Interview with Noon Dave: From Noon at Noon to What’s Next
Written by Ayafa Tekena
Interviewed by Manuel Oke and Tekena
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian music, Noon Dave has emerged as an artist with a unique blend of creativity and depth. His recent EP, Noon at Noon, has garnered attention not just for its melodic appeal but for its introspective lyricism. As Noon Dave prepares to release his debut album, we sat down with him to explore his creative process, the stories behind his music, and his vision for the future.
NTS: Can you tell us how you came up with the name ‘Noon Dave’? What was the inspiration behind it?
Noon Dave: The name is deeply connected to the concept of time. Noon is when the sun is at its peak, representing greatness. I also drew inspiration from the wall clock—when both hands point to 12, you only see one. To me, this symbolizes the idea that there’s only one being who rules time and isn’t controlled by it, which is God. I decided to keep “Dave,” a name given to me by my father, so “Noon Dave” became the perfect blend of these ideas.
NTS: What inspired the concept for the ‘Face Card’ visuals?
Noon Dave: The concept came to life with the help of my creative director, Z3roVisuals. We brainstormed ideas together, and he took the lead based on the song’s lyrics. For instance, in the video, there’s a scene with telephones hanging, representing a part of the song where I mention not getting calls. It’s all about visually representing the emotions and stories embedded in the music.
NTS: What space were you in when creating “Noon at Noon,” and what message did you hope to convey through the EP?
Noon Dave: Noon at Noon wasn’t initially planned as an EP. It was more of a spontaneous decision. I had a collection of songs that didn’t make it to a bigger project, and I wanted to share them with my audience since it had been a while since I released new music. Even though the songs weren’t intended to be connected, they all revolve around love, loyalty, and personal experiences, creating an unintended yet cohesive narrative.
NTS: The EP touches on the concept of love. Is this based on personal experience, or are you reflecting on general human experiences?
Noon Dave: It’s a mix of both. Some of the songs are drawn from my personal experiences, while others reflect what people generally go through in relationships. I like to blend personal emotions with universal themes.
NTS: How many recording camps did you attend to refine your sound, and how did they help you achieve the sound you wanted for your EP?
Noon Dave: I’ve been involved in quite a few recording camps, working with different writers and producers. To get the best results, I aim to have at least two camps every month. This process allows me to create a diverse pool of songs to choose from, ensuring that only the best tracks make it to the final project.
NTS: How did your A&R team help shape the EP into what it is now?
Noon Dave: Initially, I planned to include six tracks on the EP, but after several rounds of discussions with my A&R team, we settled on five. There was a lot of back and forth, revising and refining until we felt confident about the selection. I’ve got two features on the project, including Oladapo, who’s featured on the next single we’ll be dropping.
NTS: Which producers do you feel you have the best connection with?
Noon Dave: I’ve worked with several amazing producers, but Oxy stands out. He produced almost all the tracks on the EP and some of my other releases as well. Our creative synergy is undeniable. I’ve also enjoyed working with Ramoni, who produced “Chills,” and Godomar, who produced a track I released last year.
NTS: Your recent EP has a distinct sound. Can you share the inspiration behind its creation and how it differs from your previous work?
Noon Dave: Gem stands out compared to my earlier work. My previous releases leaned heavily into R&B, but this project brings in more Afrobeats elements, giving it a new, vibrant energy. For example, the first track, Bounty, was sparked by a beat I found on YouTube. I didn’t even know who produced it at first, but I fell in love with it. It’s a perfect fusion of R&B and Afrobeats, creating what I like to call an Afro-R&B vibe. I shared a snippet of it on IG before the EP dropped, and the feedback was incredible, so I knew it had to make the cut. Willy produced it, and it set the tone for the entire project.
On Facecard, produced by Auxxi, I hit a bit of a creative block initially. But as soon as I heard the beat, I knew I had to make something happen. I just started laying down melodies, and out of nowhere, the word Facecard popped into my head. The melodies started shaping the lyrics, and before I knew it, the song was born.
Merry Go was another special track. My A&R suggested working with Oladapo, and once I heard his music, I knew we had to link up. The chemistry in the studio was insane, and Auxxi was there to help us catch a vibe. The synergy between Dapo and I was unreal, it felt like magic in the making.
For Hold Me, produced by BMH, I wanted an upbeat Afrobeats vibe. We had a live guitarist, David Uwah, in the session, and everything just flowed naturally. The first line that popped into my head was, Girl, your body na balanced diet, it’s only right that I eat you out, and from there, the song practically wrote itself.
The final track, Vibration, is special because of its dancehall vibe. I’ve always loved dancehall, and I had the melody for the hook before the song even existed, just from messing around with my acoustic guitar. When it was time to create, Auxxi, another guitarist, and a few writers came together, and we made magic. I even thought of featuring a dancehall artist, and Projexx was the perfect fit. His verse took the track to another level, blending Afrobeats and dancehall seamlessly.
NTS: The EP has been well-received so far. How do you feel this project reflects your growth as an artist?
Noon Dave: I started off making R&B, soul, and hip-hop, but with this project, I’ve found a way to evolve and blend these genres with Afrobeats. It feels like I’m mastering the art of fusion, taking elements from each genre and creating something new. And I know it’s only going to get better from here because I’m constantly evolving as an artist.
