As the one-year anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album The Evil Genius approaches, global afrobeats icon Mr Eazi is celebrating with the release of an exhilarating new video for his fan-favorite track, “Panadol.” Directed by Mollana Burke in the vibrant city of London, the video is a visual feast, capturing the song’s carefree spirit and playful themes with a burst of color and dynamic scenes. “Panadol” stands out with its infectious blend of lively percussion, smooth basslines, and Mr Eazi’s signature laid-back delivery, making it a perfect embodiment of the track’s message about finding joy and relief through love and music.
Since its debut, The Evil Genius has not only solidified Mr Eazi’s position at the forefront of afrobeats but has also made waves with its innovative fusion of music and visual art. The album’s success is underscored by over 45 million streams and acclaim from top publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard. As Mr Eazi continues to hint at exciting new releases, including a surprise EP, his impact on the music industry and his commitment to philanthropic endeavors remain as strong as ever, promising more groundbreaking moments for his global fanbase.
In this interview, we delve into the creative processes behind the album and its standout tracks, explore how different cultural influences shaped its sound, and uncover Mr Eazi’s personal journey and future aspirations. Join us as we unravel the elements that have cemented The Evil Genius as a defining work in his illustrious career.
As you approach the one-year anniversary of The Evil Genius, how would you summarize the album’s impact on your career and the global music landscape?
The Evil Genius marked a key moment in my career, pushing boundaries in African arts and afrobeats as it expanded to an even greater global reach. The album’s success reinforced my drive to innovate while staying true to my roots.
The video for ‘Panadol’ is visually stunning and playful. Can you share some insights into the creative process behind the video and how you collaborated with director Mollana Burke to bring the song’s themes to life?
The ‘Panadol’ video was a fun collaboration with Mollana Burke and JM films. We aimed for a visually stunning and playful vibe that matched the song’s energy, using vibrant colors and dynamic visuals to bring the themes to life.
Can you elaborate on the key elements and concepts you wanted to convey through this video?
This video captures a playful and stylish vibe, highlighting a cheeky dynamic where men boast about their love lives, believing they’re in control, while in reality, it’s the woman who holds the power and pulls the strings.
‘Panadol’ is one of the standout tracks from your album, The Evil Genius. What was it about this track that made it a fan favorite, and how did you approach its production and songwriting?
‘Panadol’ resonates because it’s catchy, relatable, and uplifting. The production sounds vibrant and energetic, making it a feel-good track reminiscent of Ghanaian hiplife.
The concept of The Evil Genius blends various musical genres and features a unique art component. How did you decide on this fusion approach?
I knew I wanted to create music that matched vibrantly beautiful art the moment I encountered Patricorel’s work in a hotel. His art struck a chord with me, and it inspired me to want to create music that felt just as colourful and alive. So, I decided that each song would have its own independent art piece, ensuring the music and visuals would be uniquely connected, reflecting the same vibrant beauty that first inspired me.
The Evil Genius was recorded across multiple cities and involved a diverse range of international collaborators. How did the different cultural influences from these locations shape the album’s sound and your creative vision?
Recording in cities like Lagos, Accra, Cotonou, Kigali, and London brought a rich blend of influences to the album, deepening its sound and highlighting both the global and African influences of my music.
You’ve mentioned that The Evil Genius is your most personal work to date. Can you elaborate on how the album’s three distinct movements reflect your personal journey and artistic evolution?
The album’s three parts reflect different stages of my life—success, introspection, and darker moments—showing my evolution as an artist and person.
Reflecting on your career so far, from your early days in Ghana to your current status as a global superstar, what do you consider to be the most significant milestones, and how have they shaped your approach to music and creativity?
Looking back, some of the most significant milestones include the release of my first big hit in Ghana, moving to London, and then breaking into the global music scene. Each of these steps was challenging in its own way, but they were also incredibly rewarding. These experiences have taught me the importance of staying authentic, of always pushing myself to try new things, and of never being afraid to take risks.
You’ve achieved tremendous success in the global music industry. Looking ahead, are there any new genres or musical styles you’re interested in exploring, or any artistic boundaries you’d like to push further?
I’m always exploring new sounds and genres. Lately, I’ve been drawn to blending traditional African music with contemporary styles like electronic or classical. There’s so much potential in these fusions, and I’m excited to see where they take my music. As an artist, I believe in constantly evolving and pushing boundaries.
Finally, your philanthropic efforts are as prominent as your music career. Can you share more about the projects you’re currently working on and how you plan to continue supporting young creatives and entrepreneurs?
Giving back has always been a huge part of my mission, and I’m currently involved in several projects aimed at supporting young creatives and entrepreneurs across Africa. Whether it’s through Empawa, where we help emerging artists build sustainable careers, or through the Choplife Foundation, which is focused on education and sports, I’m committed to making a positive impact. I believe that by empowering the next generation, we can create lasting change and ensure that African creativity & IP continue to thrive on a global stage.
