Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Nigerian artist Ebenezer Olaolu Mabinuori, popularly known as Ebony Musik, has expressed regret over a missed opportunity to collaborate with Afrobeats heavyweight Olamide on one of his tracks. Despite the setback, the UK-based musician remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
From Sports to Music: A Shift in Passion
Growing up in a royal family in Lagos, Ebony Musik never imagined music would become his calling. With a background that prioritized education over creative careers, his early years were defined by a strong passion for sports, particularly football, where he excelled and won several medals.
However, his father’s extensive music collection—featuring legends like Michael Jackson, Fela Kuti, and Sade Adu—gradually sparked a deep interest in music. “The more I listened, the more I became fascinated by the storytelling in lyrics and the emotional power of music,” he recalled.
Eventually, his love for music outgrew his passion for sports, leading him to embrace it as a career.
Breakthrough Moments and Career Milestones
Ebony Musik’s journey in the industry has been remarkable. One of his defining moments came in 2015 when he collaborated with renowned sound engineer Indomix on the song My Flow. “That experience reassured me that stardom was within reach,” he said.
The following year, another pivotal moment occurred when he met Killertunes in Surulere. “Within 15 minutes, he created a beat from scratch—it was mind-blowing. His brilliance further motivated me to push myself creatively,” he recounted.
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However, one of his biggest career regrets remains his missed collaboration with Olamide. “I had a track I envisioned Olamide on, but I couldn’t reach him. Rather than releasing it, I decided to hold onto it, hoping that one day we could make it happen,” he admitted.
A New Chapter in the UK Music Scene
Relocating to the UK marked a major turning point for Ebony Musik, exposing him to diverse cultures and sounds. “The UK music scene is incredibly rich, from Afroswing to grime and drill. I’ve drawn inspiration from it while staying true to my Nigerian roots,” he said.
His upcoming EP, produced by UK-based Christian Jude, embodies this fusion. “Working with Christian has been an incredible experience. He understands my sound and brings a fresh perspective that complements my artistic vision. Good Days Bad Days is just a taste of what’s to come. This project reflects my journey—the highs, the lows, and my growth as an artist,” he revealed.
Challenges as an Independent Artist
Like many independent artists, Ebony Musik faces the challenge of building his brand without the backing of a major label. “Managing everything—from marketing to distribution—while still creating music is tough. It can feel overwhelming, but it has taught me resilience and resourcefulness,” he said.
Despite the obstacles, he remains focused. “I’ve built a strong team, stayed consistent, and used social media to connect directly with fans. It’s all about staying authentic and never losing sight of why I started in the first place—the love for music.”
As Ebony Musik continues to carve his path in the global music industry, he remains hopeful that his dream collaboration with Olamide will one day become a reality.