Presented by Goldenvoice: New Gold Standard
An Interview with Mannywellz
February 19, 2025
We chatted with Mannywellz ahead of his Roxy Theatre debut about his heritage, influences, and the message he hopes fans take away from his music.
You grew up in a musical household – your dad was a musician. How did that influence your sound and approach to music?
Growing up in a musical household shaped everything about my artistry. My dad was a gospel musician, and I spent a lot of time in the church, surrounded by harmonies, live instruments, and that deep spiritual connection to music. Even though he made gospel, he never restricted me – he let me explore different genres, which helped me develop my own sound. Church gave me a strong foundation in music and performance, but the freedom to experiment allowed me to bring in influences from R&B, soul, Afrobeats, and reggae. That balance between deep-rooted faith and creative exploration is a big part of who I am as an artist.
Your music blends Afrobeats, soul, and R&B so effortlessly. How did you develop your unique sound?
It’s really been a journey of blending all the sounds that resonate with me. I grew up listening to Asa, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, and Frank Ocean – artists who are intentional about storytelling, vulnerability, and depth. I also started producing when I was 15 after watching Ryan Leslie make Addiction on YouTube. That moment made me want to craft my own sound from scratch. Over the years, I’ve pulled from Afrobeats for rhythm, soul for emotion, R&B for smoothness, and reggae for its raw, spiritual energy. I don’t force anything – I just create from the heart, and that’s what makes my sound unique.
You’ve been vocal about your Nigerian heritage. How does your background shape your artistry and storytelling?
Being Nigerian is in my blood, my sound, and my stories. I was born in Lagos but raised in the U.S., so I carry both worlds with me. Nigerian music, culture, and spirituality influence my songwriting – I use Yoruba proverbs, storytelling techniques, and even certain vocal inflections that feel very African. Asa was a huge inspiration because she showed me that you can stay true to your roots while making music that resonates globally. Whether I’m singing about love, struggle, or faith, there’s always an underlying thread of resilience and hope, which is a big part of Nigerian culture.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your artistry?
Asa is my favorite artist of all time – her music is pure, soulful, and timeless. She made me realize that you can create music that feels deeply personal yet still connect with the world. Lauryn Hill showed me the power of honesty and raw emotion in music, while Frank Ocean’s ability to paint vivid stories through sound has always inspired me. Bob Marley’s music carries so much meaning – he made music that spoke to the soul and stood the test of time. And then there’s Ryan Leslie – watching him produce at 15 made me fall in love with the craft of making music from scratch. All these artists have shaped my approach to music in different ways, from songwriting to production to emotional depth.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’d love to collaborate with Asa. She’s been my biggest inspiration, and I feel like we’d create something timeless together. Her music has this honesty and depth that I really connect with. I’d also love to work with Frank Ocean – his approach to music is so unique, and I think we’d push each other creatively. And of course, if Bob Marley were still here, I’d want to be in the studio with him, just to experience that energy and wisdom in real time.
What message do you hope people take away from your music?
I want my music to remind people that they’re seen, that they’re loved, and that they’re not alone in whatever they’re feeling. Whether it’s a song about love, faith, or self-discovery, I want people to find pieces of themselves in my music. Life is full of ups and downs, but music is a place where we can all exist freely. At the end of the day, I just want people to listen and feel something real.
