Mr Eazi: The Pioneer of Banku Music

Early Life and Background

Oluwatosin Ajibade, professionally known as Mr Eazi, was born on 19 July 1991 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up in a middle-class family; his father was a pilot, and his mother owned a small business.

At age 16, he moved to Ghana to study at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His time in Ghana profoundly shaped his music, as he immersed himself in the Ghanaian music culture, particularly Highlife and Hiplife, which later influenced his signature “Banku” sound.

Musical Career

Mr Eazi began recording music in 2012 with Pipi Dance, but he gained real traction in 2015 with the single Skin Tight featuring Efya. The song introduced his laid-back Afro-fusion style and quickly spread across Africa and the diaspora.

By 2016, he had become one of the most prominent Nigerian artists redefining Afropop with a minimalist style blending Ghanaian Highlife, Nigerian Afrobeats, R&B, and Banku rhythms.

Key Milestones

• 2015: Breakthrough single Skin Tight (feat. Efya).
• 2016: Hollup (feat. Joey B and Dammy Krane) became a massive hit.
• 2017: Released his first mixtape Accra to Lagos, a project that established him as a cross-border Afrobeats star.
• 2018: Signed with Diplo’s Mad Decent label for international distribution.
• 2019: Launched emPawa Africa, a talent incubator program to support young African artists like Joeboy and J.Derobie.
• 2020: Collaborated with J Balvin (Arcoíris) and Major Lazer (Oh My Gawd feat. Nicki Minaj & K4mo).
• 2022: Dropped singles like Legalize and Personal Baby, teasing his debut album.
• 2023: Released his much-anticipated debut album The Evil Genius.

Style and Influence

Mr Eazi is best known for pioneering Banku Music, a fusion of:

• Afrobeats,
• Ghanaian Highlife,
• R&B and mellow vibes.

His sound is minimalist yet groovy, focusing on mid-tempo beats, catchy hooks, and a laid-back vocal style. He often sings in English, Pidgin, and a mix of Ghanaian languages, bridging Nigeria and Ghana culturally.

Discography

Mixtapes & Albums

1. About to Blow (2013) [Mixtape]
2. Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos (2017)
   • Leg Over
   • Business (feat. Mugeez)
   • In the Morning (feat. Big Lean)
   • Fight (feat. DJ Cuppy)
3. Life is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London (2018)
   • London Town (feat. Giggs)
   • Surrender (feat. Simi)
   • Property (feat. Mo-T)
4. The Evil Genius (2023) [Debut Studio Album]
   • Legalize
   • Advice
   • Show Dem (feat. Angelique Kidjo)
   • Chop Time, No Friend

Notable Singles

• Pipi Dance (2012)
• Skin Tight (feat. Efya, 2015)
• Hollup (2016)
• Leg Over (2017)
• Pour Me Water (2017)
• Property (2018)
• Dabebi (feat. King Promise & Maleek Berry, 2018)
• Oh My Gawd (with Major Lazer, Nicki Minaj & K4mo, 2020)
• Legalize (2022)

Collaborations

Mr Eazi has worked with top African and global stars including Sarkodie, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, J Balvin, Major Lazer, and Nicki Minaj.

Awards and Recognition

• Nominated at BET Awards for Best International Act.
• Won Headies Next Rated (2016).
• Recognized by international media such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, and The FADER.
• His company emPawa Africa is credited with discovering and supporting breakout stars like Joeboy.

Conclusion

Mr Eazi is not only a singer but also a visionary entrepreneur and cultural bridge between Nigeria and Ghana. With his unique Banku sound, international collaborations, and talent incubation efforts, he has helped shape the global Afrobeats movement and remains one of Africa’s most innovative music ambassadors.