In the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, few artistes manage to strike that delicate balance between storytelling and rhythm, but McKay is doing just that.
With a sound rooted in raw emotion and elevated by genre-blending melodies, the rising star is carving a lane for himself as more than just a vibe curator, and he's a storyteller with heart.
From navigating careers in software engineering to fully embracing his natural gift for music, McKay's journey is one of passion, persistence, and creative reinvention. His dedication is already gaining attention; in April, he was selected as Notjustok’s “Rising Afrobeats” artist of the month, a spotlight earned through the submission of his captivating Afropop record, 'Sudden'.
Known for his ability to wrap complex feelings into smooth, danceable tunes, he is now preparing to re-enter the scene with a new EP titled 'Vibes & Melodies' – a fitting name for an artiste who lives by those two creative pillars. But his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From saving up over two years to fund his career independently to constantly pushing the boundaries of sound with Afro-house, Afro-drill, and Afro-funk fusions, McKay is the definition of an artist taking full control of his narrative.
As he gears up to drop the new project, McKay speaks with refreshing honesty about his sound, his struggles, and his dreams. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the mind of an artist who refuses to be boxed in; one who’s proudly charting his own course in the Afrobeats universe.
Afrobeats Rising: Q&A with McKay
1. Your song 'Sudden' made the cut for Afrobeats Rising! What do you think sets your sound apart from the thousands of submissions?
I think what sets my sound apart is the way I blend raw emotion with infectious melodies. My music isn’t just about the vibe; it’s about storytelling, making people feel something while still keeping them moving. Sudden captures that unexpected rush of emotions when you realise you’ve fallen for someone fast. It’s personal, but it’s also universal.
2. Every artiste has a moment where they realise, ‘This is it. I was made for this.’ When did that moment happen for you?
Music has always been something that comes naturally to me; it's effortless. I've tried working as a software engineer and even tried some businesses, but none of them came to me as easily as making music. I just knew this was what I was meant to do.
3. If your sound were a fusion dish, what ingredients (genres, influences, vibes) would it be made of?
My two main ingredients are VIBES & MELODIES. That’s actually the title of my upcoming EP dropping in April. I love how Afrobeats blends into other genres. As long as I keep those two elements, I can make a fusion dish of Afro-house, Afro-drill, and Afro-funk — with Afrobeats at its core.
READ ALSO - Ajesings emerges as NotJustOk's First 'Rising Afrobeats' Artiste
4. The journey of an upcoming artiste is never easy. What’s been your most defining struggle, and how did you overcome it?
Marketing. It's such a huge part of music in this era, and it’s not talked about enough. I had to work and save for over two years just to market myself properly and give my music a real shot.
5. Afrobeats is evolving fast. Where do you see yourself fitting into the movement in the next 5 years?
I see myself fitting in perfectly. I’m constantly evolving, always experimenting. That desire to keep improving is what will help me stay relevant in a fast-changing genre like Afrobeats.
6. If you had to introduce yourself to the world with just one song from your catalogue, which would it be and why?
“MELANIN”. It’s such a banger and showcases everything I bring to the table: songwriting, mixing, mastering, and composition.
7. What’s one misconception people have about being an underground artiste that you want to set straight?
That we’re lazy or waiting for handouts. A lot of us are building everything ourselves. We’re not waiting for labels; we’re creating our own path.
8. Imagine you had unlimited resources for your next project; no budget limits, no restrictions. What would your dream music video look like?
It would be something solid and deeply personal. I’ve directed or co-directed most of my videos, so I’d definitely stay hands-on. It has to feel like me.
9. They say every artiste has their ‘holy grail’ collaboration. Which artiste alive or dead would be yours, and what kind of song would you create together?
Definitely Rema, Kizz Daniel, and Oxlade. They fit into my whole Vibes & Melodies aesthetic, and I think we’d create that in its purest form.
10. Notjustok has given you this platform, but what’s the one thing you wish media platforms did more of for rising artistes?
Honestly, media platforms don’t owe us anything. There are thousands of artists, and they can’t support everyone. Artists have to prove themselves first, show they’re worth the spotlight, before platforms take notice.
Are you an emerging artist with quality music? Would you like to feature on Notjustok's monthly 'Rising Afrobeats' showcase? We’re looking for you! Submit your music here - SUBMIT MUSIC
