Meet Major Aj, A Remarkable Afro Fusion Artist Bringing a Fresh Perspective to Nigerian Music Major Aj is a remarkable Afro fusion artist who brings a unique and interesting perspective to Nigerian music. With his exceptional understanding of music, he offers listeners a breath of fresh air. Major Aj’s innovative approach to music-making, where he seamlessly blends Afrobeats with various other genres, results in a captivating and sonically appealing sound.

In his words: “I like to go crazy with my music, explore as many genres and styles as possible. I don’t confine myself within one specific sound because my music is ever evolving…”

Born in Nigeria to parents hailing from two different ethnicities, Major Aj’s music reflects this, as his music is a fusion of diverse cultural elements. His exposure to African music from a young age has significantly contributed to his vast knowledge and appreciation of the art. He continues to explore and fuse sub-genres of Afrobeats and other music genres. Major Aj is undoubtedly a game-changer in the industry, enriching the musical landscape with his eccentric sound.

Major Aj’s journey in the music industry is a testament to his passion, resilience, and talent. Especially considering the challenges he faced growing up in Kainji town, Benue State. With limited access to resources, he remained undeterred and found inspiration in artists like Burna Boy, who also faced similar ordeals in Port Harcourt.

Their shared backgrounds and experimental music styles have made Burna Boy a significant source of inspiration for Major Aj. This connection not only resonates with their personal experiences but also reflects their innovative approach to fusing various sounds from different parts of the world, showcasing their unique musical brilliance.

Speaking on his journey through self-discovery and finding his identity, Major Aj shares:

“For me, it was a process. I had the raw talent but I wasn’t exposed to the field. There was no studio in Kainji at that time. I was lucky to meet the right people, establish relationships with upcoming artists and producers, and we kept pushing together. I wanted to be that boy who worked his way up from Kainji all the way down to Lagos… And I pushed and brought my passion to fruition, just like Burna went from PH.”

He discovered his love for music during his early years as an only child, spending time with his mom and grandmother at church rehearsals, where he also learned to play the piano. Despite studying Computer Science at the University of Ilorin, his heart remained with music, although he couldn’t fully pursue it due to the academic workload.

In 2020, Major Aj released his first single, “Terminator,” produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Telz. This marked the beginning of his journey as an artist, and since then, he has steadily been making a name for himself in the music industry. His 2021 release, “Salo,” caught the attention of Chocolate City Music, earning him a record deal.

NTS: What inspires your music?

Major Aj: “My reality inspires my music, my experiences and emotions… all of that. My song with Blaqbonez titled, ‘My Own’ got inspired by a heartbreak experience from my first relationship in Lagos, haha.”

In July 2022, Major Aj dropped his debut EP under Chocolate City Music, Retroverse, which showcases a fusion of Afrobeats and retro sounds. His most recent single, “My Own,” featuring Blaqbonez, was released in June 2023. This song was inspired by his first heartbreak in Lagos.

His latest single, “Some Kind Things,” featuring Minz and PsychoYp, highlights his brilliance and understanding of the craft.

NTS: What’s next for Major Aj?

Major Aj: “This year, I’m working on my new project titled ‘Badboy Major,’ and it’s going to feature a lot of interesting artists and producers. This project is a fusion of sounds that they haven’t heard from me before… I mean, my sound is usually bubbly. But now, I’m giving them a glimpse into a different side of me.”

This project is set to showcase an unexplored side of his artistic persona. Usually known for his bubbly demeanor, this project will give listeners a glimpse into a different part of his character, further highlighting his versatility and growth as an artist.

As Major Aj continues to evolve and experiment with his music, the Badboy Major project is sure to leave a lasting impression on his fans and the music industry at large.

NTS: Looking back, is there anything you’d change?

Major Aj: “For life, I’d change the fact that I lost my dad. For music, I don’t think I’d change anything because I believe in the process, I appreciate the process.”

Major Aj’s success is a testament to the power of overcoming obstacles and the importance of staying true to one’s passion, self, and vision. He remains an artist to watch in the ever-evolving Nigerian music scene.