Nigerian artist Kitay is set to drop his new single “Joanna” in 2026, featuring the unmistakable storytelling style of rapper Magnito. The song is warm, catchy, and easy to connect with — the kind of track that feels simple but hits the right spot.

“Joanna” was inspired by a real moment. Kitay describes seeing a girl whose presence left him breathless. “Her body was stunning… in my mind I said, I no dey breathe again. Come be my inhaler, come save me.”

That playful spark became the heart of the song, and the name Joanna fit the vibe perfectly.

Born Okotete Okiemute, Kitay has grown from singing across different choirs in Warri to becoming a standout name on Project Fame and The Voice Nigeria. His sound has continued to evolve — blending melody, emotion, and Afrobeats in a way that feels authentic to him. With past releases like “Ogogoro” and “Kwete”, he has shown consistency and range.

Magnito’s verse adds flavor and personality, giving the track a balanced mix of charm, humor, and groove.

“Joanna” by Kitay featuring Magnito drops in 2026.

 

From The Studio To The Spotlight with Kitay

Issue 7.0 Nov. 2025

Interview conducted by Olulana Mofiyinfoluwa

Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba

Q. You started singing in the church choir. What parts of that foundation still shape your sound today?

A. I started singing in church as a lead singer and the first time I ever held a microphone to sing was 2010 and that’s where I learnt how to be versatile cus I was singing in all the choirs including traditional choir groups.

Q. Growing up in Warri, what memories or cultural influences do you feel molded the artist you’ve become?

A. Growing up in Warri and listening to Urhobo traditional music which I loved because of the amazing notes and tone ,I could not but copy so much from it and shaped into my style of singing.

Q. Before Project Fame and The Voice Nigeria, what was the hardest part of navigating the early days of your career?

A. Hardest part of Navigating the early days of my career, was getting financial support or making enough money to leave everything and focus on just music, I had to work on the side and school so it wasn’t easy.

Q. Was there a defining moment when you realized music wasn’t just a passion but your life’s path?

A. The defining moment was when I noticed that every time I sing ,and I went for a Warri gospel competition and I came out the top singer  effortlessly.

Q. You’ve experienced two major talent platforms. How did Project Fame shape you differently from The Voice Nigeria?

A. Project fame taught me literally everything I know about stage performance and I’ll say The Voice just amplified all that I already had and learnt over the years.

Q. What lessons did each stage teach you about performance, vulnerability, and audience connection?

A. It taught me that it’s not just about talent but also hardwork and character.

Q. Looking back, what would you tell your younger self walking into Project Fame for the first time?

A. I’ll go into project fame and do the same thing I did.

Q. How would you describe the evolution of “Kitay” — the artist — from your early singles to your sound today?

A. My evolution as an artiste has been mind blowing, from just a vocalist who always struggled to do afrobeat to now messing around with everything I come across and becoming very versatile in Afrobeats.

Q. What elements of your music today feel like reinvention, and what feels like a return to your core essence?

A. right now I always find a way to infuse everything because I actually can do everything and add a bit of my vocals which is my core.

Q. Has your artistic identity ever clashed with industry expectations? How did you navigate that?

A. No my artistic identity never clashed with industry expectations, I just needed to define and find my sound from how good I was already vocally.

Q. When you walk into the studio, what kind of energy, mindset, or ritual sets the tone for your best work?

A. When I step into the studio all I need is space to be with myself and no matter the mood I’ll always deliver.

Q. What’s the most transformative song you’ve made — the one that changed something inside you during recording?

A. my most transformative song would be a song I haven’t put out yet but soon!

Q. People see the spotlight but rarely the struggle. What has been your most personal battle on this journey?

A. My most personal battles are mainly having to deal with life and chasing my music career, sometimes it looks like you’re not serious or putting in the work or enough work from people only looking from the outside ,but nothing good comes easy, honestly some of these issues could make you quit music for good, even with signing bad contracts and they made you look stupid and wasted your time for no reasonable reason.

Q. How did you push through moments when the industry slowed down or doors weren’t opening?

A.  Seeing my audience grow has been exciting and only gives me more reason to always keep pushing because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel already, so yeah I know I’ll get there finally.

