Music
Photo courtesy of 1srael.

Meet 1srael, the Nigerian-Born Producer Behind Future & Tems' 'Wait For U'

We talk to the producer about winning his first Grammy Award, his Nigerian roots and much more.

For the Nigerian- born, Los Angeles based music producer 1srael, congratulation messages were in order that February day after winning his first ever Grammy Award. Walking up the stage in the company of ATL Jacob to accept his award for Future’s “Wait For U'' featuring Drake and fellow NigerianTemsin the Best Melodic Rap Performance category, 1Srael was lost for words.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Prince George's County, Maryland – Israel Fowobajae (professionally known as 1SRAEL), is currently devoting himself to developing his production company Agency 301. Growing up in a house full of musicians, he knew that music was the route he wanted to go early on. It was the first avenue he pursued where he was able to witness the fruits of his labor.

The 24-years-old producer, artist and photographer was up against the big shots in the music industry that night—including DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, Jack Harlow, and others—but he still came away with the win for hi

OkayAfrica caught up with 1srael via Zoom for this chat below.

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Interview

Tresor Is Adding an African Touch to Global Pop's Soundscape

We talk to the South African-based superstar about his collaborations and songwriting for Drake—and setting the blueprint for future African stars.

No other South African-based pop artist has been as dominant as Tresor in recent years. When I last spoke with him two years ago, the three-time winner for Best Pop Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMA’s) was on the verge of putting out the Amapiano-influenced album Rumble In The Jungle, a 13-track collaboration with Scorpion Kings, the duo of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.

Since the release of Rumble in The Jungle in April 2021, Amapiano has congealed itself into the fibers of global acceptance; becoming the fire-starter at parties and a get-away riddim on vacations. Alongside the upsurge in love for the South African-originated genre, Tresor has become a sought-after vocalist and songwriter globally, working with names such as Drake, Metallica, and Tems. “I feel like I am more rooted in my purpose as an artist. I understand my place as an artist, which is always going to be pushing boundaries and the envelope for music globally and not just from the continent," Tresor says while decked in a cozy red sweater and fiddling with a guitar.

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Black Coffee & Tresor’s Work On Drake’s New Album Speaks to the Rise of South African Music

Unlike the Kendrick Lamar-curated Black Panther: The Album or Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album which had hints of South African flavours on them, Honestly, Nevermind is imbued with them.

Black Coffee Brings South African Magic to Drake's New Album, 'Honestly, Nevermind'

The star South African DJ, alongside his son Esona Tyolo and singer Tresor, give Honestly, Nevermind that classic South African house music flair.

Tems Is Just Doing Her Thang In New Music Video 'Crazy Tings'

The Nigerian songstress is hell bent on taking over your summer playlist and it's getting harder to resist.

Tems Will Appear On Drake's 'Certified Lover Boy'

Billboards have been popping up across Lagos confirming Tems' feature on Drake's new album.

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Interview: Sarz Has Powered a Generation of Nigerian Music—and He Isn't Stopping Anytime Soon

We talk to the star producer about his role in the rising global popularity of Nigerian music, spanning his production on massive singles from the likes of Wizkid, Skepta, Drake and more.