Tay Iwar is an artist with a gaze firmly fixed on innovative and individuality. The Nigerian artist moulds together a motley array of sonic inclinations, with a basis of vivacious Afropop showered with R&B, rap and pop tendencies. 2019 saw Iwar’s wider industry breakthrough in the shape of GEMINI, a body of work released in collaboration LA-based collective Soulection. Off of the back of the success of the project, the artist consolidated his acclaim with support dates for heavy hitters Wizkid, Lucky Daye and Bree Runaway.
This month saw Tay Iwar return to the choppy waters of releasing, a wave which he road effortlessly towards the sunset. His new EP “Summer Breeze” is a spectacle; genre-bending and kaleidoscopic, the record showcases soaring artistic growth for the rising star, a deft, provoking and highly engaging array of tracks that are cohesive but starkly unique.
The list of features that Tay has drawn for the new EP is head-turning. Regular collaborator and fellow Nigerian, Twelve XII, highly talented producer Juls and Wonderland cover star .idk. boast striking turns, but it is the occasions when Tay dips into the UK alternative rap scene that finds the EP at its most impressive. Kojey Radical and Knucks’ respective appearances are typically impressive, with the crossover of styles immensely fruitful. The high calibre features could have easily toppled the artistry of Iwar, but he more than holds his own across the tape.
We had the pleasure of connecting with Tay, talking early inspirations, pinpointing his sound, and the creation and meaning of his vibrant new EP.
Listen to “Summer’s Breeze”…
Read the full interview…
Who have you been listening to?
A lot of Vieux Farka Toure, Hermanos Guiterrez, Basa Basa, Doja Cat
How did you first discover a love for music?
The love of music is rooted in my childhood, it’s hard to remember a distinct moment of love because its presence has always been there. I fell in love with the creative process and was fascinated with the limitless creativity.
What inspired you to start creating?
My family and my deeper love of sound and how things form. I love creation and appreciate its beauty so to be able to sit back at the end of the process & think, “this wasn’t here before”, has always been incredible to me.
How did you find the sonic pocket that you now call your own?
Nothing in music is new, all we have is a choice on which direction to express ourselves. My sound has been informed by my life, all my influences and aspirations wrapped up in songs.
How would you define the essence of your style?
“Satisfy my soul”
We love your new EP “Summer Breeze” – how has the initial reaction to the project’s release been?
One of the intentions with this project was to allow people to better understand my artistry as a solo artist. It’s been about 2 weeks since it came out and it feels like it just came out yesterday, the daily love and appreciation it’s receiving is amazing. It’s overwhelming in the best way.
Talk us through the creative process of the project?
The creative process and perspective is largely based on chaos theory; which states that within the apparent randomness of chaotic complex systems, there are underlying patterns, interconnection, constant feedback loops, repetition, self-similarity, fractals, and self-organization. Each listen to the same song is a different experience and you will always find something new.
The features included in the new EP are star studded, how did the collaborations come about?
They all came about naturally – every feature I’ve ever done has been based on someone liking my sound and vice versa. Twelve XII & I have been working together for a while, so the seamless synergy for Undercover Lover was a no-brainer. I’ve known Kojey for a long time & we’ve worked on a couple of tracks over the years. He really taps into the full spectrum of emotion & I can relate to that. I recently featured on IDK’s track “Elmina”, so I just had to have him on Bon Appetit. Knucks is killing it right now and we worked together previously on Boj’s EP. Juls and I also have incredible history – we just understand each other and communicate through our work. You’re always going to get a banger when we link up!
They are all pinnacle names in UK rap and alternative – what is it about that scene that you felt worked well with your sound?
I didn’t really think about it. Like I said; the features were as a result of music. I was in London a lot through the making of this EP so naturally the features came out very “UK-sounding” as I was immersed in that community. I love the U.K. and all the eclectic mix of sounds it has to offer.
What are the themes and concepts that you are touching on across the EP?
The theme of the EP is “Summer Breeze.” “Summer Breeze” refers to the wind that blows on a summer evening. The EP serves as a soundtrack to that feeling and captures the feelings of crossing the threshold from heartbreak to healing, from anger to calm, from stuck to curious. Summer Breeze is for everyone.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
Far and wide. All corners of the globe.
What’s to come from you?
My first UK and European tour at the end of this year! As well as more feeling, healing, inspiration and peace of mind.