Azanti

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Azanti, born Nathan Ayomikun Otekalu-Aje on October 5, 2003, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer based in Canada. He blends Afropop, R&B, soul, and Afrobeats, drawing on a rich musical upbringing in Ondo State, Nigeria. He first gained attention with the collaborative EP YP and Azanti, Vol. 1 with PsychoYP under the Apex Village collective, featuring tracks like “Focused” and “Caro.”

In 2021, his single “Time Difference” was highlighted on BBC Music Introducing in Manchester. He signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2022, after being signed by Tunji Balogun, and he made his US debut with “Gettin’ Hot” from the album Heart Parts & Nostalgia, with guests Odeal and The Cavemen. A deluxe version of Heart Parts & Nostalgia arrived on July 20, 2023, featuring PsychoYP, Adekunle Gold, and Rowlene; Billboard named the “late4dinner (Remix)” with Adekunle Gold a Fresh Pick in July 2023.

Azanti won Sarz’s #FreeSarz Freestyle Challenge in 2022 and has writing credits for Mr Eazi, plus a vocal credit on Joeboy’s “Police.” The music press has described his sound as a mix of R&B and Afrobeats with trap soul influences. In a 2023 Guardian Life interview, he cited Drake, Chris Brown, J. Cole, and Kanye West as inspirations, while also loving melodic artists from Tope Alabi to Wizkid and Wande Coal; he notes a growing interest in rap storytelling and melodic craft.