Cyril… RnB maestro starts strong with “Jamila”

Cyril Onyebuchi is fresh on the radar of emerging Nigerian RnB pop-stars worth a listen. The maestro, who is professionally known as Cyril, has a deep command of his singing technique, crafting romantic records with heavy replay value.

In his latest and debut record, “Jamila”, the young bard reflects this same strength, creating a heartfelt song about unrequited love. Laying up to his debut extended play — and, by extension, his first chapter as Cyril, “Jamila” is a powerful record poised to introduce listeners to his artistry.

Catching up with Guardian Music, on this take-off point, Cyril ushers us into his creative world, reminiscing on his earliest attempts at making music; his creative process and muses; as well as his mission to create music replete with originality and composed to remain ageless.

How did you get into music?
I got into music at a young age, growing up in a home surrounded by music. My mum was a great singer, so it came naturally to me. I joined the children’s choir at church and realised that I loved singing. As I grew older, I began exploring different genres and started experimenting with creating my own music. The moment I started writing and composing, I realised it was something I wanted to do professionally.

Tell us about your latest record. What inspired it?
My latest song, “Jamila,” was inspired by a personal experience—falling in love with someone who didn’t quite feel the same way. It was my way of expressing my feelings for her at the time. It’s a love song wrapped with creative melodies I felt could best convey my story.

What’s your creative process?
My creative process usually starts with the flow, then I work on lyrics. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by something I’ve seen or experienced, and other times it’s just about getting into the studio and seeing what flows naturally. I like to keep things organic and let the music lead me. Collaboration also plays a big role, whether it’s with producers, other artists, or even just friends offering feedback.

Who were your earliest music influences?
My earliest influences were artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy, whose music really shaped my approach to sound and storytelling. These artists inspired me not just with their music but with the way they connected with their audiences. I was also drawn to the R&B and Pop genres, which taught me a lot about melodies and vocal control.

Who do you look forward to collaborating with?
There are so many incredible artists out there, and I’m always open to new collaborations. Oxlade, Victony, and Omah Lay are at the top of my list because of their unique melodies. I really connect with their music, and I feel like we could create something special together. It’s always exciting to see how different styles can blend to bring out something new.

What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m focused on promoting this new record and building my fan base. Beyond that, I’m always working on new music and exploring different sounds. I’ve got a few projects in the works, including my first EP so stay tuned for that. I just want to enjoy the process and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

What’s the vision for your artistry?
For me, it’s all about staying authentic and true to myself. My vision is to keep evolving as an artist and continuing to grow creatively. I want to create timeless music and inspire others the way I was inspired.