Towards the end of last year, Nigerian musician Nnamdi Odom, professionally known as N0 11, had a major breakout moment with his clubby, Amapiano-heavy record, How Far.

With multiple chart feats, over 25 million song plays and its inevitable influence on our pop culture lexicon, that particular song ushered N0 11’s endearing artistry to a wider fanbase.

Recently, he also collaborated with Davido on their now-viral track, Gimme Dat Ting, signalling his growing acclaim across industry circles. Raised between the United States and Abuja, the young troubadour has morphed into one of the major breakouts from the new wave of Afrobeats artistes.

Catching up with Guardian Music, the pop-fusionist takes us into the building blocks of his alluring soundscape; reflecting on his early influences; muses; lore behind his breakout hits; his Abuja roots; and the global ambitions guiding his next chapter.

What is the story behind NO11? Why did you choose the number 11?

Back in the day, I used to play a lot of sports, and 11 was the number I used. There was also a period when I kept seeing 11 everywhere. I came up with the name when I was around 13 or 14.

When did you discover your talent, and how did you develop it?

I discovered it in middle school after I was sent to boarding school in America. It was quite strict, almost like a semi-military school. The person in charge of our house allowed us to buy equipment and record music, though.

I watched my friends recording one day and said, “Yo, let me hop on this song.” I did, and it was okay, but something about the experience intrigued me. I kept recording whenever I returned home for holidays. I eventually moved back to Nigeria for secondary school and continued making music.

Then quarantine hit, and it became something I developed real passion for. I was so bad at first, but I kept going. My sound gradually changed. I initially had an American, rap-influenced sound, but recently I shifted towards Afrobeats and amapiano. The first song I made that was firmly rooted in amapiano became the first one to take off, which was How far.

When did you record and release your first song? What was your sound and direction at the time?

I recorded my first song in 2021, while the first song I recorded and released came out in 2022. I’ve removed it from digital streaming platforms now. I actually did that before I blew up. It wasn’t a bad song. It was called “Need Me.”

Was it more rap-oriented?

Yeah, it was definitely more rap.

Who were your influences growing up?

During my rap phase, I listened to a lot of modern American rap, including artists like Lil Baby and Roddy Ricch. I also listened to plenty of UK drill. I wasn’t listening to as much Afrobeats as people might expect. I think that is partly why my sound is different now. I started as a rapper and developed from there, but my music was always melodic. It was never hardcore rap. You can hear that influence now because everything I make is still very melodic.

When did Afrobeats begin to enter your sound?

I grew up in Nigeria, so I think it was inevitable. I always listened to Burna Boy, Davido, the Big Three, Asake and all those guys. I listened to all of them, so I think this evolution was bound to happen.

What is the story behind How Far? How did the record come about?

How Far came from another regular day of making music. We were in an apartment, and I didn’t usually go there, but something told me to go and record. Ayjay Bobo was there, and we made the track together. My A&R sent me the beat, then Ayjay said Monochrome wanted to be on it. Monochrome sent his verse over. We encountered some problems on the day of its release. I won’t go into the details, but the release was very abrupt. Something inside me kept saying, “Let’s get this out. No matter how we do it, let’s get it out.” Other people thought I was crazy. They were asking, “How can you drop this song on January 1?” I went ahead with it anyway. I was in the village when it was released.

What is the story behind your collaboration with Davido, Gimme Dat Ting?

After How Far took off, everything was going well and many people reached out to me. Davido was one of the people who showed me love from the beginning. I initially asked him to appear on the remix, but he told me he wasn’t doing remixes this year. A couple of weeks later, he randomly contacted me and said he wanted to be on a new song. He asked me to send him some options. I sent them, and he loved Gimme Dat Ting.

What is your creative process like?

I record myself. I think that has helped me hone my craft because I handle it myself. I mixed and mastered How Far too. Whenever I feel like recording, or I realise I haven’t recorded in a while, I simply do it.

So, your process is more spontaneous and in the moment?

For sure. I would advise any emerging artist to learn how to record themselves. It is much cheaper than constantly going to studios, and that is one advantage I have. I just get the beats and record.

When choosing beats, are you looking to merge different sides of your style, or do you intend to explore amapiano more deeply?

I’m definitely going to return to the roots of the music I made before amapiano. I would say my beat selection is strong and diverse. I’ve recorded many songs that aren’t amapiano. We’re currently trying to determine how to roll them out because we still want to ride the present wave.

When you aren’t making music, what is NO11 doing? Who are you away from the music?

For the past six months, music has literally been everything. If I’m not making music, I’m probably in church. I go to church a lot.

Do you play music in church?

No, I don’t. I’ve never played music in church. I’m sure they’ll call me soon, though. I’m Catholic, and I attend church at the Apostolic Nunciature in Abuja.

How much of Abuja seeps into your artistry? What does that environment do for you?

Abuja is where I grew up for most of my life, and it is where most of my friends are from. Naturally, it reflects in the things I make and the lifestyle surrounding the music. Unlike Lagos, Abuja is very chilled. The pace can still increase when it needs to. I think that is also present in my music. It is very melodic and relaxed, but it can still pick up.

Are there any artists you are looking forward to collaborating with?

Obviously, who wouldn’t want to collaborate with Asake? Everything Asake touches right now is moving. I also want to pursue more global collaborations with artists from the UK and the US. I listen to Central Cee and would really like to collaborate with him. I like RAYE too. Everyone wants a Drake feature, of course, and I would also like to work with Skepta. I grew up listening to many UK artists, so when I think about my dream collaborations, those are some of the people who come to mind.

As one of the figures emerging from the new school, what is the vision for your career as NO11?

As I said, I want to have a more global reach. I want to bridge a gap. It has been great seeing Afrobeats introduced to the world, and I want to expand that movement in a fresh, youthful way. I want to go as far as I can while representing my city because Abuja is a major part of who I am. I also want to remain true to myself through what I say and release. The music should remain fun while still having substance.