IN CONVERSATION WITH ITSENJ
interview by SAMO ŠAJN
Brothers Chimdi and Otito, the Nigerian American duo itsENJ, are redefining afropop and afrofusion with their unique blend of African heritage and global influences. Raised in Enugu and New York, now based in Los Angeles, their music merges diverse sounds into an innovative and joyful experience. Their name, short for "It's Enjoyment," reflects their mission to spread positivity.
Can you describe the creative process behind Añurika? How did you approach blending afrobeats with other genres like hip-hop, disco, and dancehall?
The creative process behind Añurika was a mix of collaboration and experimentation. We exchanged ideas, building on sparks like an Afrobeats groove or a hip-hop rhythm. The most experimental concepts were sent to our producers in Nigeria. Once the beats were set, we returned to refine the blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, disco, and dancehall.
The EP was recorded in Lagos. How did the city's vibrant energy influence the music on this project?
Recording the EP in Lagos infused it with the city's vibrant energy. Lagos is chaotic yet beautiful, and that pulse shaped the rhythms and grooves of our music. From street sounds to nightlife, the city's influence made the project feel alive. Its imperfections pushed us to blend Afrobeats with global genres while staying true to our heritage.
You mention that Añurika is a celebration of your Nigerian heritage. Can you share more about how your roots specifically influenced the sound and themes of this EP?
Añurika is deeply rooted in our Nigerian heritage, reflected in both its sound and themes. Growing up connected to Igbo culture, we incorporated native instruments, rhythms, and languages into the music. The fusion of Afrobeats with highlife and traditional Igbo sounds forms the project's backbone, staying true to our roots while embracing global influences. The EP's themes—love, pride, unity, and identity—mirror our Nigerian upbringing. Songs like "Nakupenda" blend our heritage with universal stories, while tracks on resilience capture the spirit of the Nigerian people. Añurika is more than an EP; it's a celebration of our origins.
The track “Enjoy Life” sets the tone for the EP with its message of living fearlessly. What inspired you to convey this particular message, and how do you hope it resonates with listeners?
"Enjoy Life" was inspired by the idea of living fearlessly and embracing the present. In a world full of pressure to chase success and perfection, we wanted to remind ourselves—and our listeners—of the importance of joy and freedom. Balancing multiple cultures and expectations taught us to pause and truly enjoy life. We hope this message resonates, encouraging listeners to celebrate small wins, take risks, and live boldly. Life is too short to hold back, and "Enjoy Life" is our way of saying: live fearlessly.
“Napukenda” is a love song with a Swahili title. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track and what it means to you personally?
We wanted this track to capture a love that transcends boundaries, which is why we chose a Swahili title. "Nakupenda" represents not just our personal connection, but also our bond with Africa as a whole. For us, it reflects the vulnerability, joy, and commitment of love. It's a reminder of love's power to unite and uplift, and we hope listeners feel that devotion when they hear it.
“Where You Dey” explores themes of despair and seeking connection with God. How did you channel these themes into the music, and what do you hope listeners take away from this song?
"Where You Dey" explores feeling lost and seeking a deeper connection with God. We wanted the music to reflect the emotional weight of those moments—where despair meets hope. The instrumental's haunting melody and slow, pulsating beat create a reflective, spiritual feel. We channeled these themes into raw, vulnerable lyrics, speaking directly to the sense of abandonment and calling out for guidance. The blend of Afrobeats with a somber tone adds depth, allowing listeners to feel both the pain and the solace in knowing they're not alone. We hope the song offers comfort and encourages listeners to keep seeking light, even in the darkest times.
Your name, itsENJ, means "it's enjoyment." How do you make sure that joy and positivity are a big part of Añurika, and why is it important to you?
For us, joy is more than just a vibe—it’s a form of resistance. In a world full of struggles, sharing joy through music is our way to push back against negativity. Music can uplift, unite, and heal, which is why Añurika embodies a spirit of celebration. We want listeners to feel happiness and hope every time they hear it.
The EP closes with “On God”, an anthem about overcoming adversity. What was the message you wanted to convey through this powerful track, and how does it sum up the overall theme of Añurika?
“On God” captures the essence of overcoming adversity and trusting in divine guidance. We wanted this anthem to convey that, no matter the challenges, resilience and faith will see you through. It’s about trusting that with hard work, belief, and a higher power, you can overcome anything.
You mentioned frequent trips to Nigeria as part of your journey. How have these trips shaped your music and your understanding of your heritage?
Our frequent trips to Nigeria have deeply influenced our music and understanding of our heritage. Each visit immersed us in the vibrant culture, diverse sounds, and rich traditions that shape our identity. By spending time in Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja, we connected with local musicians, absorbed traditional rhythms, and felt the everyday pulse of Nigerian life. This hands-on experience helped us blend authentic Igbo sounds with contemporary genres, respecting our roots while innovating for a global audience.
How has growing up in New York and Enugu, and now living in LA, influenced your music on Añurika? How do you mix these different cultural influences in your sound?
Growing up in New York exposed us to diverse genres like hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and electronic, influencing our sound with a global perspective and a willingness to experiment. Enugu connected us deeply to our Igbo roots, providing traditional rhythms and melodies that add authenticity and cultural richness to our music.
Living in Los Angeles introduced modernity and innovation, with its vibrant music scene blending genres like disco, dancehall, and Latin influences. This environment helped us incorporate contemporary sounds and production techniques, keeping our music fresh and relevant.
