Why I Almost Quit Music – Nigerian Singer, Lojay Opens Up

Lekan Osifeso, the famous Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Lojay, has shared insights into his early challenges in the music industry and times of self-doubt.

The ‘Monalisa’ hitmaker, in an interview with Punch, stated that he once considered quitting music altogether.

He said, “I’ve had moments where I almost quit music. There were nights I doubted if anyone would ever hear my songs. But those silent years shaped me; they taught me patience, resilience, and gratitude for every single listener today.”

Speaking on managing the pressures and expectations that come with fame, Lojay said he often retreats from the spotlight to reconnect with what matters most.

He stated, “Family, faith, and silence. Sometimes I just disappear for a bit no music, no social media. Just time to breathe and reconnect with God and my people. That’s how I remember who I am outside the noise.” 

Reflecting on his breakthrough song Monalisa and its remix with Chris Brown, Lojay noted that the collaboration taught him valuable lessons about music’s universality.

He stressed, “It showed me that music really doesn’t have boundaries. Chris came in with full respect for the record he understood it, felt it, and elevated it. It made me realize that authenticity travels further than trying to sound ‘international.”

Speaking on why it took him a while to release his debut album XOXO, the singer explained that he wanted to take his time to create something meaningful.

He added, “I didn’t want to drop an album just to say I did. I wanted to live first to experience enough emotions that could fill an album with truth. Every song on XOXO came from a real place, and I needed time to find that honesty.”