On Our Radar: “When People Discover My Music, I Hope They Find Light” – Solana

Nigerian artist Solana is carving out her own lane in the Afrobeats scene with a deeply personal approach to music that refuses to be boxed in. The rising star, whose track “Okunkun” has been capturing attention worldwide, represents a new generation of African artists who view authenticity as their greatest strength. In a recent conversation, Solana opened up about her creative journey, the freedom she finds in music, and her vision for sharing African culture with the world.

For Solana, music has never been a calculated career choice—it’s simply who she is. Her relationship with songwriting began at just six years old, though she didn’t step into a professional studio until her university days when a roommate working at a recording facility changed everything. That first studio session became a revelation, showing her the boundless creative freedom music could offer. She describes her sound as “YoruPop,” an experimental fusion that stays rooted in her Lagos upbringing and Yoruba heritage while refusing to be confined by genre expectations. Every song becomes an emotional exploration, a space where she can exist without limitations.

What sets Solana apart is her intentionality about legacy and impact. When asked what she hopes listeners will discover in her music years from now, her answer was beautifully simple: light. She wants her work to encourage others to embrace imperfection and express themselves without apology. Her definition of success extends far beyond streaming numbers or accolades—it’s about creating timeless music that authentically represents African culture to global audiences. With “Okunkun” already making waves and her commitment to staying true to herself, Solana is positioning herself as an artist who will leave a meaningful mark on the culture.

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