Los Angeles-based afropop sibling duo itsENJ is set to make waves with their latest EP, Añurika, which translates to “joy is greater.” This release, their second EP of 2024, builds on the momentum of their earlier Dappa Way EP and showcases a deep-rooted celebration of their Nigerian heritage. The five-track project, recorded under the radiant Lagos sun, merges afrobeats with hip-hop, disco, dancehall, and native Igbo sounds. Produced by the duo alongside notable Nigerian talents ElvisBeatz and Mykah, Añurika reflects itsENJ’s dynamic journey from their Enugu roots to their global exploration, offering a vibrant expression of African culture, pride, and identity.
The EP opens with “Enjoy Life,” a spirited anthem that encourages fearless living and joy, transitioning into the romantic “Napukenda,” a Swahili love song. Tracks like “Where You Dey” and “Ego” delve into themes of introspection and cultural pride, while the powerful closing track, “On God,” stands as a testament to overcoming adversity with faith. itsENJ, consisting of brothers Chimdi and Otito, share that Añurika represents not only their personal journey and deep connection to their Nigerian roots but also their broader mission to unite the African diaspora through their music. This latest release is a testament to their evolving artistry and commitment to celebrating their identity on a global stage.
Read the full interview below:
Can you delve into the conceptual significance of the title Añurika, and how it encapsulates the essence of this EP?
The title “Añurika” holds deep conceptual significance, because it represents our journey from adversity to grace. In Igbo, *Añurika* can be interpreted as “joy is greater,” symbolising the joy we face after overcoming a worthy ideal through resilience. It also represents the joy we feel when making our music and we yearn to spread this joy globally. This EP encapsulates that essence by exploring themes of perseverance, faith, and cultural pride. Each track reflects our personal and artistic growth, capturing the joy and strength we’ve found through embracing our roots and overcoming challenges.
With Añurika being your second EP of 2024, how do you feel this release builds upon or differs from your previous work, particularly the Dappa Way EP?
Añurika, as our second EP of 2024, builds upon the foundation laid by Dappa Way while taking our sound and storytelling to new depths. While Dappa Way focused on themes of confidence, ambition, and navigating the hustle, Añurika dives deeper into our cultural roots and personal experiences. This release is more reflective and spiritually grounded, drawing heavily from our Nigerian heritage and the challenges we’ve faced. Musically, it blends traditional elements with modern influences more seamlessly, showing our growth as artists and our commitment to evolving our sound.
You recorded Añurika in Lagos under the January sunshine. How did the vibrant energy of Lagos influence the production and overall sound of the EP?
Recording Añurika in Lagos under the January sunshine infused the EP with the city’s vibrant energy and dynamic spirit. Lagos, with its bustling streets, rich musical heritage, and cultural diversity, pushed us to be bold and innovative in our sound. The lively atmosphere inspired us to blend traditional African rhythms with contemporary beats, creating a sound that’s both rooted and fresh. The energy of Lagos brought a certain intensity and authenticity to the production, making the EP feel alive and reflective of the city’s pulsating heartbeat.
The EP blends various musical genres such as afrobeats, hip-hop, disco, and dancehall. How did you approach integrating these diverse styles with traditional Igbo sounds to create a cohesive project?
We approached the integration of diverse genres like Afrobeats, hip-hop, disco, and dancehall with traditional Igbo sounds by focusing on the underlying rhythms and emotions that connect them. We started with the foundational elements of Igbo music—its percussive beats, melodic patterns, and storytelling traditions—and layered them with modern production techniques. Each genre brought its unique flavor, but we ensured that the Igbo influence remained central, serving as the thread that ties everything together. Collaborating with producers who understood both our roots and our vision helped us blend these styles seamlessly, creating a cohesive project that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to our heritage.
Could you discuss the collaboration process with producers ElvisBeatz and Mykah? How did their contributions shape the sound and direction of Añurika?
Collaborating with producers ElvisBeatz and Mykah was a pivotal part of shaping the sound and direction of Añurika. ElvisBeatz brought a deep understanding of traditional Nigerian music, infusing the project with authentic Afrobeat rhythms and melodic structures that anchored the EP in our cultural roots. His ability to blend these elements with modern production techniques gave the tracks a rich, textured feel. We produce music as well so we were able to seamlessly bounce creative and technical ideas with him.
