An Interview with King J - Afrobeat, Hip Hop, and R&B

MAC CAM
2 days ago
2 min read

King J is a Nigerian-born, Canada-based artist known for his seamless fusion of Afrobeat with various other musical genres. His unique sound has captivated a growing audience and is increasingly attracting attention from mainstream media. Beginning his musical journey at a young age in the church choir, King J has meticulously honed his craft over the years, and his projects now showcase the depth, mastery, and versatility of his artistry.

What does community and cultural expression mean to you, particularly within this multicultural event?

Community and cultural expression are the heartbeat of everything I do.

Being part of a multicultural event allows me to celebrate my Nigerian heritage while connecting with people from all walks of life.

It’s about unity through rhythm, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Nigeria is home to amazing musicians, and it extends into the diaspora as well. What are some Nigerian artists that really made you believe you could also do this?

Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, and Wizkid were huge inspirations.

Fela lay the foundation, Burna showed us how to be global while staying rooted, and Wizkid proved that Afrobeat could dominate the world stage.

They made me believe my voice mattered too.

What do you think Afrobeat brings to the Canadian music scene that it didn’t have before?

Afrobeat introduces a vibrant fusion of urban music and African rhythms that wasn’t widely present in Canada before.

It allows me to combine the sounds and emotions I experience here—like hip-hop, R&B, and electronic—with my core Afrobeat roots.

The result is something truly unique and beautiful: music that feels both familiar and fresh, deeply personal yet universally resonant.

How was your experience in church choir? Do you think it set you up for music?

Absolutely. The church choir was my first stage.

It taught me discipline, harmony, and the emotional power of music.

That foundation still guides me today, especially when I’m crafting melodies or performing live.

How do you balance making music that’s personal versus music that’s for the dance floor?

I try to find the sweet spot where emotion meets rhythm.

Some songs are deeply personal, but I still want people to move to them.

Afrobeat allows that—it’s expressive and danceable.

I write from the heart, then let the beat carry the message.

What’s a track of yours that pushed you creatively more than any other?

“Body” from my new EP challenged me the most. It was written to express the struggle of African people under corrupt leadership.

I fused traditional Afrobeat with new-age sounds, modern drums, and a touch of jazz—focusing heavily on storytelling through sound and emotion.

It’s one of my most expressive and layered tracks.

What’s a lyric of yours that means more to you now than when you wrote it?

“Long live the dream, long as it takes, show me the stakes, we ain’t no fakes.”

That line means so much more to me now.

It reminds me of the journey, the sacrifices, and the resilience it takes to chase your dreams and stay true to your purpose.