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Nigeria needs to embrace hip-hop, other alternative genres – Psycho YP

Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi, popularly known as ‘Psycho YP’, is a Nigerian rapper with passion for music.

Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi, popularly known as ‘Psycho YP’, is a Nigerian rapper with passion for music.

Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi, popularly known as ‘Psycho YP’


The Abuja based artiste who has his roots in the South-South region of Nigeria, Rivers State, but has lived the major part of his life in Abuja, has risen to become one of the most sought-after artistes in the Nigerian music scene.

Psycho YP has released a number of EPs like ‘Lost In The Sauce’, ‘This Is What You Wanted’ and others. In this interview, he shares his journey into the entertainment industry among other issues.

At what point did you decide it was music you wanted to do?
As a kid I did a lot of stuff. I played football, was in the choir, acted in dramas and short films. The first time I entered a studio in 2013, I was in awe. Music came to me when I found like-minded friends that also had a passion for it. Together we found where we could record and make what we wanted. I decided it was for me as soon as I started making what I knew would be Psycho YP’s sound. That was around 2016.

What inspires your music and who has been your biggest inspiration?
I am my biggest inspiration. The way I make my music motivates me to do better each time. Other than that, I would say God and family for always having my back.

Which artiste would you like to collaborate with locally and Internationally?
Definitely Wizkid, Backroad Gee, Chip, Aitch, Lil Wayne and Drake.

If you were not doing music what would you be doing?
Playing football or managing real estate because that’s what I studied in school.

How do you handle competitors/critics?
I don’t have to. I just do my own thing and the quality of my work speaks for itself.

What other musical skills do you have that have been instrumental to your growth?

I write and record all my music myself. Also, I do most of the mixing and mastering myself. Would probably start producing too.

What are your thoughts on the future of Nigerian music?
Afrobeats is playing its part to bridge the gap. I think the future is in other genres from Nigeria and Africa also being spotlighted on a global scale. In South Africa for example, hip-hop has become part of their culture so it’s easily accepted enough for hip-hop artistes to do very well internationally. Nigeria needs to embrace hip-hop and other alternative genres.

Where do you see your music in five years from now?
Sold out Arenas and World Tours. That’s where I will be.

How would you describe the music that you create?
Anything with my voice on it is my take on that sound as I hear it. I don’t write much before recording so most times I freestyle off the vibe the music puts me in.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It has educated more people about their creative rights and how big the world is. Your audience can be anywhere in the world.

What is one message you would give to your fans?
Don’t sleep on me. Thank you all for believing in me. We will take over the world soon with this music.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The whole industry.

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