Mykah, on the other hand, introduced a more contemporary edge, incorporating elements of hip-hop, disco, and dancehall. His knack for creating catchy hooks and his experimental approach to sound design added layers of complexity and freshness to the EP. Together, they helped us strike a balance between honoring our heritage and pushing our music into new, exciting territories.
In what ways do the tracks on Añurika reflect your personal experiences and cultural heritage? Are there any particular songs that hold special meaning for you?
The tracks on Añurika are deeply reflective of our personal experiences and cultural heritage. Each song is a journey through our connection to Nigeria, the challenges we’ve faced, and the triumphs we’ve celebrated. We’ve woven traditional Igbo sounds with modern genres to express our dual identity and the richness of our roots.
One song that holds special meaning for us is “Enjoy Life.” Its solemn melodies and meditative vibe resonate deeply, reminding us to take ownership of our creative power and protect our spirits from negativity. It also serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate everything we’ve accomplished on our journey.
What first drew you both to music, and how did you get started as a duo?
We were born in Enugu, Nigeria, surrounded by the vibrant sounds of African rhythms and drums. Our musical journey took a significant turn during our high school years in NYC, where we were introduced to FL Studio. From that moment, music became our passion, and we knew it would be a lifelong pursuit. Nothing else felt as fulfilling, and we realized that creating music was not just a hobby, but our true calling.
How has your upbringing in Enugu, combined with your experiences in New York and Los Angeles, influenced your musical style and identity?
Our upbringing in Enugu, enriched with the rhythms and traditions of Nigerian music, laid the foundation of our musical identity. Moving to New York introduced us to a diverse range of genres and the vibrant, eclectic music scene of the city, while Los Angeles exposed us to innovative production techniques and global trends. This blend of Nigerian roots with experiences in two major cultural hubs has shaped our unique musical style, allowing us to fuse traditional African sounds with contemporary influences and create a sound that is both rooted and globally relevant.
Can you share some of the key musical influences that have shaped your sound over the years?
Our sound has been shaped by a rich tapestry of influences, including 2Face, whose blend of Afrobeat and storytelling has been a cornerstone of our music. Bob Marley’s reggae rhythms and messages of unity inspire our approach to music and lyricism. Burna Boy’s modern Afrobeat and global appeal resonate deeply with us. Flavour’s infusion of highlife with contemporary sounds influences our melodic choices. Kanye West’s innovative production techniques and boundary-pushing creativity inspire our approach to sound and arrangement. Finally, Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry and dynamic performances continue to drive our passion for creating impactful music.
As siblings working together, how do you navigate the balance between your personal and professional relationships?
Navigating the balance between our personal and professional relationships is like dancing to a complex rhythm—sometimes we’re perfectly in sync, and other times we need to step back and laugh at our missteps! We make sure to keep things light-hearted with plenty of inside jokes and occasional dance breaks. We’re great at setting boundaries and respecting each other’s space, but when it comes to brainstorming sessions, we’re all in, blending sibling banter with creative sparks. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where our personal bond fuels our professional creativity!
Looking back at your journey so far, what have been some of the standout moments or performances that have left a lasting impact on you?
Looking back, one standout moment was returning to Nigeria in 2020 after 12 years to shoot a music video. The trip was unforgettable not just for the vibrant cultural immersion, but also because we ended up getting stuck there for six months due to COVID-19. This unexpected extended stay was a rollercoaster of challenges and discoveries, but it allowed us to deeply reconnect with our roots and experience a profound creative growth that has left a lasting impact on us both personally and professionally.
What are your long-term goals and aspirations for itsENJ? Where do you see yourselves in the next five or ten years?
Our long-term goals for itsENJ are to continue pushing the boundaries of our music, blending African sounds with global influences to create innovative and impactful art. In the next five to ten years, we envision ourselves expanding our reach internationally, collaborating with a diverse range of artists, and performing on some of the world’s biggest stages. We aim to not only elevate African music on the global stage but also inspire and connect with audiences through our unique sound and storytelling.
Listen to itsENJ’s Añurika below:
