IceSleek, a Lagos-born singer, is set to make a mark in the music industry with his latest single, “Holla,” which blends Afrobeats with Jamaican dancehall. As Afrobeats continues to soar in popularity with artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid leading the way, IceSleek’s fusion of genres sets him apart in Nigeria’s music scene. He believes that being different is crucial, stating that “everyone who’s done great or doing great in this art called music is definitely unique in their own right.”
IceSleek’s “Holla” is produced by Tuffgig Music Empire, a company owned by Hardy Jimbaz, a Nigerian based in New York who has collaborated with Jamaican musicians in the past. Prior to working with Jimbaz, IceSleek was a “lone artiste,” but he is optimistic that collaborating with a structured company will benefit his career. He appreciates the opportunity to share ideas with Jimbaz and the production crew, which he believes will make his new single and project much stronger and more solid.
The influence of cross-generational and diverse musicians like Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Wizkid, and Justin Bieber is evident in IceSleek’s music. Jimbaz, who started Tuffgig Music Empire in 2004, recorded traditional Nigerian beats and reggae songs with roots deejay Angie Angel after settling in New York in the 1980s. In recent years, he has produced several songs featuring keyboardist Sidney Mills, of Steel Pulse fame.
IceSleek’s “Holla” promises to be a unique blend of Afrobeats and Jamaican dancehall, a fusion that sets him apart from other artists in Nigeria’s competitive music industry. With the help of Tuffgig Music Empire, he hopes to make a lasting impression on the music scene and attract fans who appreciate his distinct sound.