Solana: Nigerian singer who blends Yoruba and Afrobeats
The singer and songwriter Solana released this year the track 'Okunkun', in partnership with producer Killertunes. The artist, who grew up listening to Afrobeats influenced by her mother, officially started her career in college. Her sound has already attracted celebrities like SZA, Tyla and Diplo, and can be heard in the RFI Music Programming playlist.
The Nigerian singer-songwriter Solana released this year the track "Okunkun", in partnership with the music producer Killertunes. The music, which blends elements of the Yoruba tradition with the modernity of the Afrobeats, drew the attention of names such as SZA, Tyla and Diplo. The work reinforces Solana’s position as one of the emerging voices of the contemporary African music scene.
The artist’s trajectory, however, began long before the spotlight. In interviews, Solana says that music has always been present in her life, since her mother is a big fan of afrobeats, and the artist grew up listening to the classics of this style. At the age of six, she composed her first music and the creative impulse never left her again.
College career starter
Despite her early talent, Solana’s professional career only officially began during her college life. In the second year of college, a colleague who worked in a music studio heard her sing and invited her to record one of her compositions. According to the artist, it was from this moment that her music career officially began.
This unexpected invitation opened doors for Solana to dedicate himself more seriously to music production. From there, she began to build her own sound identity, transiting between traditional references and contemporary beats. The source did not detail in which educational institution the artist studied, but the episode is often cited by her as a watershed.
Partnership with Killertunes
The meeting with producer Killertunes was another milestone in Solana’s trajectory. In the words of the singer herself, it was Killertunes who helped her gain confidence, stone her sound identity and explore new creative paths. Together, they released the track "Badder" in 2021 and this year, "Okunkun", which fell in the liking of celebrities like SZA, Tyla and Diplo.
The collaboration with Killertunes allowed Solana to experiment with new sound textures, without abandoning the Yoruba roots that permeate her work. The track "Okunkun" is an example of this fusion: the title, of Yoruba origin, refers to deep cultural concepts, while the production dialogues with the global Afrobeats. The source did not detail the exact meaning of the word, but the choice reinforces the artist’s commitment to her cultural heritage.
International recognition and playlists
Solana’s reach has grown beyond Nigerian borders. Solana's sound can also be checked in the playlist of the Music Programming of RFI, a French public broadcaster with a wide international audience. The inclusion in RFI’s programming signals the interest of the European and global public in the artist’s work.
In addition, the Balada Musical program, which presents Solana’s music, airs every Saturday on RFI Brasil programs and can also be heard on Spotify and Deezer. This exposure on streaming and radio platforms expands the reach of the singer, connecting her to listeners from different countries and cultural contexts.
Why Solana's trajectory matters
Solana’s story illustrates a larger movement within contemporary African music: the appreciation of local languages and traditions in dialogue with global genres. By singing in Yoruba and incorporating cultural elements in her compositions, the artist contributes to the preservation and diffusion of a rich and diverse intangible heritage.
For the Brazilian public, in particular, the connection with Yoruba culture may arouse additional interest, given the strong presence of this heritage in Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestations. Although the source does not establish a direct relationship with Brazil, the similarity of roots can generate identification and curiosity. The Boca no Trombone Portal, headquartered in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, tracks these unfoldings of the global music scene with attention to local resonances.
Next steps and expectations
So far, the source has not detailed future plans for Solana, such as new releases or tours. However, the repercussions of "Okunkun" and the support of established artists suggest that the singer should continue to rise. The partnership with Killertunes, consolidated in two releases, can yield new projects.
Fans can follow Solana’s work through RFI playlists and streaming platforms. The inclusion in the Musical Ballad, broadcast on Saturdays, is a gateway for those who want to know more about the artist and the new generation of Nigerian afrobeats.
While new chapters are not revealed, Solana’s trajectory already demonstrates how talent, cultural roots and strategic collaborations can boost a musical career on the global stage. The Boca no Trombone Portal will keep an eye on the next steps of the singer and other names that move the international music scene.
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