Nigerian-born artist Dantiti returns with renewed energy on his latest single, “Big Big Tinz,” a vibrant release that captures the essence of his journey across Afrobeats, Afrofusion, rap, and R&B. Raised in Benin City and shaped by musical influences spanning from Notorious B.I.G. to Fela Kuti, Dantiti has steadily carved out a sound that balances infectious grooves with introspective storytelling, all while maintaining creative independence through his own iDope Records. From early beat-making days in Nigeria and Ghana to refining his vision in the UK, his evolution as both artist and producer has been marked by intention, versatility, and resilience. In this interview, Dantiti opens up about his creative process, the story behind “Big Big Tinz,” and how his roots, experiences, and ambition continue to drive his music forward
How did your upbringing in Nigeria and your experiences in the UK influence your musical style?
Growing up in Nigeria gave me that solid foundation into music. The UK’s Afro-swing shaped my Afrofusion’s journey. Back then in Nigeria, I listened to the likes of B.Young and Not3s. Not knowing I was gonna end up in the UK too.
What message do you hope listeners take away from “Big Big Tinz”?
Never to think any dream is too big. The things we held ourselves back from achieving due to fear, lack of confidence, or opportunities are what we should strive for.
How do you experiment with different genres while maintaining a cohesive sound?
It depends on the vibe and the beat. I don’t incorporate all into one song. I treat each influence like a different colour on the same palette and let the song decide which ones show up most. The balance comes from staying authentic. The fusion works when it feels natural, not calculated.
Can you share the story behind the beat originally being made for Davido and how you made it your own?
After finishing my EP, Leo told me he has a beat made for Davido and wanted me to do something with it. And that’s how I had and made Big Big Tinz with it.
How does your background in marketing inform the way you release and promote your music?
I see myself as a brand, which helps me maintain a consistent identity across all platforms. Digital marketing strategies, like leveraging social media and collaboration, are essential for reaching new fans and building excitement around releases.
When writing songs, do you start with lyrics, melody, or beats, and how did that process work for this track?
There’s no one-way process to writing songs. For this song, it started with the beat because the beat was already made, before the melody then before I penned down the lyrics.
What role does rhythm play in your songwriting and production?
Rhythm is everything in my songwriting and production. It drives the energy of the song and creates a groove that listeners can feel. A strong rhythm shapes the melody and gives each track its unique vibe, making it more engaging and memorable.
Are there any artists, past or present, that you drew inspiration from while creating this single?
None to be honest.
How do you see “Big Big Tinz” shaping your next steps as an artist?
“Big Big Tinz” is a game-changer for me. It’s opening up new opportunities and helping me reach a wider audience. The response has been amazing, and it’s motivating me to explore more creative directions in my music.
Looking back at your debut single “Sweet Carolina” and this latest release, how would you describe your evolution?
Looking back at “Sweet Carolina,” I’ve grown a lot as an artist. My sound has matured, and I’m more confident in my creativity. “Big Big Tinz” showcases my development in production and songwriting, reflecting deeper themes and a stronger connection with my audience. It’s all about evolving while staying true to myself.
PR: Decent Music PR