By Andrea Andy for A&R Duty – The Book Series
In a musical landscape brimming with constant reinvention, few artists dare to chart a path so audacious that it bridges cultures, languages, and mindsets. Enter M’Kido — a dynamic force emerging from Nigeria with a Francophone flair, a heart for positivity, and a voice rooted in truth. With his recent release, Orange EP, M’Kido is not just making music; he’s scripting a legacy in a tone entirely his own.
When we caught up with M’Kido for The Book, the energy was palpable from the start. His voice carried the excitement and gratitude of someone who knows he’s walking on purpose.
“I feel good today. Really good,” he chimed, brimming with life. And it wasn’t just small talk. His music, he said, is coming along strongly. Orange is doing more than expected — especially for a debut solo body of work with zero external support. “This is my first time dropping a project like this all alone, no support from anyone. But the reception? It’s been beautiful.”
You see, Orange is no ordinary title. It’s a lifestyle. “Even before the EP dropped, orange had been part of my identity — from my clothes to my home décor. For me, it’s peace. It’s positivity,” M’Kido explained. And indeed, Orange delivers that. Lyrically, emotionally, and sonically, it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and artistic boldness.
“It’s not just about singing for culture,” he said. “I deliver lyrics to people’s hearts. Positivity is what I stand for.”
Every track on the project is a piece of his soul, from the sonically rich “jalingo” featuring Fazil, to the iconic collaboration with industry heavyweight Reminisce, whom he describes as a “father in the game.”
“Each song reflects my journey and evolution. Some songs didn’t even make it onto the project, but everything that did speaks of who I am — my identity and message.”
M’Kido’s music doesn’t blend in — it stands out. His fusion of French, Yoruba, English, and Bambara creates a rich, genre-bending palette. And while critics have questioned his choice to lean heavily into French, M’Kido’s confidence is unshaken.
“A lot of people insult me for singing in French. But I know where I’m going. Through French, I got invited to perform at the French Embassy. The ambassador even offered me visa support. So how can anyone tell me it’s a stupid language to sing in?”
His vision? To craft a new sonic city — a fusion of African textures and European finesse, driven by a personal purpose and a deep sense of originality.
Innovation, however, isn’t without its hurdles. “Sometimes it’s not about the money,” M’Kido confessed. “It’s about the connections that lift your work. When there’s no support, no backing from the industry side, it gets hard. But I keep going.”
His mindset? Focused. Grounded. Visionary.
“Setting trends is pushing beyond boundaries — it’s not about sounding like everyone else. People want me to follow others, but I’m not here for that. I’m here to innovate.”
Despite the challenges, M’Kido is not just surviving — he’s thriving. His TikTok and DSP strategy has been crucial to his growth.
“I’ve faced neglect in the past. But that pain pushed me to be more intentional. TikTok has been a major catapult for me. Steady light, good internet — all of that helped me connect and go viral.”
Beyond the music, he’s leveraging content: behind-the-scenes footage, moments of authenticity, and collaborations that move the needle.
Still, even with a growing fanbase — both online and offline — M’Kido remains deeply aware of the need to set creative boundaries.
“Fans can be weird, but they’re also amazing. I engage with them, but I stay grounded. I protect my mental space and focus on growth.”
That authenticity is the reason his following continues to multiply. He’s not chasing virality; he’s cultivating community.
In a Nigerian music industry that M’Kido describes as “dynamic and competitive,” the pressure is immense. But he doesn’t see that as a problem.
“It fuels my creativity. Everyone in Nigeria is a musician now, but I’m not in competition with anyone. My competition is myself.”
That mindset is also shaping his global ambitions. He draws inspiration from artists like Yemi Alade, who successfully bridged Nigeria with a different culture.
“My plan is to expand into key markets like France, Canada, and French-speaking Africa. I already have a fanbase there. Why not give them music in their own language?”
What happens when the music stops? For M’Kido, there’s life beyond the mic.
“If not music, I’d have been a motivational speaker or an athlete,” he revealed. But even now, he’s already laying foundations. His clothing brand G2P (Guide Us To the Right Path) is a growing venture — one that doubles as a merch line and a message-driven movement.
To those trying to break into music, M’Kido’s advice is clear: talent is not enough.
“Talent without humility will block your blessings. You have to learn — not just your craft, but how to produce, how to adapt. Develop your talent wisely. Be teachable.”
M’Kido’s music isn’t just art — it’s advocacy.
“I want to spark conversations around cultural unity, appreciation, diversity, and modernity. African and French influences can coexist beautifully. We were all human before we became Yoruba, French, or Igbo.”
And when it comes to the history books? He wants his narrative etched in the story of African music transformation — as the priest of a new sound, the torchbearer of intentionality and connection.
“Music is spiritual. It’s not just sound. My goal is to inspire a generation of artists to think beyond borders.”
As the interview wrapped, M’Kido left us with a deep sense of purpose — the kind of clarity that doesn’t come from hype but from conviction. His voice isn’t just a sound; it’s a statement. His presence is more than performance; it’s legacy in motion.
With Orange EP lighting the way and a new sound on the horizon, one thing is certain — M’Kido is not here to follow trends. He’s here to set them.
And in a world desperately in need of authentic voices, his might just be one of the loudest.