Grammy-winning American artist Jon Batiste has announced that he recorded half of his next album during a trip to Nigeria.
The 37-year-old musician, originally from Louisiana, visited Nigeria with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), which focuses on advancing development across Africa.
During an event on Tuesday, Batiste revealed that he collaborated with several Nigerian artists over the past ten days, leading to significant progress on his upcoming album. He expressed his deep appreciation for Nigerian culture and cuisine, particularly mentioning his love for Jollof rice.
Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, Batiste said, “The 10 days I have been here feels like a month. It feels like so much has happened. The flavours, you feel when you eat it, it is visceral. I probably have half of my next album already. The range of experience is so synthesized. There is so much in every moment.”
He also emphasized the spiritual aspect of music and his sense of purpose during the trip, adding, “I believe music is a spiritual. Music can create something greater than entertainment. That is why I feel called to be here. I do not even know what the future holds, I am just grateful to Mr. Gates’ Foundation.”
Batiste first gained attention at 17 with his debut album, ‘Times in New Orleans’. He has won five Grammy Awards, including the prestigious ‘Album of the Year’ for his 2021 work, ‘We Are’. Recently, he was featured on ‘Adedamola’, an album by Afrobeats artist Fireboy.
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