UAX releases debut record

UAX is the creative alter-ego of Nigerian-born Seyi Akinlade, an artist who’s long been known for his work as a photographer and music video director. From his early beginnings behind the camera, collaborating with artists like Tems, Lojay and Rema, UAX’s unique visual storytelling abilities quickly earned him a place in Nigeria’s thriving creative scene. However, he’s not content to remain behind the lens; UAX is now stepping into the spotlight as a musician, blending his artistic vision with his debut album titled Love & Hustle.

Having launched his musical journey just two years ago, UAX is already proving himself as a must watch artist in the modern music scene. His debut record marks an exciting new chapter, where the artist moves between the worlds of Afrobeats and R&B, stitching together warm, soulful melodies with slick rhythms and lush vocals. The nine-track album explores themes close to UAX’s heart, balancing love and the hustle for success in a world that often demands both. While the album distils the grit of ambition, it’s the romantic undertones that drive much of its charm, portraying love in its many forms.

In Love & Hustle, UAX offers a profoundly personal reflection on his journey as a creative, exploring the connections between art and life’s more challenging realities. Each track feels intimate, carried by UAX’s emotive vocals, which glide over the smooth production work which was brought to life with TMXO as well as contributions from Nonso Amadi, Chillz and Lexi. Together, they craft a sound that’s at once cohesive and diverse, bringing together Afrobeats, neo-R&B and alternative pop stylings to create a dreamy, cinematic experience.

As an artist who’s expressed himself through multiple mediums from photography, film, dance and now music, UAX brings a unique perspective to his songs, one shaped by years of crafting visual works for others. In Love & Hustle, UAX takes the listener on a journey through the delicate balance of passion and perseverance. Themes of love are woven throughout, but the album is as much about the relentless pursuit of success as it is about romantic relationships.

It frames the duality of life as an artist, where devotion to craft often parallels the emotional ups and downs of love. The title itself, Love & Hustle, encapsulates this dichotomy, where heart and ambition collide. From the hazy instrumentation, crisp beats and silky vocals on opening track “Sweet Time” to the Afrobeat bounce and emotive performance on “Evergreen” to the infectious R&B-inflected sound of closing track “koselomi,” the album serves up a memorable and highly original sound throughout.

As UAX stakes his claim as an exciting new music artist, Love & Hustle serves as both a statement of intent and a manifesto for what’s to come. With his roots firmly planted in Nigeria’s creative scene and his readily apparent talent as a singer-songwriter, UAX is a rising star who is just beginning to make his mark and we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store next.

Listen to LOVE & HUSTLE below