Kizz Daniel is kicking off 2025 with a bang — and a badge. The global afrobeats icon, known for a decade of redefining pop music, teams up with legends Angélique Kidjo and Johnny Drille on his electrifying new single, “Police.” Bursting with humor, romance, and irresistible groove, the track marks the first taste of his highly anticipated Uncle K album, and it’s already shaking up the airwaves.
After a monumental 2024 filled with chart-topping hits, a sold-out world tour, and over four billion streams under his belt, Kizz Daniel isn’t just riding the wave — he’s building a whole new ocean. As he enters a bold new chapter, “Police” proves that evolution, collaboration, and pure creative joy are still at the heart of his unstoppable journey.
The title “Police” is unexpected for a love song – what’s the real story behind this track?
Most people look at the title and expect a conscious song, and I get that it could be a tad confusing, especially due to the demographic and the realities of the constant shenanigans of the police here. The song “Police” isn’t about the authorities in a literal sense; it’s pretty much a humorous twist about two lovers who have their schedules conflicted, which results in him calling the police over his lover’s irresistible charm.
How did the collaboration with both Johnny Drille and Angélique Kidjo come together for “Police,” and how did they challenge or surprise you in the studio?
Johnny Drille is a phenomenal artist whom I have worked with previously, and he always brings a fresh twist to a track, just like he did in the last project we worked on together, titled “Feran Mi,” off my last studio album, ‘ Maverick’. I had the idea for the song as I was already working on it and figured he was going to be a great addition to the song, as is evident with the result of the song.
He was also involved in the production of the song and the mixing and mastering of the song. I also figured Angelique Kidjo would put the icing on the cake with this song because not only was her original song, “Agolo,” sampled on the track, but she also has the legendary charisma and global influence needed to make the song a household anthem. It really was seamless working with these two special people.
Angélique Kidjo sampled her iconic 1994 hit “Agolo” in the chorus of “Police” – whose idea was this creative connection, and what was her reaction when she first heard how you incorporated her classic into this modern context?
As an African artist, Angelique Kidjo is an artist you ultimately have to respect not only because she is a global icon but also because she has proven time and time again that making classic, timeless hits comes to her easily. I was already in the process of creating “Police,” and while listening to her songs, I drew inspiration from her song “Agolo,” and it fit very well into the song and I just knew I had to put her on the song. Also, Angelique Kidjo and her team made the whole process easy, from the recording to the clearing, and also the video—a great woman!
You’ve created numerous hits over a decade – what one element of “Police” makes you most proud from a creative standpoint?
The fusion with “Police” was that proud moment. Mixing the energies from both myself and Johnny Drille and putting a legend like Angelique Kidjo and creating something that is cohesive and contemporary.
After 10 years at the top, what still keeps you hungry when many artists burn out?
Curiosity and learning. I wake up wanting to know what else is possible with sound. And let’s not get it twisted, the hunger doesn’t come from trying to compete with my peers but rather from trying to be a better artist than I was yesterday. I’ve grown as a man, an artist, a father… and every version of me wants to tell a new story.
“Uncle K” – what does this title reveal about where you are in your life and career right now?
Mostly because I have been doing this for a while, and I have seen different generations come and go, and I’m still here. Uncle K is a testament to my longevity. I’m in that space where I’ve done a lot, but I’m still young enough to reinvent, to mentor, and to keep pushing the gospel of afrobeats globally.
Your streaming numbers are massive – over 4 billion and counting. How has this global reach changed your approach to creating music?
It has made me more intentional. Knowing that a song can land anywhere in the world pushes me to make records that are still rooted in the culture but universally felt.
You’ve been incredibly consistent with hits – what’s one song you thought would blow up but didn’t, and why?
I don’t have any song like that. I make music because I am in love with the process and the results. All the songs I create aren’t from a view of which is going to blow up and which isn’t going to. I think that’s just a fickle way of looking at things.
With afrobeats reaching unprecedented global popularity, what responsibilities do you feel as one of its leading ambassadors?
Representation. I carry my culture with pride. We’re global now, yes, but we must keep the roots strong. I feel a responsibility to show the world the depth and diversity of Afrobeats because it’s still a growing movement with so much potential.
What’s one music industry rule you’ve deliberately broken that’s actually helped your career?
I stopped sticking to the status quo and fearing new waters.
