Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Silence in the music industry is rarely what it seems. For 21-year-old Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Reehaa, her quiet periods weren’t about abandoning her craft or neglecting fans—they were about survival. Born Rihanat Ajala, the youngest child and only daughter in her family of five, Reehaa has been navigating the complex emotional landscape of being an emerging artist in Nigeria’s hyper-competitive music industry. Her story reveals the hidden struggles many young African artists face behind the polished Instagram posts and streaming numbers.
Music runs deep in Reehaa’s bloodline. Her late mother was a passionate music lover, and creating songs has become one of the most profound ways the young artist maintains that sacred connection. “I want to create songs I know she would have loved,” Reehaa shared, revealing the emotional foundation of her artistry. But that love for music collided hard with industry realities between 2023 and 2025, periods she describes as emotionally devastating. The weight of constant comparison on social media, creative burnout, and self-doubt pushed her to the brink of quitting entirely. A particularly painful moment came when someone told her she wasn’t “hungry enough” for success—words that landed during an already vulnerable chapter when she had no new releases and felt completely disconnected from her creative identity. Yet through those dark periods, she kept working. She connected with Shallipopi, who reached out after hearing her vocals and invited her to work on background vocals for his projects. That experience reminded her that genuine connections still exist in the industry.
From that emotional turmoil came “Lọ́kànmi,” a song that took over a month to complete and became Reehaa’s personal reassurance that her dreams were still alive. The track’s second verse didn’t even materialize until the actual recording day, a testament to the unpredictable nature of authentic creativity. Now, instead of chasing the impossible standard of perfection before showing up publicly, Reehaa is choosing growth in real-time. She’s learning to create honestly rather than hide until everything looks flawless. With the support of her family, friends, and manager who refused to let her give up on herself, she’s reconnecting with music from a healthier place—not from competition, but from genuine love for the art form that connects her to her mother’s memory and her own evolving identity.
Stay connected with Afrobeat San Diego for the latest in global Afrobeats.
Get notified of the best deals on our shop and afrobeats latest events
