J12 is a dynamic Afrobeats artist known for blending infectious melodies with confident lyrical delivery. His last release, “O Sing O,” is currently gaining attention on social media and across the UK.
He has performed at major festivals and events including Hockley Hustle, Dot to Dot Festival, Afrifest Norwich, GreenFest UK and Experience Nigeria at New Art Exchange. J12’s music has received wide media recognition, with airplay on BBC Introducing East Midlands.
J12 continues to gain momentum, with his single “Shawty Bounce” garnering hundreds of thousands of streams across Boomplay, Spotify, and Shazam. In 2025, his cover of Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle” also gained viral traction on Nigeria’s X (formerly Twitter) music community, generating hundreds of thousands of views and strong audience engagement.
With “Diva” out now, we took some time to hear from J12. Read below to learn more about J12, the story behind “Diva,” and what’s to come.
Hi J12! Let’s start with how did you choose your moniker?
The name, J12, comes from my first name, Jide, combined with the “J” in June, the month I was born, while the “12” represents the day that I was born; the 12th of June. I wanted a name that was personal, memorable, and meaningful. Over time, J12 has grown to represent not just who I am, but my journey, my values, and the music I create.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Lagos, Nigeria, one of the most vibrant music capitals in Africa. I’m currently based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, where I’ve continued to develop my career while blending African influences with international sounds.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. My musical journey began as a teenager singing in my church choir, where I developed my vocals and confidence as a performer. From there, I started performing with different bands and participating in music competitions, which gave me valuable experience on stage. Those experiences helped shape me as an artist and eventually inspired me to pursue a solo career and develop my own unique sound.
How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?
Growing up in Nigeria exposed me to Afrobeats, Highlife, Gospel, Fuji, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Dancehall and R&B. Those sounds naturally became part of my musical DNA. Moving to the UK introduced me to even more cultures and genres, which broadened my perspective. Today, my music reflects both worlds; African rhythms combined with international influences and authentic storytelling.
How would you describe your sound?
I’d describe my sound as modern Afrobeats with global influences. I enjoy blending Afrobeats with Pop, R&B, Dancehall, and Soul to create music that feels fresh while staying true to my African roots. My goal is to make music that connects with people regardless of where they’re from. My song, “Shawty Bounce,” is a great example of that versatility, as it showcases my ability to blend different genres into one unique sound.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Outside of music, I enjoy travelling, reading, watching football, and discovering new cultures. Reading, in particular, helps fuel my creativity by exposing me to new ideas, perspectives, and stories that often inspire my songwriting. I also enjoy spending quiet time reflecting and writing down ideas, as inspiration can come from everyday experiences and conversations.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’m inspired by a wide range of artists whose music has shaped my journey in different ways. Some of my biggest influences include King Sunny Ade, Saheed Osupa, Asa, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Usher. Each of them has contributed something unique to my musical development, from storytelling and songwriting to stage presence and musical innovation.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?
I’d love to collaborate with Burna Boy. He’s shown that African music can dominate on the global stage while staying true to his roots. I admire his artistry, confidence, and willingness to experiment with different sounds. I think that we’d create something special together.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
One of the proudest moments of my career was having my music featured on BBC, which was a huge milestone for me as an independent artist. Another unforgettable moment was when my cover of Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle” went viral across Nigerian Twitter (now X). Seeing so many people engage with my performance reminded me of the power of music to connect with audiences organically.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that consistency is everything. Talent opens doors, but discipline keeps them open. I’ve also learned that patience is important because every artist’s journey is different. You have to trust the process and keep improving with every release.
Now onto your release, “Diva.” What inspired this song? What is “Diva” about?
“Diva” is a story inspired by my love for travelling and adventure. It’s my way of expressing the idea that when you explore the world, you discover beautiful places, unforgettable experiences, and sometimes even true love. The song celebrates the possibility of finding love beyond cultural and geographical boundaries, proving that genuine connections can happen anywhere in the world. By blending Afrobeats with Latin influences, we wanted the music to reflect the excitement, romance, and beauty of connecting with people from different cultures.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Diva?”
We wanted the artwork to capture the themes of romance, adventure, and travelling the world. The vibrant colours reflect the energy and warmth of the song, while the overall concept represents the excitement of discovering love in unexpected places and embracing different cultures.
How did the collaboration with merblond come about?
Merblond and I first connected on Instagram after she watched one of my live performances on #NoStatus, an entertainment platform based in London that supports emerging artists. Big shout out to them. She reached out after enjoying my performance, and we quickly realised we shared a similar creative vision. From there, we began exchanging ideas and eventually created “Diva,” blending our different cultures and musical styles into one record.
What was the creative process like when making “Diva?”
The creative process was very collaborative. We exchanged ideas, melodies, and lyrics while making sure each artist’s personality came through. We wanted the song to feel authentic to both of us, so we combined English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Spanish naturally throughout the record.
How long did it take to complete “Diva?”
From the first idea to the finished master, the process took several months. We wanted to make sure every detail, from the production to the vocals and mixing matched the vision we had for the song. I enjoyed the entire process.
What is your favorite lyric in “Diva” and why?
One of my favourite lyrics is:
“See the sweet girl wey I meet when I dey holiday for Madrid.”
I love this line because it perfectly summarises the entire essence of the song. In just one sentence, it captures the themes of travelling, adventure, romance, and discovering love in an unexpected place. It’s simple, memorable, and tells the story that inspired “Diva.”
What do you hope fans take away from “Diva” and your music in general?
I hope people simply enjoy the music and feel good when they hear it. Beyond that, I want listeners to see that music can connect people across cultures and languages. Whether someone understands every word or not, I want them to feel the emotion and positive energy behind every song.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I’m already working on more music, new collaborations, and live performances that I’ll be announcing soon. Indigenes can definitely expect more releases before the end of the year, so stay tuned. If you are wondering who the indigenes are, that is the name I call my fans all over the world.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/j12world
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@j12world
Twitter (X)
https://www.facebook.com/people/J12world/61590807176537
YouTube
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ejqOYwPqKBuHhUkuiwdSm
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