Q. What story are you telling right now as Kitay — the artist in motion?

A. The story I’m telling right now is a lot, but mainly focusing on love and connections felt between two people.

Q. What does performing live do for you that recording can’t?

A. Performing live helps me to express the song better and fully with no restrictions.

Q. What impact do you hope your music has on young artists coming from places like Warri who look up to you?

A. I hope my music inspires younger ones from Warri about pushing for excellence, because when it comes to my music I put out, I give my best always.

Q. You’ve teased new music and a forthcoming EP. What should fans expect from this next chapter?

A. from this next chapter fans should expect all the heat because I have so much coming that I am certain they are not ready and it will definitely be I believe, because now they get to really hear me in my full afrobeat element.

Q. If you could leave your listeners with one line that captures who Kitay is right now— what would that line be?

A. Just a boy from Warri Wen get big  dreams.

I don face Many pains, Many defeats..

Even some Family Members dem nor to believe…

But Me I head on strong, Cus na me get the Dream!!!

 “Banga!” – RewardBeatz Talks Hits, Hustle, and the Future of Afrobeats.

Behind The Booth with RewardBeatz "Banga!"

Special Issue Nov. 2025

Interview Conducted by Ayo Fabiyi

Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba

From crafting beats that make the streets move to producing records that top global charts, RewardBeatz has carved his place as one of the most influential producers in Afrobeats today. With smash hits like Buga, RTID, Xtra Cool, and most recently the Kidd Carder and Young Jonn collaboration Calculate II Remix, his sound has become a cultural marker that travels beyond Nigeria to every corner of the world. In this exclusive interview with Solid Guy Magazine, RewardBeatz opens up about his journey, the magic behind his signature tag “Banga,” his creative process, and his vision for the next wave of producers coming after him.

Q. You’ve been behind some of the biggest Afrobeats records of the last few years. Take us back.. how did your journey into music production begin, and what was the turning point where you felt things were really starting to click?

A. My music journey actually started back in my university days. I needed something productive to pour my energy into outside of schoolwork, and music had always been a passion since childhood. That curiosity pushed me into learning production. Then COVID happened, suddenly I had time to really lock in, practice every day, and improve. After the lockdown, I met T-Classic and we created La Cream. From that moment, I knew this wasn’t just a hobby anymore.

Q. You’ve produced massive hits like Buga, RTID, and Xtra Cool. What was it like working on those records, and did you ever imagine they’d travel so far and connect with the world the way they did?

A. Honestly, every time I’m working on a new song, my mindset is always to make something great, something that will connect. So seeing those songs travel like that, makes me so proud. I am so happy to be part of records that became cultural moments. And yes, I always imagine the music going far. You have to believe in the sound first before anyone else does.

Q. You recently produced Kidd Carder and Young Jonn’s Calculate II Remix, which is already buzzing heavy. How did that collaboration happen, and what makes the track special for you compared to your previous works?

A. At the time, I was actually living in the same place as Kidd Carder, so the connection was natural. We’d create just based on vibe... no pressure. Calculate was one of those ideas that felt special from the beginning. The remix with Young Jonn elevated it even more. What stands out for me is the energy and how fresh, youthful, and authentic the song is.

Q. Your producer tag “Banga” has become instantly recognizable. What’s the story behind it, and how important do you think a tag is to a producer’s identity in today’s music scene?

A. Producer tags are like a signature, they give recognition to the mind behind the music. “Banga” came from wanting something short, catchy, and memorable. The moment you hear it, you already know RewardBeatz is responsible for the vibe. In today’s world where producers are stepping into the spotlight more, that identity is important. Plus, a lot of consumers just don't have the energy to go and check the credits.

Q. Your sound balances street vibes with mainstream appeal. How do you approach creating beats that speak to both the culture at home and audiences abroad?

A. Omo i really dont know how to respond to  this question, I just create from the heart. I’m inspired by the streets, the rawness, the bounce but I also pay attention to melodies and elements that feel universal. I don’t overthink it. The music finds its balance naturally.

Q. As someone who’s worked with big names in the industry, what do you look out for in an artist before deciding to collaborate with them?

