A fortnight ago, KeyQaad, one of Nigeria’s most dynamic independent record labels unveiled their latest signing, Starsamm, born Samuel Iseoluwa Awelewa.
The fast-rising Nigerian singer song-writer has been making his mark with a distinctive blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and street-hop.
With a sound that picks its inspiration from his roots and personal experiences, Starsamm creates music that resonates deeply with his generation for it is honest, melodic, and emotionally charged. With each release, Starsamm has continued to solidify his place as a compelling voice in the evolving soundscape of African music.
He has now captured the attention of KeyQaad, a power house known for launching the careers of artists Omah Lay, Kaestyle, and M3LON. His signing was first soft launched with a standout feature on Kaestyle’s EP ROOKIES don’t sound this good, where he appeared on the breezy opener “Chineke”. On the track, Starsamm’s emotive delivery and lyrical depth was heavily showcased. His contribution to the EP’s mainstream acclaim further heightened his potential as a breakout star.
Starsamm’s music is characterized by its fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with the soulful nuances of R&B and the raw energy of street-hop. His storytelling is deeply personal, often reflecting on themes of love, ambition, and resilience. This authenticity has endeared him to a growing fanbase, eager for music that speaks to their experiences and aspirations.
A few might know this, but the “Love in Lagos” crooner made a brief appearance in Kampala (Uganda), with a brief stint at Jameson and Friends last year in March. He at the time had a buzzing single “Beautiful Song”.
Today, his career, goes to even greater heights, thanks to his steady artistry development, and now with the backing of KeyQaad, Starsamm is poised to make significant strides in the Nigerian music industry, because he has a unique sound, compelling storytelling and therefore an exciting talent in the Afro-fusion genre, with the potential to resonate on a global scale.
With his signing, Starsamm has made a powerful debut with a 6 track Extended Play “Love Is War”. Just like the projects of his peers, the body of work is exploring themes: the emotional highs and lows of love, identity, and vulnerability.
In terms of sound, “Love Is War” the EP, sees Starsamm blend Afro-pop, R&B, and Afrobeats. It opens with “A Thousand Miles,” a heartfelt ode to devotion. The project then seamlessly flows into the celebratory “Ere Lawa Shey.” The pain of fractured connections is at the center of “Quiet” while “The Bass”, a bop that features Dutch IRL highlights showcases the creative chemistry between the two acts. As the EP nears its close, Starsamm expresses longing with melodic warmth on On “1 Second”, eventually closing the rollercoaster and emotion filled EP with “My Style,” a song that’s not only a personal anthem to the singer but also speaks to his growth and transformation.
“Love Is War” is a bold reintroduction of Starsamm, for it is a bold, soulful statement that cements his place as a compelling new voice in Nigeria’s music scene. Do give it a listen below and let me know what your favorite track or tracks on there are.