US Singer Jon Batiste, the Grammy-winning American artist, has disclosed that he has recorded “half of my next album” during his recent trip to Nigeria.
The 37-year-old musician, originally from Louisiana, is in Nigeria through the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), which is dedicated to advancing development across Africa. During an event on Tuesday, US Singer Jon Batiste shared that he collaborated with various Nigerian artists over the past ten days, resulting in the completion of half of his upcoming album.
He also conveyed his admiration for Nigerian culture and cuisine, particularly highlighting his enjoyment of Jollof rice.
“The 10 days I have been here feels like a month. It feels like so much has happened. The flavours, you feel when you eat it, it is visceral,” he said.
“… I have made music with people. I probably have half of my next album already. The range of experience is so synthesized. There is so much in every moment.
“I believe music is a spiritual. Music can create something greater than entertainment. That is why I feel called to be here. I do not even know what the future holds, I am just grateful to Mr. Gates’ Foundation.”
US Singer Jon Batiste started to gain prominence at 17 when he released his debut album ‘Times in New Orleans’. He has received five Grammy Awards, including the prestigious ‘Album of the Year’ for his 2021 work, ‘We Are.’ Recently, he was featured on ‘Adedamola,’ an album by Afrobeats artist Fireboy.
In other related news, Nigerian singer-songwriter Fireboy DML and Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste have collaborated on a new track titled ready featured on Fireboy DML’s latest album, adedamola. This exciting collaboration merges Fireboy DML’s Afrobeat influences with Jon Batiste’s acclaimed jazz and soulful sound, creating a unique and captivating musical blend. ready stands out with its rich, multi-layered composition, combining Fireboy DML’s energetic vocals and modern Afrobeat rhythms with Jon Batiste’s soulful instrumentation and jazz influences.
The track, ready, by Fireboy DML & Jon Batiste explores themes of anticipation and readiness, delivering a powerful and emotive experience for listeners. You can listen to ready by Fireboy DML & Jon Batiste here.