For Dare Sweet, music is not a product — it is a diary. Each song carries the weight of memory, movement, and meaning, shaped by places lived, cultures absorbed, and emotions deeply felt. In this intimate conversation with EIIAFRICA, the Afro-fusion artist opens up about identity, creativity, and the journey that continues to define his evolving sound.
Where the Music Began
Dare Sweet’s journey into music was never deliberate in the traditional sense. There was no master plan — only passion.
“Every song is an expression of a moment in my life,” he says.
Born a Swedish citizen but raised partly in Nigeria, Dare Sweet’s formative years were filled with sound. His father’s deep love for Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde ensured music was a constant presence in the home, while his mother’s passion for music completed the rhythm of everyday life. Long before the studio, music lived in the house.
That exposure sparked curiosity early. Dance came first — birthday parties, competitions, school performances — including representing Bopton Comprehensive College in Lagos. Music followed naturally, evolving from movement to melody.
Beyond Labels: The Afro-Fuji Conversation
Dare Sweet describes his sound as Afro-Fuji, comfortably housed within the broader Afrobeats ecosystem — but he resists confinement.
“I don’t like to limit my sound,” he explains. “The industry today rewards artists who are versatile and constantly evolving.”
His music shifts with time, but its essence remains intact. The Yoruba influence in his dialect, phrasing, and rhythm is unmistakable — a signature that makes his voice instantly recognizable.
“It’s a Yoruba thing,” he says simply. “Very unique. And I try not to take that away.”
Life as the Ultimate Muse
Inspiration, for Dare Sweet, is inseparable from lived experience. Some songs emerge from deeply personal moments; others are shaped by stories he absorbs from people around him — experiences that resonate and linger.
Living in Sweden offered contrast and clarity. While many struggled with isolation, Dare Sweet found focus.
“I spent a lot of time indoors,” he reflects. “That gave me space to develop my talent.”
Music, to him, is spiritual — unpredictable and uncontrollable at times. The process often begins with a strong emotion, a feeling so intense it pulls him into the studio.
“If I don’t act on it,” he admits, “I become restless.”
Authenticity as Identi
For Dare Sweet, authenticity is not a strategy — it is surviv
“We are born with unique voices,” he says. “For an artist like me, authenticity is everything.”
A New Chapter: Collaboration and Global Reach
His latest project marks a significant milestone: a joint EP with close friend and Afro-fusion artist Craig Isto, based in Australia.
The six-track body of work has been met with widespread appreciation, with standout songs like “Drunk in Love” and “Winter.” The project also features “MALO,” a collaboration with Jay Willz, driven by deeply personal intention.
The response has been overwhelming.
“It’s mind-blowing,” Dare Sweet says. “You realize people are watching and listening — even when they’re silent.”
Global attention followed his breakout track “Summer Baddie,” which amassed millions of streams worldwide. Interestingly, much of its success came organically through Shazam rather than traditional video promotion — a reminder of how modern music travels.
Independence, Criticism, and the Business of Art
Remaining independent at this level has not been easy. Managing the business side of creativity remains his biggest challenge — but also his greatest teacher.
“You’re not just an artist,” he emphasizes. “You’re a walking business.”
Having run Royal Inc SE since 2009 and founded Afrobeats Scandinavia, Dare Sweet approaches music with intention, structure, and long-term vision. Criticism, he says, no longer distracts him — he understands that not every reaction is about him.
Words for the Next Generation
To emerging African artists, Dare Sweet’s advice is clear and uncompromising:No label is coming to discover you.Create your own opportunities.Treat your craft like a business.Stay hungry.
“Impossible is nothing,” he says. “Keep going.”
Looking Forward
Open to collaboration but guided by purpose, Dare Sweet lets intention lead his next moves. While working with artists like Olamide or Davido would be a dream, faith and timing remain central.For now, he continues to create — grounded, grateful, and driven — letting life speak through sound.