Chukwuemeka Gabriel Obi, better known as Le Mav, is a Nigerian record producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ—one of the earliest contributors to the alté sound. Recognized for his unique sonic fingerprint, Le Mav has produced for notable artists including Tay Iwar, Odunsi, Cruel Santino, BOJ, Seyi Vibez, Falz, Tiwa Savage, and Masego.
In 2023, Le Mav earned a Grammy nomination for his contribution to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack (“Anya Mmiri” featuring CKay & PinkPantheress) in the category Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. In 2024, he produced “Ogo” by Seyi Vibez and Tion Wayne, which peaked at No. 3 on the Top 100 Nigerian Songs chart.
From his debut production credit in 2016 to the present, Le Mav’s portfolio reflects not just his production genius but his profound impact on Nigerian music.
We caught up with the sonic architect of the alté sound in the latest edition of Behind The Booth.
1. Early Days, Influences and Musical Journey
SOLID MAG: Your first production credit was Situationship with Odunsi & Aylo in 2016. They say firsts are unforgettable. Looking back now, how much would you say that song set the path for your journey as a music producer?
Le Mav: Situationship was a moment. I was still in uni, balancing classes and trying to make music. I didn’t expect the song to do as well as it did, especially at that time. It definitely taught me the value of chasing my passions.
SOLID MAG: You started playing the piano at just four years old, along with other instruments, and quickly excelled. Music has clearly been a natural calling for you. But what initially sparked your interest in music production, and how did your journey unfold?
Le Mav: Kanye West. When I was in high school, I was obsessed with Late Registration and Graduation—especially Flashing Lights. At some point, a classmate gave me a cracked copy of FL Studio, and from then on, it was a wrap. I’d spend hours trying to recreate beats from songs I liked and make something in that vein.
SOLID MAG: Can you remember the first beat you ever made?
Le Mav: I absolutely cannot remember my first beat—and for good reason. That shit was probably terrible. But with every great endeavor, you’ll look like a fool at the beginning.
SOLID MAG: Up until Stranger, most of your work had been solely music production. What inspired the transition to songwriting?
Le Mav: Stranger was inspired by an R&B song by B. Lewis called "Strange Things", hence the name Stranger. Tay, being a songwriting genius, took that and ran with it—that’s how Stranger in My Head came about. So technically, my first songwriting credit was just alignment. I’ve always been a lyric lover, so it made me want to get into the songwriting process more.
SOLID MAG: Were there any specific producers or artists who influenced your sound when you first started making music?
Le Mav: Still Kanye West, but also Timbaland, No I.D., Just Blaze, Sarz, Don Jazzy, and Beats by Jayy (may he rest in peace).
2. Creative Process & Sound
SOLID MAG: It’d be hard to tell that the same person who produced Ogo also produced Born Again. When collaborating with artists, how do you tailor your production to their style while still maintaining your essence?
Le Mav: Tailoring my sound to the artist was something I did when I first started producing. With more experience, I realized my strength is bringing artists out of their comfort zones. That was the vibe with Seyi—he wanted something soulful, and we crafted that pocket together. Born Again was also Santi wanting to go deeper into an indie-hip-hop fusion. For me, the music always comes first.
SOLID MAG: You're recognized as a genre-blender. How would you describe your signature sound?
Le Mav: My signature sound is rooted in emotion—usually nostalgia. I love making people feel something familiar but slightly new.
SOLID MAG: Do you have any rituals before starting work on a track?
Le Mav: Lately, I’ve been in touch with my faith. I had a session with Bkay, and we made an incredible song. We both agreed God was in the room. So now, my ritual is inviting God into every session to make it special.
SOLID MAG: How do you typically approach a new song?
Le Mav: Sometimes I go off muscle memory and get the idea down quickly. Other times, I try to think outside the box and create something completely fresh. My go-to these days is definitely starting with the guitar.
SOLID MAG: What’s the most challenging part of the song-making process for you?
Le Mav: Understanding what the song wants to be. As a producer, I believe it’s my job to find the best way a song can be brought into the world. Experience has taught me that ego must leave the room—nothing is more important than the song reaching its full potential sonically.
SOLID MAG: How do you know a song is finished?
