electric—and FirstKlaz is proud of this fact. True to his ethos, he let the track spread organically—no forced virality, no algorithmic games. “Normally, when I put out a song, what I do is allow it to grow organically on fans.”
As for global domination? Let this be marked in the annals of music history: FirstKlaz feels closer to it than he lets on. His Instagram—a cryptic, ever-evolving gallery of studio snippets, fan interactions, and behind-the-scenes moments—hints at a vision that extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
As the conversation winds down, I pose the final question: “Define your legacy now.” The silence stretches—but his words echo louder than any answer could.
“I’ve always wanted everything I do to scream what I really love… I don’t want to do stuff that I don’t feel comfortable doing.”
His legacy, it seems, is still being written—a symphony of cultural defiance, artistic integrity, and unrelenting hustle.
FirstKlaz’s journey, much like his music, refuses to be boxed. And as he signs off from our chat, one thing is clear: the world is just beginning to catch up.
By Andrea Andy for A&R Duty – The Book