As fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate what comes next, one thing is certain: the rhythm of innovation beats strong in Xblaze’s music.
By Emmanuel Daraloye
Nigerian artistes and producers have significantly impacted the global music scene in recent years, and now they are stepping into the heart of European club culture. Standing out in this unique space for African musicians is Nigerian producer, Xblaze, who is progressively carving a niche in the world of Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
In a testament to the boundless potential of global collaboration, Xblaze has been steadily making waves in the international electronic scene with a string of bold and groundbreaking collaborations with some of Europe’s top DJs.
Crossing borders and creating exhilarating fusions of EDM and mainstream music, this cross-continental partnership is not only pushing the boundaries of EDM but also tweaking the rich, diverse sounds of mainstream music within a modern, global context.
Born Adebosoye Laoye, Xblaze is a multi-talented music producer, recording artiste, sound engineer, and photographer from Lagos, Nigeria. With a passion that transcends boundaries and a commitment to carving out his own unique space in the industry, he has meticulously honed his craft over the years. His distinctive sound blends various genres, spanning Hip Hop, Afrobeats, R&B, Soul, EDM, Amapiano, House, Funk, Jazz, Rock, and a Pop hybrid of all these influences. This versatility sets him apart, allowing him to create music that resonates across diverse musical landscapes.
The self-taught producer ventured into the world of music production as a teenager in 2004, with his first major project being the debut album of his sister, renowned award-winning soul singer Nikki Laoye. Xblaze is the creative force behind the production of several of her hit songs, including “123” (2014), “Never Fail” (2021), “African Dance” (2015), “Taka Sufe” (2009), and more. In addition to his production work, he serves as the Programme Production Director for the award-winning online radio show, Girls Rock with Nikki Laoye.
In 2019, the show won the UK Award for “Radio Programme of Excellence” in London, United Kingdom at the African Gospel Music and Media Awards (AGMMA).
In February 2024, The music video for the Amapiano song, “Never Fail” by Nikki Laoye, which Xblaze co-produced and featured in, was selected and showcased for a month on Southend-On-Sea’s media billboard in the United Kingdom for the Southend Council’s Annual Exhibition tagged “Relay 2024”, in Essex, UK.
Xblaze’s production repertoire also includes musical works and event project management for top Nigerian and international acts such as Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, ModeNine, Olamide, Rooftop MCs, Phyno, Snatcha, Weird MC, and many more.
As a recording artiste, he has written and recorded several of his own songs, including “No Traces” (2022), “Unstoppable” (2022), “Earned It” (2019), and “My Girl” (2019). He also wrote, produced, and featured in two songs, “African Dance” (2015) and “Your Number” (2014) alongside his sister, singer Nikki Laoye. Both tracks charted globally, with “African Dance” winning the 2015 Yada Magazine Video of the Year award, while the love single, “Your Number”, debuted as one of the top 200 songs on Nigerian radio upon its release. He was also one of the principal music producers for the West African edition of the popular music reality TV show, X-Factor, which took place in Lagos, Nigeria.
In August 2023, he was spotlighted and interviewed as the ‘Feature Artiste of the Month’ by TuneCore, a renowned music distribution and publishing company. Breaking musical barriers with his vibrant energy and commitment to pushing boundaries, his recent international collaborations have elevated his craft to a global dimension, earning major international airplay and critical acclaim across Europe, the USA, Africa, and Asia.
Xblaze is bridging continents through cross-cultural sonic experiment
Bringing the wealth of his African musical heritage and his expertise as a singer, rapper, and producer to the table, Xblaze’s collaborations with top European DJs such as Alban Chela, Marin Hoxa, VinSmoker, Blvck Cobrv, and FanEOne underscore the unifying power of music.
Combining their unique sounds from Nigeria, Albania, Lithuania, Russia, and the United Kingdom, Xblaze and his collaborators are crafting tracks that showcase the rhythmic complexity and high-energy drive of European EDM. With millions of streams on music platforms, some of their notable collaborative singles include 2023’s “Low” (with Alban Chela and Marin Hoxa) and “Renegade” (with Alban Chela), and 2024’s “Purple Lamborghini” (with Blvck Cobrv) and “Dior” (with FanEOne), amongst others.
Each song is a euphoric dance anthem, powered by the slick production and pulsating bass lines characteristic of European EDM. They are also a modern reimagination of popular mainstream songs alongside original song creations, resulting in music that is both innovative and infectious. They invite listeners to a dancefloor experience that is globally inspired yet deeply rooted in its own unique sound.
What makes their collaborations stand out is the genuine exchange of musical ideas. Rather than simply layering African sounds over EDM tracks, both Xblaze and the DJs engage in a creative dialogue, resulting in a true fusion where each element complements and enhances the other. Their approach ensures the music respects and celebrates its diverse influences while forging a unique and cohesive sound.
Reception and Impact
The global music scene has taken notice as Xblaze’s work is gaining traction not just in African countries but across Europe, America, and Asia. The response to these collaborations has been overwhelmingly positive, leading to millions of streams on Spotify, Apple Music, and other music platforms. Critics and fans alike are praising the innovative blend of sounds that transcends borders, creating a dance music experience that is both fresh and profoundly resonant.
Xblaze’s joint projects have garnered significant attention across the global music scene, with tracks being featured in major clubs, on influential playlists, and at prominent music festivals.
In recent years, European DJ, Alban Chela, has been selected as the official DJ for the UEFA Conference League consecutively in 2022, 2023, and 2024. There has been a persistent appeal for his collaborative songs with Xblaze, which he performed live at the Opening and Final Ceremonies of the UEFA Conference League.
In a world where music is a universal language, Xblaze is a translator, bridging the gap between continents and cultures with every beat. His ingenious collaborations with Europe’s top DJs and his peers in the music industry demonstrate the power of music to bridge cultural divides, creating a sound that is both revolutionary and impactful on the global music landscape.
As fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate what comes next, one thing is certain: the rhythm of innovation beats strong in Xblaze’s music.
Listed twice by “Black Pride Magazine” as one of the top 5 Music Journalists in Nigeria, Emmanuel Daraloye has over 600 album reviews in his archive.