Award-winning global superstar Kizz Daniel has captivated fans around the world with his latest musical project. His highly anticipated fourth studio album Maverick is a 20-track tour de force that features a star-studded line-up of international collaborations with the likes of Becky G, Not3s, Jahmiel, Yemi Alade, and Nomcebo Zikode. The album marks a significant chapter in his career following the success of the chart-topping “Barnabas” EP released in November 2021, which catapulted him to the top of the charts as the most streamed artist in Africa for the first half of 2022. Maverick arrives on July 28 via FlyBoy INC and EMPIRE, and reflects Kizz Daniel’s unique creative journey.
Maverick is not just an album, but a testament to Kizz Daniel’s artistic evolution and boundary-pushing creativity. Infused with his signature sound, the album is an exploration of personal experiences, compelling narratives, and memorable hooks that resonate on a deeply emotional level. Kizz Daniel describes Maverick as his personal expression and an honest reflection of his journey. The collaborations with international artists add a vibrant layer to the album, underlining his versatility and global appeal. The album includes a diverse roster of West Africa’s best producers, such as DJ Coublon, Blaisebeatz, Mr Soul, and M.O.G Beatz, offering listeners a distinct and unforgettable musical experience.
The ‘Maverick’ album title speaks to his identity as a maverick – someone who charts their own distinct path. His focus on evolving as a musician, unaffected by trends or recognition, underscores his artistic authenticity and dedication to his craft. We sat down with Kizz Daniel to talk through this theme, his evolution as an artist, and how fatherhood has impacted his music.
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Read the interview…
You’ve mentioned that the title Maverick represents your journey and that you see yourself as a maverick who doesn’t go with the norm. Can you tell us about a specific moment in creating this album where you felt you were truly breaking away from the norms of your genre?
When I was creating the album, I came to realize that I was creating from a place where I wasn’t happy. I decided to channel that energy into creating this body of work that pushes our culture forward. I am not chasing anyone or anything with my music, I am doing me and crafting a sound that will stand the test of time. I think you can really hear that in the diversity of the album from tracks like “My G” to “Pour” to “Feran You Two.”
Collaborating with a diverse range of artists from Becky G to Not3s, and Yemi Alade to Jahmiel, how did these collaborations enhance the message and the narrative you wanted to convey with Maverick?
I am a global artist. I want to share different sounds and cultures with my fans and bring people together. For Maverick, I reached out to some of my favourite artists from throughout Africa to join the album to help highlight the sounds of our continent. Outside of Africa, working with a star like Becky G helps open up our music to a completely different audience around the world.
You mention that Maverick includes songs for your kids. Can you share how being a parent influenced your creative process and the themes that emerge in these tracks, and the album at large?
Becoming a father has changed everything for me. Throughout the entire creative process, I have been around my children in the home. They are really inspiring and bring out the joy in me. It was important to me to make sure I spoke to fatherhood on the album so that when my kids listen to it when they are older, they can appreciate my music.
With Maverick coming two years after your chart-topping “Barnabas” EP, how do you view your growth and evolution as an artist over this period, and in what ways is this growth reflected in Maverick?
‘Barnabas’ was such a special project to me that I really wanted to take my time with Maverick to make sure it was perfect. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had some really big moments with records like “Buga” and “Cough” that captured the entire world’s attention. It allowed me to travel the world and tour throughout Africa, North America, Europe, and Australia. All those new experiences are put into this album. The sound, the features, the lyrics, and overall creativity.
Maverick seems to be a deeply personal album for you, showcasing your own individuality and distinct artistic direction. Could you share some insights into the significance behind the album title and how it embodies your evolution as an artist?
I’m glad you caught that. A “maverick” to me is someone that goes against the grain and follows their own distinct path. I’ve always felt that I’ve been on my own singular path throughout my career. Using my own sound and hard work to create my own dedicated fan base around the world. The accolades and attention are great, but I am focused on how I can evolve as a musician and artist. No trend or co-sign or recognition will knock me off my path.