Get To Know Gabzy: The Afrobeats Star Growing In His Genre-Fluid Glow (Afro Nation 2025 Interview)
This official interview at Afro Nation Portugal 2025with Gabzy was conducted by Norman Busigu and Hannah Ajala-Rahman. Special thanks goes to Zeitgeist Agency.
Norman Busigu and Gabzy at Afro Nation Portugal 2025 - backstage during our interview
With 30 something-thousand sun kissed spirits whining their waists to Wizkid, Gbese-ing to Burna Boy and dancing to Davido on the sandy shores of the Praia Da Rocha beach in Portugal, Afro Nation currently stands as the world's largest celebration of African music and culture. I (Norman Busigu) had the privilege of being Official Press during their landmark 2025 edition.
Image supplied by Afro Nation
Since launching in 2019, Afro Nation has played a part in helping global stars such as two-time Grammy winner Tyla reach headline status on major mainstream festival line-ups around the world. The 2025 festival was its biggest to date: this highly anticipated fifth anniversary edition of the festival was headlined by Burna Boy, Davido and Tems, and took place from 9th-11th July 2025. The 2026 edition promises to be even bigger and better…
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Working in association with the likes of Hennessy, Converse, Rolling Stone Africa, Spotify, BBC 1XTRA and Visit Portugal, Afro Nation continues to evolve into a truly global entity attracting the biggest brands, stakeholders and greatest talents and from all over the world. And with this, artists across the spectrum - be they in the upper echelons of the industry, or emerging – are presented with the opportunity and platform to significantly propel their profile on this global stage.
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And it is within this diverse mix of talents that we found Gabzy listed on the billing, making his return to the Afro Nation stage after his 2023 debut. Genre fluid in his approach (uniquely blending Afrobeats with UK Soul and other influences), he for some time has stood out as one of the more captivating voices and songwriters in the Afrobeats universe, for his unique introspective exploration of themes surrounding love and emotions. With songs such as “In Fact” “Perfect Combi” and “Toxic”, the smooth sounding serenader has begun carving his own lane within Afrobeats soundscapes, and is continuing his steady ascension. And at the end of his set – this being my first time seeing him live - I could clearly see that he left the ladies smitten for more.
Image supplied by Afro Nation
Image supplied by Afro Nation
Fresh off his performance on Lit Stage, I had about 15 minutes in a private booth backstage with Hannah Ajala-Rahman to pick his brains with a quickfire round of questions. We gained insight into his signature sound, his current state of mind, and journey within the industry.
What is Gabzy’s heritage?
He proudly informed us of his British-Nigerian background, having grown up in Peckham, South East London - aka Little Lagos(!)
What is Gabzy’s history with Afro Nation?
This is his second Afro Nation, having performed also in 2023. He was very happy to be returning, reflecting that he had time to grow up since 2023 – in these last two years, he has gained a bigger audience and matured as an artist.
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Known for having have a smooth sounding aura, is this signature sound one which Gabzy wants to stay with, or develop?
Gabzy explained that his music is a reflection of him. While he does enjoy the challenge of testing himself with more upbeat rhythms, he will maintain the calm, smooth signature sound he is known for.
What was Gabzy’s breakthrough project?
Almost immediately and with full assurance, he said “Summers” (the 2019 EP). He expressed that he was in a different space when he made that project. Fast forward to Afro Nation 2025 – he is currently feeling different things, meaning that his sound has evolved since Summers.
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What does Gabzy look out for when collaborating with others?
He highlighted that above all, he needs to be a fan of the artist he eventually collaborates with. With excitement and reverence, he explained that he was a big fan of Fireboy DML before he blew up, and he expressed to Fireboy DML that he was a big fan! For Gabzy, a love for their work is critical, as it will translate into their chemistry, and ultimately in the music they create. The two would go on to make the smash song “So Much Sense”.
Did Gabzy come into the industry knowing his sound was his niche?
Gabzy highlighted that he was cognisant of a gap in the market within the Afrobeats soundscape for songs that conceptually explore emotions such as heartbreak (an experience which most/all go through). He also was affirmed that his approach was working, as he knew there was a demand for his music, despite not dropping for 3 years.
Images supplied by Afro Nation.
My separate full review of Afro Nation Portugal 2025 can be read here via PFTD.