Le Mav: After a while, songs tell you when they’re done. I used to overproduce in my early years, but now I believe less is more. I spend less time adding layers and more time making sure the foundation is strong.
3. Projects & Collabs
SOLID MAG: You’ve worked with a wide range of talented artists, including Santi, Odunsi, Amaarae, CKay, and Seyi Vibez. What makes a collaboration exciting for you?
Le Mav: Working with talented people is always exciting. Everyone’s life experience affects how they create—from melody choices to word choices. Watching that unfold is inspiring.
SOLID MAG: Is there a collaboration you’ll never forget? What made it stand out?
Le Mav: Heat. That song changed my life in ways I still haven’t fully understood because more keeps unfolding. It came from such a pure place that Tay and I both tapped into. The song speaks for itself. I’ve never heard anything quite like it.
SOLID MAG: Gold and Gold II are such beautiful works of art. You’ve known Tay Iwar since 2017, and since Heat (amazing record, by the way), every collab has been fire! Tell us about your friendship with Tay and how a random link-up in Abuja led to one of the most exciting duos in Nigerian music.
Le Mav: A mutual friend told me about Tay and said we’d click. The first time we met, we talked for hours about music and life, and I knew we’d be friends for a long time. We started working on songs individually, then eventually created Gold because our chemistry was undeniable.
SOLID MAG: It’s kinda early, but... is there going to be a Gold III?
Le Mav: Who knows what the future holds? Haha.
SOLID MAG: Aside from Kaytranada, are there any dream collaborations you're eyeing?
Le Mav: Definitely Sarz!
4. Industry & Growth
SOLID MAG: Being part of the Black Panther soundtrack was a big deal—and then it got nominated for Best Soundtrack at the Grammys. What was your reaction? And if you could go back to the J-Street band days and tell young Mavi one thing, what would it be?
Le Mav: That was unexpected but so welcome. Shout out to my guy Doz for letting me know where and when the sessions were, and to P. Priime for working on the song with me. Funny enough, I feel like I manifested the Grammy nom. My producer friends—Jonnywood, Rayo, and I—used to joke about becoming Grammy-nominated. And that same year, we all got nominated for different projects. I’d tell young Mavi to keep pushing—you never know what’s possible until you try.
SOLID MAG: Not every producer is also a multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and songwriter. What drives your continuous growth in such a fast-evolving industry?
Le Mav: Love and passion for music. There’s a purity in creating that feels bigger than me—it’s a calling.
SOLID MAG: You’ve been in the alté scene for nearly a decade. As one of its earliest contributors, what challenges did *alté* artists and producers face back then, and what still persists today?
Le Mav: Alté music was always funny to me—you never know what sticks. But the name stuck, and we got stuck with it. When you’re doing something different, people often don’t understand it, and that misunderstanding can turn into resentment. That’s still a challenge. People’s art is sacred and should be treated as such.
SOLID MAG: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about being a producer?
Le Mav: It’s mostly a thankless job, but when it’s fulfilling, it’s the most satisfying job in the world. I wish people respected the role more. Without producers, all we'd have are acapellas of our favorite songs.
5. Personal Touch
SOLID MAG: Outside of music, what are some of your passions or hobbies that influence your artistry?
Le Mav: Honestly, I enjoy reading and gaming. But most of my passions still orbit around music—especially instrumentals. I taught myself guitar, and I want to become an incredible guitarist within the next two years.
SOLID MAG: What are your top five songs of all time? (No particular order.)
Le Mav: I can’t say “of all time” because it changes, but right now, my five would be:
- Flashing Lights – Kanye West
- Intro (The Warm Up) – J. Cole (It’s an interlude, but I love the piano on it)
- MA.A.D City – Kendrick Lamar
- Pound Cake – Drake
- New Law – Mikky (Been listening to him a lot lately—definitely a favorite)
SOLID MAG: If you weren’t doing music, what do you think you’d be doing?
Le Mav: Omo! I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else. Music feels like my destiny. I’d be lying if I said otherwise.
SOLID MAG: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to up-and-coming producers?
Le Mav: Practice in secret, show out in public. It takes longer than you expect to become great. You can document your journey, but the camera won’t capture the depth of the effort it takes. So: practice in secret, but when it’s time to perform—go all out.
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