With his smooth vocals, summery rhythms, and contagious energy, Mightyyout is fast becoming one of Afropop’s freshest faces. Now signed to Davido Music Worldwide, the Port Harcourt-born singer opens up about his journey from MBA Africa to the spotlight, the maternal blessing behind his name, and the feel-good fusion at the heart of his sound.
His silky voice floats over bubbly reggaeton melodies as he gyrates, “Welcome to my party!” In Paradise, his euphoria-soaked jam, Mightyyout, born Neele Lete Victor, ushers listeners into his world of fusion-rich, feel-good music. Signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), the singer is among the next wave of Nigerian superstars making bright, genre-blending pop the new normal.
The Rivers State native first caught ears in 2022 during his stint with the Music Business Academy (MBA) for Africa, appearing on their Fuel & Flames compilation album. Last year, his vocals also closed out the Pepple Street album, further cementing his rising star status.
With a slew of singles and a forthcoming EP slated for release this year, Mightyyout takes us on a tour within his musical world, detailing his come-up journey, the maternal inspiration behind his name, getting signed to DMW music label, his fusion-focused artistry, his love for football, as well as his vision to keep sharing happiness with his music.
How does it feel to be signed to DMW Records?
It feels really good. I feel honored too, because it could have been anybody else, but it’s me. So, it’s destiny.
How did the record deal come about?
Sometime, last year, they were celebrating Chioma Adeleke’s birthday in Jamaica.
My manager and I had sent my songs to a senior brother and friend of mine who was with them in Jamaica. He was listening to the song around Davido, and Davido was trying to Shazam the song, thinking it was a Jamaican artiste he did not know about.
When he couldn’t find it, he asked about the singer and he was surprised that it was a Nigerian that was singing. He became interested in my sound and then calls started coming in. And the rest is history.
What were your earliest music influences?
There was never a moment where I consciously chose to sound like this. I think of it as a gift. Growing up, I listened to the likes of Akon, Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan, and a lot of the OGs. Till now, I like to listen to vintage music. I also listened to Sean Paul; he makes music that is personal to my heart. And it kind of shaped the way I already sound.
Tell us about your creative process.
I engineer my own music. I’ve been like that for the longest time. I remember staying in my friend’s home studio, and whenever he was probably sleeping, I would have the free space to record music. So, I took those little chances to learn how to record myself.
Before I can work with a producer, I prefer to build a relationship outside the music first. I build friendships. It is much easier and everything just flows easily. One other thing about me is that when I’m making music, I like the space to be dark. It is just something I enjoy.
What was your experience like creating music in recording camps like Music Business Academy’s?
MBA played a good role in my life. They helped me in a very good way. Before then, I was just a boy trying to survive and manoeuvre the industry. And I had no idea what I was doing. I was not a student under the MBA; I was just one of the artists.
However, because of the relationship I had with the other students and the officials there, I learned a lot. I met a lot of people including Godwin Tom, who helped me in understanding the music business, to an extent. I met other artists talking about music, the struggles involved, and just dissecting things as much as we could, and it just helped me.
What inspired your name, Mightyyout?
I got the name from my mom. It was not intentionally given to me straight. My mom was talking to me on the phone one day. She lives in Port Harcourt. She prayed on the phone to me, and she was like, “Oh, you’re going to be great in future. You’re going to be a mighty man. You’re going to be a mighty youth.” And that’s the first time I heard that name. And it kind of stuck with me. I started to feel like the name. Since then, I have been using it.
What is the muse behind your latest song, Paradise?
The inspiration behind Paradise is just a feeling I got from chilling with my guys in the studio. We were just talking about the summertime and how it feels: good vibes, good energies, healthy living and having fun. That’s what the song is about.
What shapes the stories you sing about?
My music is love. It is my experiences, my reality, and everything around me. That’s why I’m excited about the forthcoming EP. I’ve been recording a lot and making a lot of music. Whether I’m in pain or I’m happy, I just make music.
What other records are we expecting from you?
My forthcoming EP represents years of hard work. I really am excited about it, because I know that people would get to understand and view Mightyyout on a broader scale. I also have some legendary collaborations on it.
Any particular collaborations to expect?
I have Davido on my forthcoming project. I can’t wait for that. I’m a very versatile person. I don’t like to say it; because I like people to witness it. I also want to make music with the legendary TuBaba because that’s one of the people that I listened to when I was coming up.
What are your favourite pastimes?
I play football. I’m a very family-oriented person. I like to spend time with my family and friends. I can do any other thing, but these are the major things I do when I’m not making music — family and football.
Finally, what is the vision for your music?
I want people to feel loved whenever they listen to my music. There is a whole lot that I hate about the way the world works now, and if I had to choose a superpower I would want to spread hope and love everywhere. I was raised in the ghetto, and I know how it feels to navigate it up till this point. So, I want people to listen to my music and feel strengthened.
