From the heart of Benin City to the bustling rhythms of Lagos, a new voice in Afro-fusion has just started his rise, one that carries both the weight of tradition and the pulse of the present. His name is Lenche, born Iyalekhue Samuel Osaretin on November 1, and his story is as layered as the music he makes, with a style he proudly describes as a blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, and soul. Lenche is not just creating songs; he’s crafting a lasting sound that speaks directly to the spirit of a generation.
Raised in Edo State, Lenche’s earliest influences came from a community alive with music of all genres: from old-school records to local rhythms, and live performances that fueled his curiosity. His first step into artistry began in the church choir, where he honed his vocal strength and gained the confidence to perform in front of live audiences. That foundation gave him more than just technical skills; it gave him a deep respect for melody and storytelling, both of which form the backbone of his work today.
By 2019, Lenche had officially embarked on his music journey, determined to translate his life experiences into sound. Because he was inspired by the struggles he witnessed and endured, he began weaving themes of resilience, awareness, and motivation into his lyrics. His voice, an alto range with a raw, soulful edge, became his instrument of truth. “My music tells where I’m from and how we live,” he explains, emphasising that his art isn’t just about rhythm, but about reflection.
Lenche’s breakthrough moment came in 2023 when he delivered his first club performance. The night marked a turning point, proof that his sound could resonate beyond small circles and connect with a wider audience. It was also a preview of what was to come: bold, emotional, and unafraid to experiment. His ability to shift seamlessly between motivational ballads, party anthems, and emotionally heavy tracks has quickly become one of his defining traits, setting him apart from the sea of newcomers in Nigeria’s ever-expanding music scene.
Currently signed under IP Records/Igbóro Prophecy Entertainment Ltd, Lenche is preparing to release his highly anticipated single, “My Way,” on September 7, 2025. The track, described as a motivational anthem, is expected to spotlight his talent for blending the energy of Afro-dancehall with the depth of Afro-soul and be represented as not just his latest project, but his vision for music: to awaken listeners, keep them aware, and leave behind a sound that stands the test of time.
While Lenche has yet to secure major awards or high-profile collaborations, his ambitions are crystal clear. He names Burna Boy, Lil Durk, and Tems as inspirations and envisions one day collaborating with them to take his music global. For now, his focus remains on growing his fan base organically through live performances, social media connections, and the genuine storytelling he possesses, which has already started building a loyal following.
Though he is still in his early 20s, Lenche is still in the early chapters of his career, but his trajectory already carries promise. From choir stages in the metropolis of Benin City to the club lights of Lagos, his journey is proof that great music is born from both struggle and vision, and in an industry often crowded with fleeting sounds, Lenche is aiming for something different: a legacy, a fusion of the past and present of rhythm and reflection. And if his story so far is anything to go by, Lenche is not just another newcomer; he is an Afro-fusion artist determined to inspire a generation, one song at a time.