A. For me, it’s all about the energy and how good the sound is. I’m always open to working with new talents just as much as established names. If the vibe is right and we can make something beautiful together, I’m in.

Q. Producers are often the unsung heroes of the music industry. Do you feel like producers in Afrobeats are finally getting their flowers, or is there still more work to be done?

A. We’re getting more recognition than before, for sure but there’s still plenty of room for growth. Producers are a huge part of Afrobeats’ global success, and the industry is just beginning to fully celebrate that.

Q. Every producer has their creative process. What does a typical studio session with RewardBeatz look like, from idea to finished song?

A. The best way to understand it is to experience it. It’s all vibe-driven. There’s a lot of experimenting, a lot of energy, and most times magic just happens unexpectedly.

Q. Many young producers look up to you. Do you see yourself starting an academy or a platform to mentor and support upcoming producers in the near future?

A. Definitely! At some point, I’d love to mentor upcoming producers and provide opportunities I didn’t have early on. When the time and structure is right, it will happen.

Q. Finally, when people look back at RewardBeatz years from now, what do you want your legacy in music to be?

A. Greatness. I want people to look back and say RewardBeatz played a major role in shaping Afrobeats and pushing the sound forward globally. That’s the mission.

RewardBeatz is not just creating music, he is shaping the culture. Every time you hear that “Banga” tag, remember it is a stamp of history being made. For us at Solid Guy Mag and for every reader tuned in, his journey is a reminder that Afrobeats is in safe hands and the future is already here. Remember to Stay Solid!

 This November, influential designer Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA) celebrates 20 years of defining fashion and creativity by unveiling her Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) line, “The Anniversary Collection,” at a grand showcase in Lagos on November 16th.

For two decades, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi has remained a trailblazer in African fashion, celebrated for her timeless elegance and unique ability to blend vintage glamour with bold African identity. Her journey, from her 2005 debut to international features, has been a masterclass in consistency and reinvention.

The high-profile anniversary event will feature celebrities and models gracing the runway, alongside live performances by two surprise musical acts, creating an unforgettable blend of fashion and art. The production will be led by Elizabeth Elohor, Founder of Beth Model Management, whose creative direction ensures a world-class experience.

In line with her passion for mentorship, LDA will also relaunch the Runway Renaissance, supporting three emerging designers who are redefining sustainability and craftsmanship in Africa.
Reflecting on her journey, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi shared: “Fashion has never been just fabric and thread for me. Clothes hold memories, the scent of celebrations, and the pulse of our ambitions. They are silent witnesses to who we are and who we’re becoming.”

The collection features LDA’s signature grandeur, sculptural sleeves, flowing silhouettes, and meticulous
detailing. Traditional adire fabrics meet modern textures like Chantilly lace, brought to life in a rich color
story: emerald green for growth, gold for triumph, and sunlit yellow for joy.
This milestone celebration is proudly supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,
Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Bank of Industry, Standard Chartered Bank, Heineken, and Privé Events; 
brands that share in LDA’s vision of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural excellence.
Two decades later, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi remains not just a designer, but a storyteller shaping how Africa
expresses beauty, confidence, and culture through fashion.

Delta-born rapper Rukky Trigha, returns with a raw and electrifying new single titled “BANDO BOYZ.” The track is a gritty street anthem built from the ground up in the trap house where real hustle, hunger, and survival shape every bar.

With a powerful blend of drill choruses and heavy trap verses, BANDO BOYZ paints a vivid picture of life in the bando, shorthand for an abandoned house where the struggle unfolds: sleepless nights, recording sessions fueled by ambition, cheap meals, and a constant fight to rise above harsh conditions.

“We are the boys who came up from the bando,” Rukky Trigha states. “We couldn’t afford luxury, but now we’re living good drippin’ in Louis V, iced out, because we never stopped grinding.”

Rebellious and unapologetically authentic, Rukky Trigha embodies the voice of a generation striving for more. The release marks a major milestone for the rising star, who uses his music to honor the pain and perseverance that shaped his come-up.

“I made Bando Boyz to remind myself where I came from. The pain, the hunger, the dreams all started in the bando”. - Rukky Trigha

BANDO BOYZ is more than a record, it’s a statement. A soundtrack for real hustlers who understand the code.

Listen HERE.