At the tender age of only 17 years old, Afrobeats newcomer Khaid is adamant about bringing a youthful feel to the relatively mature landscape of the beloved genre.
Coalescing a unique, well-mixed blend of Afrobeat, Trap and R&B influences, Khaid is a refreshing archetype for what an Afro Trap artist can feel and sound like within the modern era. With an aesthetic comparable to some of his contemporary counterparts: Roddy Ricch, Tems and Polo G, the young African melodic crooner is solidifying his own stake in the game.
By virtue of his penchant for recording freestyle videos coupled with performing on the streets of Lagos for multiple years, Khaid has been able to cultivate an organic buzz and following. As fate would have it, he was discovered by prominent Nigerian multi hyphenate Sydney Talker, who has since signed him to his record label: Neville Records.
With the release of his well-received, international debut single: “With You,”, which dropped in February, the young sensation has already amassed over 677k views on YouTube and has amplified his clout going from 10k followers to 136k followers on Instagram.
Given the fact that he is on the verge of dropping his first EP real real soon, JaJuan Malachi of The Knockturnal found it to be an opportune time to chat with the 17-year-old phenom about his background, future aspirations, how it feels to be a rising teenage star and more.
Here is how the conversation played out:
JaJuan: For those who have yet to hear about you, tell us about your back story and what inspired you to start making music?
Khaid: My name is Khaid, I am the fifth child out of eight children. I was born in Lagos State, Nigeria. I grew up in the streets of Ojo – Shibiri to be precise. Growing up in the streets was not too friendly because I basically came from a poor home. But it didn’t always go bad. The streets for me were just a place to live and learn the basics of how life can be unfavorable sometimes. The streets taught me how to hustle. On the streets, you just have to see a reason to grow.
I was once a car mechanic.
I was inspired to start making music by the influence of those around me, ‘cause I grew up in a family that listened to different genres of music for the love of it. Having friends too who loved music was everything. Freestyling on the streets was everything for me. My friends and I would meet everyday to freestyle on beats.
JaJuan: Who would say are some artists that have had a hand in shaping your sound?
Khaid: Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, Polo G, Juice WRLD, XXXtentacion, Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.
JaJuan: What are some of your biggest motivations?
Khaid: My family, the struggles of street life, and my vision.
JaJuan: How would you describe your sound?
Khaid: I am an Afro trap artist. My sound is diverse in all ramifications. So we change with time.
JaJuan: Outside of music, what are some fun things that you enjoy doing as simply a teenager living in Lagos?
Khaid: I enjoy playing football, I enjoy drawing, and I enjoy checking out fashion.
JaJuan: What are some songs you currently have on your playlist?
Khaid – With You
Crayon – Excuse Me
Polo G – Fortnight
Juice WRLD – Fine China
Juice WRLD – Burn
Polo G – Hollywood
Ruger – Ruger
Juice WRLD & Trippie Redd – Blastoff
Victony – Like That
Dethedon – Hello De
Rema – Woman
Reminisce ft. Buju – Hustle
Ruger – Snapchat
Savage ft Victony – Rosemary
SSG Kobe – Mia
Trippie Redd – Supernatural
SSG Kobe – Sandlot
Juice WRLD – 734
Juice WRLD – conversation
XXXtentacion – Ex Bitch
Jajuan: I know your debut single: “With You” dropped not too long ago. What was the inspiration behind the track?
Khaid: The song was inspired by my mechanic colleague who was in love. He had this girl he was dating at that time, and he complained almost every time that he was tired of the girl being a nag. At work he always told us he wanted the relationship off. But at nighttime after work, I’d see him talking to her with smiles on his face and I would keep on teasing him saying, “You just want to be with this girl,” so I thought about writing something related to his story, and that’s how “With You” came about.
JaJuan: Do you remember your first interaction with Nigerian creator Sydney Talker? How would you describe your dynamic with him?
Khaid: Yes, I do. My dynamic with Sydney Talker is out of the box. He is a brother like blood to me. He is a coach I prayed for. He looks after me in everything. I mean everything beyond music. There’s almost nothing about me that Sydney is not involved in.
JaJuan: If you could work with any artist at the moment, who would it be?
Khaid: Anyone that has a positive message and the perfect melody.
JaJuan: How does it feel to be 17 years old with a record deal? What are some cool things you’ve been able to do now that you weren’t able to before?
Khaid: I feel blessed and thankful to God to have a record deal at 17. I’ll say my creativity has expanded, and having people to guide me on whatever I am doing is the real blessing.
JaJuan: Where do you see yourself five years from now? Will you be solely focused on music or do you plan on expanding your brand beyond it?
Khaid: Five years from now, I see myself still making music, still trying to explore, being a bigger and better version of myself. Time will tell what more I can do. I trust God on this. If you had asked me this question five years ago, I am sure I would not have seen today as the answer. God blew my mind. So it’s safe to say, I can’t fathom the best to come. But I know it’s gonna be massive.
JaJuan: What does Khaid have in store for the rest of 2022?
Khaid: I have an EP dropping soon. And I think that’s the real definition of what my sound is. Diversity…
To keep up with Khaid, follow him on Instagram
