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

Rising Nigerian Artist Solana Wants Her Music to Be a Source of Light

Nigerian singer-songwriter Solana is carving out her own space in the evolving Afrobeats landscape with an authenticity that’s hard to ignore. The Lagos-raised artist, whose track “Okunkun” has been gaining global traction, represents a new generation of creators unafraid to experiment while staying rooted in their cultural identity. In a recent conversation, she opened up about her musical journey, the freedom she finds in creative expression, and her vision for sharing African culture with the world.

Solana’s relationship with music didn’t start with a lightbulb moment—it’s been woven into her life since childhood. She wrote her first song at just six years old, though she laughingly admits it was “such a funny little song.” The real turning point came during her second year at university when her roommate, who worked at a recording studio, brought her in to record for the first time. That experience crystallized everything for her. “Music gives me a sense of freedom,” she explains. “I can go wherever I want emotionally and creatively through it. I’m not confined by anything.” She describes her sound as “YoruPop”—a term that captures her experimental approach while honoring her Yoruba heritage and Lagos upbringing. For Solana, the key is never fitting into a box, always keeping her authentic self at the center no matter how far she pushes the boundaries.

What drives Solana goes beyond personal success. She sees her music as a vehicle for sharing the richness of African culture with global audiences, creating something that’s both deeply rooted and universally accessible. Her definition of career success isn’t measured in awards or streaming numbers alone—it’s about building a lasting legacy that inspires others to embrace their true selves. “When people discover my music, I hope they find light,” she shares. “I hope they find the courage to express themselves freely, without worrying about being perfect or polished.” With “Okunkun” continuing to resonate with listeners worldwide, Solana is proving that vulnerability and cultural authenticity are powerful forces in music.

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