Creative Currents with Barbara Alli

Creative Currents with Barbara Alli

Issue 5.0 Sep. 2025

Interview Conducted by Motirolaoluwa Kolade

Design by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q. Who is Barbara Alli?

A. Barbara Alli is a singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and storyteller. At my core, I am a woman who believes in using creativity as a tool to inspire, uplift, and connect people. I like to describe myself as a dreamer and a doer, someone who channels her African roots and global experiences into music and art that speaks to the heart.

Q. Your style of music (Afro-soul) is peculiar. What inspires your music?

A. My inspiration comes from life itself; from my journey, from people’s stories, from love, faith, and even struggles. Afro-soul allows me to blend African rhythms with heartfelt emotions, creating music that is both deeply rooted and universally relatable. My greatest inspiration is the desire to heal and to give hope through sound.

Q. You have been quite an adventurer. From being born in Ghana, to growing in Nigeria, and now living in Vienna. Would you say that influences your creative process?

A. Absolutely. Each place has shaped me. Ghana gave me my cultural foundation, Nigeria gave me strength, energy, and resilience, and Vienna exposed me to diversity, art, and new perspectives. All of these experiences influence my sound, my lyrics, and even how I perform. I like to think of my music as a bridge between Africa and the world.

Q. Your new single, ASIKO which means “time” in Yoruba; what was the inspiration behind the title?

A. ASIKO came from a place of reflection. I was thinking about how everything in life has its own timing — whether it’s success, healing, love, or even pain. Sometimes we want things to happen quickly, but God has His perfect time. That’s what inspired me to call the song ASIKO. It’s a reminder that we are exactly where we need to be at this moment.

Q. You have said ASIKO is a very emotional piece for you. How was the creative process through the writing and recording of the song?

A. It was a very emotional and spiritual journey. I wrote ASIKO during a period of transition in my life, so every word carried a piece of my soul. Recording it was almost like therapy for me — I had to be vulnerable and honest, and I allowed myself to feel every emotion while laying down the vocals.

Q. Was there any point during the creative process that stuck out to you or made you almost give up?

A. Yes, there was a point where I questioned myself  wondering if the world was ready to hear such a vulnerable side of me. But that doubt was exactly why I knew I had to release it. Music isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth. That realization pushed me to keep going.

Q. What is your biggest motivation to keep releasing music?

A. My biggest motivation is the people. Every time someone tells me that my music gave them strength, peace, or joy, it reminds me of why I started. Music is my gift, and I feel a responsibility to share it with the world.

Q. As a personal piece to you, when people listen to ASIKO, what do you expect them to feel?

A. I want people to feel hope. I want them to know that even if life feels delayed or uncertain, their time will surely come. ASIKO is about patience, faith, and trust in God’s timing. If listeners walk away with that reassurance, then I’ve done my job.

Q. What is one event that has stuck out to you since the release of ASIKO?

A. One moment that touched me was when a fan reached out and said the song helped them through a very difficult season. That feedback reminded me that music is bigger than charts or numbers; it’s about touching lives.

Q. What’s next for Barbara Alli? Should we be expecting a new single, concert, or anything?

A. Yes, there’s so much in the works! After ASIKO, my ILEYA is coming soon, and it’s a body of liberation and empowerment. I’m also planning live performances and collaborations that will allow me to connect with my fans more closely. The journey has just begun.

Q. What is your advice to people, especially women, who want to get into the entertainment or music industry but feel like it is too constricted?

A. My advice is: do not wait for permission to shine. The industry has its challenges, but your uniqueness is your power. Stay true to your vision, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and never underestimate the strength of consistency. As women, our voices matter, and the world needs to hear them.