Los Angeles-based Nigerian American sibling duo itsENJ, consisting of Chimdi and Otito, continues their musical journey with the vibrant release of their EP ‘Añurika’. Drawing deeply from their roots in Enugu, and fueled by their global explorations, ‘Añurika’—meaning “joy is greater”—is a dynamic celebration of their African culture, pride, and identity. This collection blends afrobeats with hip-hop, disco, and dancehall, enriched by native Igbo sounds, offering a tapestry of musical styles that showcase the duo’s versatility and commitment to their heritage.

Recorded under the vibrant January sun in Lagos, the heart of afrobeats, ‘Añurika’ captures the pulse of itsENJ’s Nigerian heritage and the buzzing, creative spirit of Lagos. Working with notable producers like ElvisBeatz and Mykah, itsENJ explores themes of joy, love, despair, and triumph across five tracks. The EP narrates a journey through joyous living in ‘Enjoy Life’, love commitments in ‘Napukenda’, and introspective quests in ‘Where You Dey’, culminating in the life-affirming anthem ‘On God’. Through this project, itsENJ invites listeners to experience a profound connection to their African roots, showcasing a unique blend of cultural pride and musical innovation.

Listen to the EP…

Read the full interview…

‘Añurika’ translates to “joy is greater”. How does this theme of joy manifest throughout your new EP?

In our EP Añurika, the theme of joy resonates through every melody, rhythm, and lyric. The vibrant drum beats inspire movement, while our uplifting words offer encouragement and hope. This sense of joy is also vividly portrayed in our colorful album art, which symbolizes our journey from humble beginnings to a place of grace, guided by God, our Angels, and our ancestors.

In your EP, you’ve incorporated sounds from your Igbo heritage along with modern Afrobeats. Can you explain the creative process behind blending these diverse musical influences?

We returned to the dense, mystical hills of Enugu State, Nigeria, where, through sacred rituals, sweat, and sacrifice, we summoned the inspiration—and as Nigerians would say, the “Ginger”—to create these timeless songs. Immersing ourselves in the rich sounds of Nigerian highlife, traditional Igbo folk music, and our favorite contemporary Afrobeat tracks, we drew deep inspiration. With the help of our talented producer friends, we brought our boldest musical visions to life.

With songs like ‘Napukenda’, which involves a commitment like marriage, what personal experiences or observations influenced you to write about such profound subjects?

Being Igbo, marriage is something sacred and valued in our culture. In times where society places less importance on it, we felt it was vital to use music to speak love back into the culture, inspiring unity and bringing a different perspective of how a man should court speak to and take care of a woman he loves.

Your track ‘Where You Dey’ explores spiritual connections and despair. Could you share what inspired you to delve into such introspective themes in your music?

Times got really tough when we decided to take music seriously and do it independently. We encountered countless challenges, often finding ourselves questioning whether God was truly with us. This song is our prayer—a heartfelt cry to God for His grace and mercy to lead us to a better life.

You mentioned that frequent trips to Nigeria helped deepen your connection to your roots. How do these visits influence your music, especially in terms of lyrical content and sound?

Frequent trips to Nigeria have profoundly deepened our connection to our roots, and this influence is woven into every aspect of our music. Immersing ourselves in the culture, traditions, and daily life between Lagos and Enugu State, we draw inspiration from the rich sounds and stories that surround us. The lyrical content of ENJ’s music often reflects the experiences, wisdom, and spirit of the people, while the rhythms and melodies are infused with the vibrant energy of Nigerian highlife, Afrobeat, and Igbo folk music. These visits not only ground us in my heritage but also provide a wellspring of creativity, allowing us to authentically blend traditional and contemporary sounds to create something uniquely resonant.

The EP concludes with ‘On God’, a song about overcoming adversity. Could you discuss a particular challenge you’ve faced and how it inspired this track?

When we moved to Los Angeles for the first time, we faced our share of challenges, but one that stands out is the struggle of balancing our creative vision with the realities of making music independently. There were moments when the pressures of financing our projects, juggling personal responsibilities, and navigating the industry felt overwhelming. We often questioned whether we were on the right path, and it was easy to lose sight of our faith.

‘On God’ was born out of these experiences. It’s a reflection of our journey, the doubts we’ve battled, and the strength we’ve drawn from leaning on our faith. The song embodies our belief that despite the hardships, God’s grace has always guided us through. It’s a testament to perseverance and the power of trusting in a higher plan, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

As artists who grew up between different cultures, how do you balance the varying musical and cultural expectations of your audiences in the U.S. and Nigeria?

Balancing these expectations involves a careful mix of authenticity and adaptability. We stay true to our roots while experimenting with new sounds and styles that appeal to both audiences. This cross-cultural approach not only enriches our music but also allows us to create a unique space where our diverse influences can coexist and thrive.

Producing your own music can be both challenging and rewarding. Could you walk us through your production process for this EP?

Our production process for the EP involved starting with inspiration from our travels and cultural experiences. We collaborated with local producers and artists in Nigeria, blending traditional sounds with contemporary styles. After gathering ideas and recording, we refined the tracks back home, ensuring each one captured our vision and connected with our diverse audience.

With such a diverse background, how do you see your role in promoting African music on the global stage?

With our diverse background, we see our role as bridging African music with global audiences by blending traditional sounds with contemporary styles. We aim to authentically represent African culture, collaborate with international artists, and use our platform to showcase the richness of African music, fostering greater appreciation and understanding worldwide.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for itsENJ in the evolving landscape of global music?
Looking ahead, our aspirations for itsENJ are to continue blending African and global influences, push creative boundaries, and expand our reach. We aim to innovate within the global music scene, foster cross-cultural collaborations, and bring African music to new audiences worldwide.