TALK TO US SPECIAL: BLAZEHENSHAW.

Once again, we are back with another special episode of our magazine, featuring our very own RADAR artist, Blazehenshaw. Nice to have you here, champion.

• Can you please tell us your real name?

Thank you for having me. My real name is Edem-ita Richard Henshaw.

• SYLOM is your debut project, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. What inspired the concept behind this EP, and what message do you hope to convey to your listeners?

First of all, SYLOM stands for “Shine Your Light On Me.” With this project, I’m trying to let the world know that it’s time to shine forth their light on me, giving me their ears and letting them into my world through my sound. The message I want to convey is that it’s my time to be heard, and I hope to inspire others to find and share their light as well.

• Each track on SYLOM seems to explore different themes and emotions. Can you walk us through the creative process behind one of your favorite tracks and how it reflects your personal journey?

My favorite track on the project is “Normally.” It tells a story of how we all wish life could be a bed of roses for us.
But, as much as we want things to go our way, we have to understand that God has the final say. This track reflects the ups and downs of life and the acceptance that, despite our best efforts, some things are beyond our control. It’s a personal reminder to stay grounded and trust the process.

• The project titled, “SYLOM (Shine Your Light On Me),” carries a powerful message of hope and resilience. What does this song mean to you personally, and how do you hope it will resonate with your audience?

SYLOM holds a deep personal meaning for me. As I mentioned earlier, it’s about shining your light, but more than that, it’s about deriving strength, hope, confidence, and perseverance.
I want my audience to feel empowered when they listen to this project—to know that no matter what they’re going through, they have the strength within them to overcome it. It’s a call to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.

• Your music blends Afrobeat, R&B, and Afro-fusion in a unique way. How do these genres influence your sound, and what challenges did you face in merging these styles together on this EP?

I like to think of my sound as Afro Folklore because I’m a storyteller at heart. Each genre I incorporate—whether it’s Afrobeat, R&B, or Afro-fusion—adds a different layer to the story I’m telling.
There’s always something to talk about, so for me, there weren’t any challenges in merging these styles together. It felt natural because each genre brings its own flavor, and I love blending them to create something new and compelling.

• As a rising artist, how do you see SYLOM contributing to your growth and identity in the music industry? What impact do you hope it will have on your career and on Afrobeat music?

My sound has evolved over the years, and SYLOM is my first body of work. It took me three years to put these pieces together, and it represents a new dimension for me and my fans. I believe SYLOM will push me to where I belong in the industry and open more doors for future projects. I hope it also contributes to the Afrobeat genre by bringing a fresh perspective, showing that there are still many stories to be told within this music.

• You’ve mentioned that SYLOM is not just an EP but a narrative journey. How did your personal experiences shape the storytelling aspect of this project, and how do you hope listeners will connect with it on a deeper level?

My personal experiences are the foundation of SYLOM. Every track is a chapter in my life—my thoughts, my struggles, my victories. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just a collection of songs but a story that listeners could follow and relate to.
I hope that by sharing my journey, others will find parts of their own story in it, and connect with the emotions and messages on a deeper level.

• With SYLOM set to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2024, what’s next for Blazehenshaw? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans should be excited about?

There’s a lot coming after SYLOM. I’m really looking forward to my concert at the end of the year, which I think will be a great way to bring this project to life on stage.
I’m also working on my next album, which is already in the works. Fans can definitely expect more music, more stories, and more growth from me. I’m excited about what’s to come, and I hope everyone will join me on this journey.