Winny has a voice that lingers in your mind long after the music stops. Meet Winny Adanu, known simply as Winny, an artist who's breathing new life into Afro-Reggae. Her latest single, "Take Me," is turning heads with its infectious blend of rhythm and soul.Hot on the heels of her debut EP "WINNY," this rising star is proving she's no one-hit wonder. With a sound that's both familiar and groundbreaking, Winny is carving out her own niche in the industry. In an exclusive conversation with Deeds Magazine, Winny shares the inspirations behind her music, exploring the experiences that shape her unique sound.
Get ready to discover an artist who's redefining Afro-Reggae. This is your backstage pass to the next big thing in African music.
Deeds Magazine: Can you walk us through the creative process behind 'Take Me'? What inspired the lyrics and the overall sound of the track?
Winny: I would say love and vibes inspired me. 'Take Me' is one of those songs where I’m expressing my longing to spend time with my lover and reminiscing about our future together. I wrote the song with a close friend, the producer, at his house, and we recorded it while eating pizza.
Deeds Magazine: The production and mixing team for “Take Me”, include BeZaking, Othniel Yakubu, Sam Harper & Alonzo Vargas. How did these collaborations come about?
Winny: BeZaking is my very good friend. My team reached out to Sam Harper to mix the song and the feedback was great. He showed so much excitement and I was happy he could do the job. Before the final version of 'Take Me,' we had a few back-and-forths, including some changes to the verses and chorus. The collaboration came about naturally, through connections in the industry and friends who believed in the project.
Deeds Magazine: What was it like working with Lady Donli as the creative director for the cover art for “Take Me”, bringing your vision to life visually?
Winny: Donli is very creative, and she understands my brand well. We worked closely together, and I trusted her vision for the creative direction. It was cool to have her on board as the creative director, and the rest of the team contributed their expertise to make the visual aspect of the song as impactful as the music itself.
Deeds Magazine: This song also marks your first official feature on a single. Should we expect more collaborations going forward?
Winny: Yes, I love working with people, and I’m open to more collaborations in the future. It’s exciting to see what can come out of combining different creative energies.
Deeds Magazine: Transitioning from Jos to Lagos, how did you successfully adapt to the fast-paced Lagos lifestyle while also establishing yourself in the music industry?
Winny: Moving to Lagos didn’t feel like a big transition for me. I see it as another part of Nigeria, not overwhelming at all. I think Jos taught me calmness, while Lagos brings out a different energy. Combining those energies creates a unique balance that influences my music.
Deeds Magazine: How do you define your music, and what are your thoughts on the direction your sound is heading? Do you see yourself fitting into an existing genre within the Afrobeat space, or do you feel you’re creating a new branch entirely?
Winny: I don't see myself fitting into any specific category. I'm an Afro-Reggae singer, but my sound is always evolving as I experiment. I love trying something new; there’s always something fresh to explore.
Deeds Magazine: Many of your songs, including 'Take Me' and those on your debut EP, touch on themes of love, relationships, and personal growth. How has your personal journey shaped your music, and what message do you hope your listeners take away from it?
Winny: I'm in love, and love is a major theme in all my songs. Love is beautiful, and life is love. I want my listeners to feel connected to me and understand that I know what they’re going through, what they’ve been through, or what they’re currently facing. It’s all about connection and feeling understood.
Deeds Magazine: As an artist who is quickly rising in the Nigerian music scene, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Winny: I would say that most of my challenges are attributed to the stage at which I am right now in my career. I just feel like whatever challenge I'm going through, I have a great team that is making it easy for me. So I don't really see it as a challenge; I feel it’s part of my growth process.
Deeds Magazine: With 'Take Me' out now, what can we expect next? Any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
Winny: Oh, I like to keep some surprises, but I just finished rounding off my EP, so hopefully it will be out soon, definitely before the year ends.
Deeds Magazine: As a bonus question, do you have a special name for your fanbase?
Winny: I've not decided on that yet. I feel like they should decide for themselves.
Deeds Magazine: We suggest “Winners”.
Deeds Magazine: Thank you so much, Winny. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
Winny: Thank you for having me.
Winny is more than just a fast rising star; she's a storyteller whose music resonates with the complexities of love and life. With "Take Me" already making waves, and an EP on the horizon, Winny is poised to make her sound known! Her ability to weave personal experiences into relatable anthems is what sets her apart—and it’s clear that she’s only just beginning to scratch the surface of her creative potential. Keep an eye on Winny; she’s a force of nature in the making.
