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Superstar YB Talks Musical Journey, Cultural Pride, and Upcoming Single

 

 

 

Before the release of his highly anticipated single “Undercover Lover (Apala Version)” featuring Terry Apala, and following the success of his Proudly Nigerian EP, Superstar YB sat down with us to discuss his musical journey, the fusion of traditional and modern sounds, and how his Nigerian heritage continues to shape his artistic expression. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his inspiration, creative process, and what fans can expect next from his evolving sound.

 

Superstar YB, your music has evolved so much over the years. What initially inspired you to pursue music, and how has your personal growth shaped your sound?

 

Superstar YB:

My love for music started when I was young, growing up in a home where music was always present. I was constantly surrounded by different genres—from highlife to reggae and Afrobeat. I found it fascinating how music could communicate emotions and stories across different cultures and languages. Over the years, as I’ve grown personally, my music has evolved too. Every experience I’ve had—whether it’s joy, pain, or learning something new—finds its way into my sound. That growth keeps me grounded but also pushes me to experiment, blending my roots with new influences.

 

As an artist, your sound is uniquely yours, but it pulls from so many cultural and musical elements. How do you balance your Nigerian heritage with global influences in your music?

 

Superstar YB:

For me, it’s all about authenticity. I want my music to reflect where I come from—Nigeria—and all the incredible sounds and rhythms we have here, but I also want to create something that speaks to people everywhere. Nigerian culture, especially our music, is so rich and diverse. I take pride in showing that to the world while blending in different global elements. Whether it’s using traditional Apala rhythms or experimenting with Amapiano, the key is staying true to myself while remaining open to evolving sounds.

 

Your Proudly Nigerian EP has received a lot of praise for its cultural depth. What was the creative process behind the EP, and what message were you trying to convey with it?

 

Superstar YB:

The Proudly Nigerian EP is very special to me because it’s a celebration of who we are as Nigerians. The creative process was rooted in that pride. I wanted to create something that not only honored my heritage but also reflected the challenges and victories we face as a people. Every track on the EP tells a story, whether it’s about our resilience, our love for life, or our hustle. The message is simple: we have so much to be proud of, and our culture and music are worth celebrating on a global scale.

 

 

One of the most anticipated releases right now is your upcoming single, Undercover Lover (Apala Version), featuring Terry Apala. What was the inspiration behind this collaboration?

 

Superstar YB:

This track came from my desire to dive deeper into traditional Nigerian music. I’ve always admired Terry Apala for how he’s revived and modernized Apala, and I felt like this was the perfect time to collaborate. Undercover Lover is a love story, but it’s also a celebration of the fusion between Afro and Apala. The inspiration came from wanting to create something that feels both fresh and timeless, something that bridges generations. Terry and I share that same passion for blending old and new sounds, so this collaboration just made sense.

 

The fusion of Afrobeat and Apala in Undercover Lover seems like a bold move. How does this track fit into your artistic evolution?

 

Superstar YB:

It’s definitely a bold move, but one I’ve been building towards. I’ve always wanted my music to represent more than just one thing, to be a reflection of different aspects of Nigerian culture. Apala has such a deep-rooted history, and blending it with Afrobeat felt like a natural evolution of my sound. It’s a reflection of my artistic growth—being able to take traditional elements and bring them into today’s context. I think Undercover Lover is a great example of how far my sound has come, and it’s a sign of where it’s heading.

 

 

What was it like working with Terry Apala, given his role in reviving the Apala genre?

 

Superstar YB:

Working with Terry was amazing. He’s someone who is so passionate about his craft, and you can hear it in everything he does. He’s been at the forefront of reviving Apala, and collaborating with him was a joy. He brought a level of authenticity and soul to the track that’s hard to find. Together, we created something that pays respect to tradition while pushing it forward. Terry’s energy was infectious throughout the process, and I think that shows in the final product.

 

As you prepare to release Undercover Lover (Apala Version), what excites you most about this track and how it will be received?

 

Superstar YB:

What excites me the most is how people will connect with the fusion of sounds. It’s a track that speaks to the past, present, and future of Nigerian music. I can’t wait to see how fans embrace the traditional Apala elements alongside the modern Afrobeat vibe. I think it’s going to be something people talk about for a long time.

 

 

Your sound is always evolving, and you’ve experimented with various genres. What drives you to explore different musical styles?

 

Superstar YB:

I’m always curious, always looking for the next sound that challenges me as an artist. Music, for me, is about growth and discovery. I love exploring different genres because it gives me the freedom to express myself in new ways. It’s all about finding that perfect fusion where my voice and creativity can shine. I want my music to be limitless, and that means constantly experimenting and evolving.

 

What do you want listeners to take away from Undercover Lover and Proudly Nigerian EP?

 

Superstar YB:

I want listeners to feel a sense of pride in our culture. Both Undercover Lover and the Proudly Nigerian EP are about celebrating who we are—our history, our resilience, our unique sound. At the same time, I hope people see that our music is ever-evolving and that we can honor our roots while also pushing boundaries. Ultimately, I want my music to inspire people to embrace their identity and dream big, no matter where they’re from.

 

Finally, what can fans expect from Superstar YB in the coming year? Any big plans for 2025?

 

Superstar YB:

2025 is going to be massive. I’ve been working on some new projects that take my sound to a whole new level. There are a few exciting collaborations in the works, both with African and international artists. Fans can expect more genre-bending tracks, more storytelling, and even deeper exploration of African music. I’m also planning a tour that will bring the Proudly Nigerian experience to audiences around the world. Trust me, 2025 is going to be a year full of surprises, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what I’ve been cooking.

 

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With thoughtful insight into his creative process and excitement for future projects, Superstar YB continues to push boundaries in the Afrobeat and global music scene.

 

Jade Maxwell