Summer is calling, and that means the intense summer playlist crafting is currently underway. And, we think that Reekado Banks’ “Ozumba Mbadiwe” is the next track you should be considering for your lists. A summer anthem at its core, muted production, a ryhtmic bass and the gentle shimmer of maracas culminate in an island vibe rippling out of the original cut. And now, in a bid to make the release all the more worthy of your attention, TikTok sensation Fireboy DML has joined forces with the artist in a bid to provide us with the track’s feel-good remix.

When taking the time to disucss the tune, Reekado explained, “‘Ozumba MBADIWE’ sounded so much like music to my ears and on this track that took me almost a year to wrap up, I was able to touch on different topics, from talking about my “hiatus” before the release of the track to mentioning the 20-10-20 incident where innocent lives were lost while peacefully protesting. Fireboy was one of the few to have listened to the original before its release, so when it was time for the remix, he was happy to hop on it without a doubt.

Upon the release of the remix, the artist sat down with Wonderland to talk the influence his time spent in church infleucned his sound and how he hopes his music makes others feel. Head below to enjoy our chat with Reekado Banks…

Hey Reekado! How are you?
I’m doing really great and i’m in great spirits.

How has this past year been for you?
The pandemic really made things a bit shaky and slow, but we are up to a good run right now.

Now most borders are open, where is the first place you’re jetting off to?
I was in London, then Dubai. Next is Portugal.

Talk us through your musical journey, how did you first get into music, and what sparked your interest?
I started writing music at 14. I was influenced largely by the church. My parents being pastors, I always had to be in or around the church. For me, the music was the most exciting part of every service.

And you’re from Nigeria, which has a huge music scene, how do you think your hometown has inspired you?
In a bunch of ways, from my sound to my ideas andconcepts. No matter where else I might be tapping from, I always ensure to bring it home with my contexts

Congratulations on your new single ‘Ozumba Mbadiwe’ with Fireboy, how did this come about? What was the creative force behind this?
“Ozumba MBADIWE” sounded so much like music to my ears and on this track that took me almost a year to wrap up, I was able to touch on different topics, from talking about my “hiatus” before the release of the track to mentioning the 20-10-20 incident where innocent lives were lost while peacefully protesting. Fireboy was one of the few to have listened to the original before its release, so when it was time for the remix, he was happy to hop on it without a doubt.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
The takeaway should always be to have fun, make them happy, give them hope and always believe anything is possible.

Who would you cite as your inspirations?
God first. My immediate environment, friends and life in general.

Who would you love to work with next?
So many talented humans all over the globe. It’s not just about music collaborations for me, it can be with all kinds of creative individuals.

What are you most excited about?
I’m excited about my life, family and friends, and for everything that has happened recently and is still happening. Too many reasons to be excited.

What’s next for you?
My next EP project and tours are coming up soon, most especially collaborating with a very special, very talented brother Parker Ighile.