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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Style
Photo: Rebecca Tembo

How Rebecca Tembo Overcame her Personal Struggles to Help Other Fashion Entrepreneurs

The 25-year-old designer has worked with the likes of Cardi B and Maren Morris but she's had to push through some tough times to make it big.

She may be running a successful fashion brand now, but Rebecca Tembo knows what it’s like to be unsure of one’s creative path. The self-taught designer, who was born in London to Nigerian and Zambian parents, has gone viral on social media a number of times, thanks to her custom-made jumpsuits. But she’s also had her fair share of challenges – and battled mental health issues – along the way.

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