How Do You Stay Grounded as a Versatile Artist in the Nigerian Music Scene? We Asked Rei Shabba

In an industry that rewards repetition and punishes deviation, versatility can feel like both a gift and a gamble. For Rei Shabba, it’s simply instinct.



A rising musical artiste with a passion for blending Afrobeat, hip hop, and contemporary sounds, Rei Shabba is carving out a lane that refuses to sit still. Known for his raw energy, storytelling, and commanding stage presence, his music connects deeply with listeners across Nigeria and beyond.

Inspired by the meaning of his name—“Rei,” meaning king—Shabba creates music that uplifts, motivates, and reflects real-life experiences in all their complexity.

As part of our weekly 69Entertainment Brand Profiling, where we spotlight creatives across Nigeria and the diaspora, we ask one recurring question in different ways: Who are you?

This week, Rei Shabba answers—honestly, loosely, and in his own words.

Let’s start from the beginning. Where did this journey start for you?

So I’ve always loved music all my life—from seeing my parents listen to the ’70s and ’80s (Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Shabba Ranks). I became in love with music; it had a way to calm me down whenever I had a rough day.

I started back then in the heart of Lagos—Anthony / Mende / Maryland—at a studio I can’t remember the name. I think I was 11 then, with my first tape. At D.O.T’s studio, 2007 or 2008, not sure but it’s one of the two.

I started performing at gigs, different events. Surulere then used to be my hub because I discovered a studio with my friend. They loved my music then. I did strictly freestyles.

Then and there, I knew for sure this was my journey. My passion for music has been the fuel.

Your sound moves across styles with ease. Is that freedom instinctive, or something you had to fight for?

It’s a given gift. I honestly don’t even know how I do it. I listen to music every day. I put myself in the stories I hear, the situations I’m in, and it flows with ease.

So tell me, why wouldn’t I be free on any genre? It’s a gift. Versatility. That’s what I call it.

Have you ever been pressured to “pick a lane” — and what made you resist?

Oh yes, of course. From where I come from, the moment you don’t stick to one thing, people see you as a clown.

But in real sense, I feel—”why should I limit myself?” It just could be something different that might pop. To be honest, at this point I have done a lot of that.

I’m on a path to discovering my inner capabilities every time.

What does versatility cost an artist in an industry that loves labels?

It’s confusion here. They want you to stick to one pattern so you can be gatekept. Once you’re here and there, there’s no control from the top.

They love power.

Is there a version of Shabba the audience hasn’t met yet?

Oh yes.

The version I haven’t met myself.

Growth and change are constant.

If you were to label yourself and your sound in a category or genre, how would you describe it?

Afro-hall. Or should I say Dance-Afro, or Afro-Dance. Either way, this is a mix of Afro and dancehall — I’m sure it was easy to tell.

That’s just one, because I also rap and make R&B and a lot more types of music… but let’s not go into that.

Do you think being hard to categorize is a strength or a commercial risk?

It’s a big commercial risk. It’s like a gamble — and we know how that ends.

But yeah, we need to take risks and do things differently to stand out. So if it would take me risking to get there, I sure will.

One secret I’ll let out — it would be hard to be at the mercy of gatekeepers. That should pass a message.

If someone tried to understand you through just one song, which one would mislead them the most — and why?

I don’t think any of my songs would ever mislead anyone. You’ll always be able to understand and relate.

What should we expect from Shabba in 2026?

More work.

More work.

Good music.