Gbenga Adebayo
Lekan Osifeso, the renowned Nigerian artist widely recognized as Lojay, has opened up about his struggles during his early days in the music scene and moments of uncertainty.
In a candid conversation with Punch, the creator of ‘Monalisa’ revealed that there was a time when he contemplated walking away from music entirely.
He confessed, “There were instances when I nearly gave up on music. I spent nights questioning whether my songs would ever reach an audience. However, those quiet years molded me they instilled patience, resilience, and a deep appreciation for every listener I have now.”
Addressing how he handles the pressures and expectations that accompany fame, Lojay shared that he often steps back from the limelight to refocus on his core values.
He explained, “For me, it’s about family, faith, and moments of solitude. Occasionally, I vanish for a while—no music, no social media. Just time to reset and reconnect with God and my loved ones. That’s how I stay grounded amidst the chaos.”
Recounting the success of his hit track Monalisa and its remix featuring Chris Brown, Lojay highlighted how the collaboration deepened his understanding of music’s universal appeal.
He emphasized, “It proved to me that music transcends borders. Chris approached the record with genuine respect—he connected with it, felt its essence, and took it to new heights. That experience reinforced the power of authenticity over chasing a global sound.”
When asked about the delay in releasing his debut album XOXO, Lojay clarified that he prioritized crafting something deeply significant.
He shared, “I wasn’t interested in rushing an album just for the sake of it. I needed to live and gather enough emotions to infuse the project with sincerity. Every track on XOXO is rooted in real experiences, and I took the time to ensure that authenticity shone through.”
Grace Effiong
