EIIGHANA AFRICA sat down with Nigerian-born, Canada-based artist PA.II, a singer, producer, and storyteller whose latest project ILLAH: Eviction Notice reflects his personal journey, resilience, and creativity. From growing up in a deeply musical home to fusing Afrobeats with Brazilian samba, PA.II shares insights into his artistry, challenges, and vision for the future.
A Musical Journey Rooted in Family
For PA.II, music has always been part of his DNA. Raised in a household where both parents were PhD holders yet musically gifted, he was surrounded by melody from an early age. His father’s playful remixes of Christian hymns and his mother’s role as a choir mistress laid the foundation for his love of music. By the time he joined his church youth choir and later his secondary school choir, his path as an artist had already begun.
Influences That Shaped His Sound
Growing up in Nigeria, PA.II was heavily inspired by Wande Coal’s melodies and Don Jazzy’s groundbreaking production. Internationally, he admired Ryan Leslie’s avant-garde approach to music and drew influence from Nigerian legends like M.I Abaga and Jesse Jagz, who blended artistry with production. These inspirations pushed him to explore both singing and producing, shaping his unique style today.
The Story Behind ILLAH: Eviction Notice
PA.II’s latest body of work is deeply personal. After 13 years abroad, he finally returned home to Nigeria, reconnecting with family and even filming a music video. But upon returning to Canada, he faced setbacks—including being evicted from a studio he had worked in for nearly a decade.
“ILLAH is almost like an autobiography,” he says. “It’s a way to tell my story at different times and places. Eviction Notice reflects both the joy of going home and the challenges I faced when I came back.”
Memorable Performances and Live Energy
Inside the Creative Process
As both a producer and songwriter, PA.II’s creative process is fluid. Sometimes it begins with a beat, other times with a lyric or melody sparked by life experiences. His song Jukebox came to him in the middle of the night after a studio session, reflecting his belief in letting inspiration strike naturally.When faced with creative blocks, he views them as opportunities to pause, recharge, and seek new inspiration rather than obstacles.
Memorable Performances and Live Energy
One of PA.II’s standout moments was performing at Afrofest, where he invited fans from the audience to join him on stage and dance.
“It was something new for me, and the energy was unforgettable. I want to create more moments like that.”
While he loves the intimacy of live shows, PA.II also treasures studio time, calling it a space where ideas are born. “Without the studio, there would be nothing to perform live,” he reflects.
On Collaboration and Industry Challenges
For PA.II, collaborations are about chemistry. “When the vibe is right, I believe God is in the room,” he says. He avoids forced partnerships and instead allows creativity to flow naturally.
As an independent artist, he also understands the uphill battle of surviving in today’s music industry. From the decline of CDs to the rise of streaming, PA.II has adapted through innovation—once selling a limited edition project for $100 a copy to prove that music still holds value.
“Streaming pays little compared to the effort and cost of making music. But the fulfillment comes from being able to reach more people instantl
Future Goals and Musical Vision
At the heart of PA.II’s music is emotion. He wants listeners to feel like they’re being embraced by a “warm hug” through his sound—comfort, joy, and connection. With his fusion of Afrobeats, Brazilian funk, pop rock, and vintage elements, he continues to experiment with fresh directions.
Looking ahead, PA.II hopes to grace global stages like Coachella, The Grammys, The Headies, and the Junos, connecting with fans worldwide.
“It’s not about being the richest artist. I want to be rich in connections—with the masses, with my fans.”
Advice to Aspiring Musicians
“It’s gonna get tough. At that point, you have to decide why you’re doing it. Stay pure, stay real, keep pushing. Your tribe will come.”
He also encourages young artists to embrace new technologies and social media as tools to connect with supporters and build loyal communities.
A Moment of Pride
One project close to his heart is a live studio performance of “Valerie” with his band—one of the last before he had to leave his old studio. For PA.II, that video represents joy, resilience, and the power of creating despite challenges.
PA.II’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and authenticity. From his Nigerian roots to his Canadian base, he continues to push boundaries, fuse cultures, and share music that feels like a heartfelt conversation with an old friend.
PA.II’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and authenticity. From his Nigerian roots to his Canadian base, he continues to push boundaries, fuse cultures, and share music that feels like a heartfelt conversation with an old friend.
At EIIGHANA AFRICA, we believe stories like his deserve to be told—not just because they inspire, but because they remind us that African creativity continues to shape the global soundscape. PA.II is proof that no matter the obstacles, art always finds its way to the world.
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