As part of its ongoing effort to spotlight emerging Nigerian creatives, BellaNaija Features introduced the ‘BN On Our Radar’ series to celebrate artists believed to be the future of Nigerian music. In this installment, the focus is on Solana, a rising voice whose song ‘Okunkun’ has been gaining global attention. In a candid conversation, Solana discussed her musical journey, the meaning of her sound, and the impact she hopes to leave on listeners.
For Solana, the call to music was not a sudden epiphany. “It’s always been a part of who I am,” she tells BellaNaija. “Music has been my way of expressing myself for as long as I can remember, so it never really felt like a choice; it just felt natural.”
Her earliest creative memory dates back to childhood. “The first song I ever wrote was when I was six years old,” she recalls. “Looking back, it was such a funny little song, but I guess that was the beginning.” The first time she actually recorded a song came later, during her second year at university, when a roommate who worked at a recording studio brought her along. “That’s really how I started making music professionally.”
Stepping into that studio helped clarify what she wanted. “Yeah, I realised this was the life I wanted to live,” she says. “Music gives me a sense of freedom. I can go wherever I want emotionally and creatively through it. I’m not confined by anything. It’s my escape, and it’s where I feel the most like myself.”
That sense of purpose developed over time, not overnight. She points out, “I don’t think there was one specific moment. It happened over time, through every song I made and through seeing people genuinely connect with my music. Those experiences kept reminding me that I was on the right path.”
Today, Solana sees herself in an exciting stage of her career. “I’ve grown a lot as an artist, but I still feel like I’m only scratching the surface of what’s possible,” she says. Her song “Okunkun” has been a standout, and she notes, “Okunkun has definitely been one of those moments that reminded me that people connect the most when you’re being your authentic self.”
Her musical identity, which she calls YoruPop, reflects her refusal to be limited. “I’ve learned that I don’t have to fit into a box. YoruPop is a part of Solana. It’s an extension of who I am,” she explains. “I love expressing myself through music, and I never want to feel confined to one sound or one way of creating. My music is very experimental, but no matter where I take it, I always stay true to my core, my identity, and where I come from.”
She also embraces exploration while staying grounded. “I like exploring different sounds, emotions, and ideas while keeping the essence of who I am at the centre. That’s what makes it feel authentic to me.”
As for the legacy she hopes to leave, Solana is focused on the impact on listeners. “I hope that years from now, when people discover my music, they find light,” she says. “I hope they find the courage to express themselves freely, without worrying about being perfect or polished. I want my music to remind people that there’s beauty in being honest and unapologetically yourself.”
Her artistry is deeply shaped by her roots. “A lot of what inspires my artistry comes from my experiences growing up in Lagos as a young girl and now as a woman,” she shares. “Those experiences shaped the way I see the world, the stories I tell, and the emotions I put into my music. My environment, my culture, and everyday life continue to influence me creatively.”
Her ambitions reach beyond personal recognition. “One of my biggest goals is to help share African culture with the world in an authentic way,” she says. “Our culture is rich, beautiful, and incredibly cool, and I want people everywhere to experience it through my music, creating something rooted in where I come from while making it accessible to everyone.”
She defines success not by charts or trophies, but by endurance and meaning. “For me, a truly successful career isn’t just about numbers or awards. It’s about building something that lasts, creating music that people can return to years from now, inspiring others to embrace who they are, and leaving a meaningful mark on the culture.”
With ‘Okunkun’ already making waves internationally and a clear vision guiding her, Solana is steadily carving out a space in the music world. Her commitment to authenticity and cultural pride suggests that the future of Nigerian music is in thoughtful hands.
