Every artist has a unique story about how their musical journey began. For Ab Rauf, it was a deep love for music that sparked his interest. But it wasn’t just listening to music—it was remixing and reimagining it that caught his attention. “What first sparked my interest is that I love music, and anytime I’m listening to OLAMIDE BADO songs, I always find a way to remix or recompose it,” Ab Rauf explains. This fascination with music led him to explore his own creative sound, and Afrobeat quickly became the foundation of his artistic identity.

Influences: The Power of Wizkid and Olamide

Ab Rauf’s musical influences are deeply rooted in the Nigerian music scene, particularly the sounds of Wizkid and Olamide. “Wizkid and OLAMIDE BADO are my main influences,” he shares. Both artists have had a significant impact on shaping his approach to music. However, it is Olamide’s mastery of rap that truly inspired Ab Rauf to delve into the art of rapping himself. “OLAMIDE shaped my sound in rapping, man, too good,” he says, acknowledging the influence of the Nigerian icon in his musical journey.

While Ab Rauf’s sound is inspired by these heavyweights in the industry, he has also put his own spin on the Afrobeat genre, blending rap and Afrobeat rhythms with his distinct style.

Learning and Growing: Embracing New Skills

Although Ab Rauf’s strength lies in his vocals and songwriting, he is currently expanding his musical toolkit. “I can’t play any instrument well; I’m just learning how to play keyboard,” he admits. This dedication to improving his skills is a testament to his growth as an artist. Whether through learning a new instrument or refining his songwriting, Ab Rauf is committed to evolving and finding new ways to express his musical vision.

The Creative Process: Mood and Mindset

When it comes to the songwriting process, Ab Rauf follows his own set of personal rituals. Unlike many artists who have a specific routine, he prefers to start with a simple but essential step: eating. “Before writing and composing songs, I make sure I eat first because I don’t smoke,” he says. It’s clear that Ab Rauf is mindful of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which helps him stay focused and energized for his creative endeavors.

Once he’s in the right headspace, Ab Rauf is free to express himself. His emotions play a significant role in his writing process—whether he’s feeling happy, sad, or anything in between, he uses his mood as a catalyst for inspiration. “I can just be sad or happy and try to note something down,” he shares. This openness to emotion allows him to create music that resonates deeply with his listeners.

Afrobeat and Beyond: Exploring Genres

Ab Rauf’s primary genre is Afrobeat, but he refuses to be limited by a single style of music. “My specific genre is Afrobeat, but I can do all kinds of genres,” he says, showing his versatility as an artist. Whether it’s Afrobeat, hip-hop, or another style, Ab Rauf is open to experimenting with different sounds while staying true to his roots.

The Magic of Songwriting and Recording

For Ab Rauf, there isn’t just one part of the music-making process that he enjoys the most—he loves it all. “I don’t think I have a favorite part because I can be recording and as well be writing out lyrics to match it up,” he explains. The fluidity between writing lyrics and recording is a key part of Ab Rauf’s creative process. He enjoys the flexibility of being able to do both at the same time, making his music creation feel like a natural, ongoing flow of ideas.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Music

Ab Rauf’s musical journey is just beginning, and he’s already making waves with his Afrobeat sound, creative lyrics, and dedication to honing his craft. With influences like Wizkid and Olamide guiding his path, and a passion for exploring new genres and techniques, Ab Rauf is an artist to watch in the Afrobeat and broader music scene.

Whether you’re tuning into his latest track or waiting for his next release, it’s clear that Ab Rauf’s musical journey will continue to captivate and inspire. Keep an eye on this rising star—there’s much more to come!