Lekan Osifeso, the popular Nigerian singer known as Lojay, has opened up about the early struggles he faced in the music industry and the moments he doubted himself.
In an interview with Punch, the ‘Monalisa’ star revealed that there were times he almost gave up on music entirely.
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.”
Lojay also spoke about how he handles the pressures and expectations that come with fame, noting that he often withdraws from the public eye to focus on 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 hit “Monalisa” and its remix with Chris Brown, the singer shared how the collaboration highlighted music’s universal appeal.
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 the timing of his debut album XOXO, Lojay 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.”