NTS: Why did you choose to work with Projexx instead of Kranium on the EP?
Noon Dave: It boiled down to timing. Projexx was ready to collaborate at the time, while things didn’t align with Kranium’s schedule. But I’m thrilled with how everything turned out with Projexx.
NTS: How does your cultural background influence your music, and how do you integrate these elements into your sound?
Noon Dave: I’m a proud Yoruba boy, and I like to incorporate my language and cultural elements into my music. Whether it’s a phrase in Yoruba or Pidgin English, I want my music to reflect where I come from. It’s about staying true to my roots while connecting with a broader audience.
NTS: What role do you think music plays in shaping social change, and how does your work contribute to this narrative?
Noon Dave: Music is powerful and it can be also therapeutic and transformative. I’ve received messages from listeners who’ve found solace in my songs during tough times. Like Fela said, music is spiritual, and it can resonate deeply with people, inspiring change. I aim to make music that positively impacts people’s lives.
NTS: Does positive feedback from your listeners inspire you to create more music?
Noon Dave: Absolutely. Positive feedback fuels my creativity and drives me to do more. Knowing that my music has a meaningful impact on people’s lives is incredibly motivating.
NTS: Have you ever written a song that helped you through a difficult time?
Noon Dave: Yes, there are songs I’ve written that I haven’t released, which I turn to when I’m feeling down. Listening to them helps me clear my mind and move past whatever challenges I’m facing.
NTS: You mentioned Burna Boy as an inspiration. If you had to choose one song and one album to listen to non-stop for 24 hours, what would they be?
Noon Dave: That’s a tough one but I’d pick 23 by Burna Boy. It’s one of my favorites from his work because it’s motivational and inspiring. I also resonate with PH City Vibration, although it’s not widely known like his other songs.
NTS: Can you share a moment in your career that fundamentally changed your perspective on music?
Noon Dave: Getting signed was a turning point. It exposed me to the business side of the industry, from marketing campaigns to rollout plans. It was eye-opening and gave me a deeper understanding of how the music industry operates.
NTS: What do you think is the best album released this year?
Noon Dave: I haven’t had the chance to listen to all the albums this year, but I’ve heard parts of Victony’s, Asake’s, and Rema’s projects. I did listen to Tems’ entire project, and Turn Me Up is one of my favorites. I’ll need more time to give a definitive answer, though.
NTS: How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also appealing to a broader audience?
Noon Dave: It can be challenging. There’s often a push to make changes for broader appeal, but I’ve learned to keep an open mind and take feedback from other creatives and my A&R team. It’s about finding a balance without compromising my artistic integrity.
NTS: What emotions or themes did you aim to explore in this EP, and how do you hope listeners will connect with it?
Noon Dave: The EP revolves around love and every track taps into different aspects of it. I wanted to restore people’s faith in love because, let’s face it, a lot of people have been burned by past heartbreaks and experiences. Through gem, I’m hoping listeners can feel the beauty of love again, whether it’s romantic love or something deeper. A track like merry Go can resonate on so many levels, not just romantically. I think the EP offers something for everyone.
NTS: Were there any specific challenges or breakthroughs during the production of the EP that shaped its final sound?
Noon Dave: Aside from a few moments of writer’s block and reworking some verses, the process was pretty smooth. It was more about letting the music flow naturally and staying true to the vibe we were creating. When inspiration hit, it hit hard, and that’s how we shaped the sound of the project.
NTS: The cover art for Noon at Noon is stunning. Who took the photo, and why did you choose to release another song just four days after dropping the EP?
Noon Dave: The photo was taken by my creative director, Slevin from Z3roVisuals. As for releasing another song so soon, I felt it was the right time. I hadn’t released new music in a while, and I wanted to give my fans more to enjoy. It’s about keeping the momentum going.
NTS: What can we expect from the unreleased tracks you’ve teased, like FMH, OTG, and Pink Lotus will they be on the album?
Noon Dave: OTG stands for On The Go. I posted those tracks to gauge the audience’s reaction. Some of them might make the album, but nothing is set in stone yet. If you see them on the project, great; if not, they might pop up elsewhere.
NTS: How has your journey been since signing with Chocolate City, and where do you see your career heading?
Noon Dave: It’s been an incredible journey and challenging, yet rewarding. I’ve met so many talented people, and the experience has humbled me and broadened my perspective. I see Chocolate City as a strong foundation, and I envision my career reaching new heights with tours and more significant projects on the horizon.
NTS: The notion of gatekeepers in the music industry is prevalent. Has it affected you in any way?
Noon Dave: When God has the key, no one can gatekeep. My journey has been full of unexpected turns, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I didn’t plan to end up at Chocolate City, but I kept working, and when the opportunity came, it changed everything. I trust that whatever is meant to happen will happen, regardless of gatekeepers.
Noon Dave is an artist on the rise, with a deep connection to his roots and a clear vision for his future. As he prepares to release his debut album, fans can expect more of the heartfelt, impactful music that has become his signature. With his creative drive and unwavering belief in his craft, Noon Dave is set to make an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene.
