After his major interview flop, Nigerian/American, Jidenna seems to have made it good with his Nigerian fans.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Jidenna spoke on topics ranging from how much his Nigerian heritage has influenced his music, to the idea behind the now-popular phrase, “Classic Man“, and which Nigerian artiste he feels is gaining global reputation.

Read the interview below: –

What kind of influence do you feel “African” music has on your works?
Oh, it’s profound. Even if the production doesn’t feel African, the vocal delivery — singing through
your nose. Specifically, Highlife music from Nigeria. That was the first music I ever heard as a child. So singing through my nose is something I do often, and that’s directly rooted in my heritage.

At large, I feel like we’re entering into a time when hip-hop music in the states, and pop and hiplife and all types of genres across the African continent are emerging, in general. I think they’ll be even more influential as I continue.

Which Nigerian artiste do you feel is ” really blowing up right now”?
Wizkid, of course, in the U.K. — his sound is undeniable. I love his voice, I love his production team. I was just hanging out with them recently. He’s definitely be one where I’m looking forward to what’s to come, and I love his catalog already.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to release a bundle of songs for the fall. I think people are ready for it, they want something new for the fall. “Classic Man” was something that got them through the summer — they need something to keep them cozy as the seasons change.

Also I’m going on tour with Stromae, so I’m really excited about that. He feels like a kindred spirit, like a distant cousin from another continent. We’re definitely different, and have different sounds, but I think the similarities are remarkable, not knowing him personally. I’m really excited.