NIGERIAN AMERICAN ARTISTE JIDENNA THEODORE MOBISSON IS KNOWN FOR HIS UNIQUE SOUND AND HIS IMPECCABLE SENSE OF STYLE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE 32 YEAR OLD WHO IS THE EMBODIMENT OF A CLASSIC MAN.
By understanding that art is a reflection of society, Jidenna has infused his music with powerful imagery and emotion derived from his life. When asked about his sense of style, the dandy of Nigerian Igbo descent muses “I represent a movement of men all over the world interested in refining the way they dress because they have refined their minds.” At the very least, he leads us to believe he is indeed a Classic Man.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION TO MAKE MUSIC?
My vulnerabilities and there are several that I am yet to explore through my music. I think these are the secrets and strengths to any artiste. You look at your family and all the stories you can tell about them, in fact, I have only told stories about my father.
CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT THESE VULNERABILITIES IN MORE DETAIL?
If I tell you, I will have to kill you (Laughs). Some that I have already showcased include those with women, Bambi is an example. I have never written a record like that – showing a longing for a love I feel I lost. Bambi is a real girl but she doesn’t go by that name. When I talk about drinking alone in my hotel and crying, searching through Instagram looking at a love I lost, I know a lot of artistes try to hide that. Through my music, I like to show moments when the man is not in control.
ONE OF YOUR SIGNATURE LOOKS IS YOUR BEARD. WOULD YOU FOR ANY REASON SHAVE IT OFF?
This story is from the October/November 2017 edition of DRUM Magazine East Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October/November 2017 edition of DRUM Magazine East Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Relationship Goals
WE ALL HAVE THAT ONE CELEBRITY COUPLE THAT WE LOVE BECAUSE THEY LOOK GOOD TOGETHER AND ARE WINNING AT LIFE. HERE ARE SIX AFRICAN CELEBRITY COUPLES THAT WE ADMIRE.
Unshackled
SISTERS ERICA AND TINA CAMPBELL WHO FORM THE GOSPEL DUO MARY MARY WERE IN TOWN RECENTLY AND SPOKE TO DRUM ABOUT THE STRUGGLES OF SINGING TOGETHER, GOING SOLO AND THEIR LONGEVITY IN THE INDUSTRY.
Taking The Spotlight
HAVING BEEN DIAMOND PLATNUMZ’S BACK UP SINGER FOR YEARS, LAVA LAVA IS NOW STEPPING OUT ON HIS OWN AS A SOLO ARTISTE UNDER WASAFI RECORDS.
The Wondrous Woman
GAL GADOT, 32, IS EVERYTHING YOU EXPECT HER TO BE IN HER LATEST MOVIE, WONDER WOMAN. HERE ARE A FEW TIDBITS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT HER.
For The Love Of Film
MWANIKI MAGERIA IS AN MC, AN EVENTS ORGANISER AND A FILM DISTRIBUTOR WHO’S ABOUT TO ADD ANOTHER NOTCH ON HIS BELT. DRUM CAUGHT UP WITH THE FOUNDER OF KALASHA AWARDS AND TALKED MATTERS FILM, FAMILY AND THE FUTURE.
Know Your Beer
JEAN WANDIMI GIVES YOU A CRASH COURSE THAT WILL MOVE YOU FROM AMATEUR TO BEER CONNOISSEUR IN A JIFFY.
Right At Home
NASEEM OMAR, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NASIMI INTERIORS, TOOK THE BOLD STEP OF CHANGING THE LOOK AND FEEL OF FURNITURE SHOWROOMS IN KENYA, AND IT IS PAYING OFF.
The Spicw Girl
MELLOW-VOICED SONGSTRESS AND CHERIE HITMAKER LYDIA JAZMINE WAS CATAPULTED TO INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM AFTER HER PERFORMANCE ON COKE STUDIO AFRICA LAST YEAR. THE SEXY 25-YEAR-OLD UGANDAN RNB SINGER TALKS TO US ABOUT STAKING HER CLAIM TO FAME.
The Classic Man
NIGERIAN AMERICAN ARTISTE JIDENNA THEODORE MOBISSON IS KNOWN FOR HIS UNIQUE SOUND AND HIS IMPECCABLE SENSE OF STYLE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE 32 YEAR OLD WHO IS THE EMBODIMENT OF A CLASSIC MAN.
Forging Ahead
AFTER CONFESSING TO HAVING HAD AN AFFAIR, WILL YOU BE WILLING TO FORGIVE AND WORK ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SPOUSE?
