As far as the contemporary guard of Nigerian creatives goes, UA.X is teetering on the edge of eminence. Having started out as a photographer, UA.X’s moved into the film and music video industries, creating visuals for artists including Tems, Spinall and Lojay. And now, he sits among them as an avant-garde musician in his own right. Whether in front of a microphone or behind a camera, UA.X is no stranger to the thrill of crafting elaborate worlds and incorporating pieces of himself within them. It’s what informs the foundations of his debut project ‘Love & Hustle’, which narrates a modern tale of a tussle between often conflicting interests. On the one hand, there’s the human need for tenderness and affection. On the opposing side is ambition and the need for self-actualisation. Across nine tracks, these sides meet as the artist reflects on what it means to be a young person in Lagos today. As UA.X drops his latest video for album track ‘Nightshift’, Nataal speaks to the artist (AKA Seyi Akinlade) about his road to ‘Love & Hustle’.

Your background is in visual arts. How did you decide to try your hand at music?

I think that my working in film, making videos, and just being around so many cool musicians certainly encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring. But as far as wanting to create music, I’ve always done that. Did I do it professionally? Or was I doing it the right way? I have no idea. But it’s always been something that I loved to do just for my amusement.

At that point when you decided to take music seriously, did you experience any internal conflict?

Yes, and I still do. But I understand that it comes with the territory and don’t let it bother me as much as it used to. Listening to my album will give you a better perspective as I dive into doubt on some of the songs. It’s part of what makes our work beautiful because we become obsessive to the point that nothing is ever good enough. If you’re brave enough to let it go out into the world, getting a good reaction from just one person is powerful enough to change your perspective on the doubt.

What world were you trying to build with ‘Love & Hustle’?

An honest one. Life just has a way of patterning these things then I turn them into ideas for songs. All of my songs are lived experiences, either by me or a friend or family member, or some random shit that I saw. Sometimes my music can be too deep [Laughs]. Someone told me that I needed to lighten up. I mean, I can but, that’s just how it comes to me. Maybe as I change, that will change, but it’s just where I’m at right now.

My interpretation of ‘Love & Hustle’ is balancing the love of your creative work and the business side. Was that your intention?

That’s the first time I’ve heard anyone see it that way. When it comes to the album, it also relates. For example, some people will give up on their dreams just to stay home and be closer to family and love. They may never leave to chase something big. ‘Love & Hustle’ is saying, ‘Yo! I love you, I love this thing, I love you all, I love this person so much but I need to go. My going doesn’t mean I’m going to forget about you. But it does mean that things will change and I will change. However, at the end of the day, there’s no one else but you.’

What was it like to work with TMXO as executive producer on the project?

He and I went in on a very high creative frequency when it came to this. I don’t say that as a joke. How it all came together was very divine. TMXO was on ‘Nothing Compares’ and ‘Lagos 2 Crazy’, which are very special songs to me. There are no other features because the process of making ‘Love & Hustle’ was very independent. I decided to play with my ideas alone so I could get to the finish line. But I’ve been so excited since it came out. The prospect of working with other people, both producers and artists, is giving me butterflies.

As the album takes off, how are you finding your own life and hustle?

It’s just so hard. I’m still really new to the lifestyle of being a musician and the business side of it as well. My head is splitting. In the middle of all of that, life is also happening. I don’t like to use the word fail because I’m not failing anything. But I think I’m just failing forward. I’m making all my mistakes and just moving through. I mean, just yesterday, I shot a video for Tomi Thomas and right after, I had to shoot a video for myself. So, there are some red flags and some green flags but I don’t know any other way but to keep going.

Which other Lagos artists inspire you?

Tems… what an album, what a run, and what a person. I’ve been able to tap in with her many times work-wise and follow her journey. She’s from right here you know and it’s really inspiring. I also look to Burna. His ability to do what he does on stage is awe-inspiring.

What drives you to keep going?

I’m broke [Laughs]. Yo, I don’t know. I actually ask myself that question now and then like, ‘Why stay on this rough, dirty path?’ For some reason, I know I’m supposed to do this. I’m supposed to romanticise my life by turning my experiences into songs.