Waynolin is a Kenyan-born artist currently based in Belgium. Known offstage as Wayne, he has had a passion for music for most of his life. From a young age, he was involved in music through school plays, school choirs, and church choirs, where he developed his love for performing and expressing himself through sound. His dedication to music also led him to attend a music school for a year, where he further explored his artistic abilities before deciding to pursue other paths while continuing to create music.
As an artist, Waynolin believes strongly in experimenting with different music genres. He aims to merge various styles and sounds because he believes that true artistry comes from exploring and pushing creative boundaries. Through his work, he combines his experiences, culture, and personal stories to shape his unique sound and artistic identity.
With “ODESHI” out now, we took some time to hear from Waynolin. Read below to learn more about Waynolin, the story behind “ODESHI,” and what’s to come.
Hi Waynolin! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Waynolin comes from my real name, Wayne. I wanted a name that felt personal, but also artistic and unique. The -olin part gives it a musical feel, almost like an instrument, which reflects how music is a big part of who I am.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Kenya, and I’ve lived in different cities growing up. Right now, I’m based in Belgium. I’m a very adventurous person though, so I never know where life might take me next. I like exploring new places and experiences, and that also influences my music.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
To be honest, I’ve always loved music. I went to an international Catholic boarding school where we had a choir, and we used to participate in music festivals. That experience really shaped my passion for performing. I’m actually trained in opera and pretty good at it, but I feel more connected to R&B and Afro sounds. Those genres feel more natural to me and allow me to express myself better. From those early experiences, I always knew deep down that I wanted to become an artist.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I’d describe my sound as innovative rather than experimental, experimental feels overused. I’m exploring what I call an Afrofuturism vibe, and I’m curating my music by merging different genres with Afro influences to create a fresh, boundary-pushing style.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Outside of music, I spend a lot of time at the gym, but I’m also a serious music nerd – I collect music and read about it constantly to sharpen my skills. On top of that, I’m a student studying physiotherapy, which keeps me disciplined and curious in different ways.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I love this question because I could name a hundred! Some of my main influences are D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, Fela Kuti, and Sauti Sol my favorite band along with a mix of Afro artists and new generation talents. I draw inspiration from their artistic approaches and then add my own touch. Lately, though, I’m really leaning into my own innovation, aiming to create a sound that one day makes people say, “Yes, Waynolin created something entirely new.”
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Frank Ocean or Tyler, the Creator. They’ve paved the way for alternative Black artists, and working with them would be unreal. I don’t know exactly how it would sound, but I know we’d make magic happen. Their talent in both writing and production is next-level, and just imagining that collaboration gives me chills.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
One of my proudest moments was creating my first EP, Lost Son, a few years ago. Even though it’s not widely known, it’s a milestone for me. Looking back, I know I could make it a hundred times better with what I know now but I don’t regret it. Every artist has to start somewhere.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
The greatest lessons that I’ve learned are to make music for the love of it, not to chase trends, and to break the rules when it feels right. Being true to yourself is what makes you a great artist if you try to be someone else, you’ll never discover your real artistic voice.
Another lesson that I’ve learned is to trust the process even when it feels messy. Sometimes a song takes hours, sometimes days, and sometimes you’re just staring at your laptop like, “Is this even music?” But that’s all part of the journey, and the moments that feel awkward or chaotic often turn out to be the most rewarding.
Now onto your release, “ODESHI.” What inspired this song? What is “ODESHI” about?
“ODESHI” actually comes from the meaning of the name itself – it’s an African girl’s name and it’s about that whole idea of sacrificing for love, giving your all, so that your partner can have anything that they want. But I didn’t want it to be too serious, so I added a lifestyle twist to make it fun and vibey. Honestly, I just wanted to make a song people can enjoy, dance to, and not overthink…because sometimes love is complicated enough, the music shouldn’t be!
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “ODESHI?”
For the cover artwork of “ODESHI,” I wanted to capture a dark, night-club vibe that matches the song, with a touch of sensuality like the model subtly interacting with me. Most of my inspiration comes from Gabriel Moses – I admire his vision and hope to collaborate with him one day. My photography team and I worked to bring that energy to life.
What was the creative process like when making “ODESHI?”
The creative process for “ODESHI” was pretty spontaneous. I came up with the flow in just a few minutes, sent a demo to my producer, and told him to hit the studio. From there, we refined it together, incorporating input from my amazing music team their feedback really shaped the song. I recorded the final version at another producer’s studio, where it was mixed and mastered to perfection.
How long did it take to complete “ODESHI?”
“ODESHI” took about two weeks to finish. We had a few technical hiccups, so even though I wanted it to drop on Valentine’s Day as a special release, it ended up coming out a week later. But honestly, I’m still really proud of how it turned out.
What do you hope fans take away from “ODESHI” and your music in general?
I want fans to know that there’s more coming bigger and better things. I’ve been curating a new sound, what I call Afrofuturism, and “ODESHI” is just a taste of it. Stay tuned, because this musical journey is only getting more exciting, and I think people are really going to love it.
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 always working on music, and I’ve also been writing for other artists recently even collaborating with one of my favorites, and I can’t wait for listeners to hear it. I have shows in the works, but we’re still finalizing dates with my team and the venues. Make sure to follow me on my socials to stay updated and catch all the upcoming announcements.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Thank you!
Of course, thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
