Author: Chioma Ugo Nwachukwu

Nigerian-born, UK-based producer Femi is carving a unique space in the lo-fi scene, blending atmospheric, space-themed beats with subtle nods to his African roots.
From the crackle of vinyl to the warmth of Highlife rhythms, his music isn’t just “background noise”—it’s a journey through nostalgia, cosmos, and quiet reflection.

In this interview with Afrobeats Head, Femi opens up about his creative process, the influence of living between two worlds, and his upcoming project, Venus, which promises to bring a Naija Highlife/Palmwine vibe to the global lo-fi landscape.

For people just discovering you through Afrobeats Head, who are you and how did lo-fi become your lane?

If you’re just discovering me, I’m a lo-fi artist and music producer dedicated to crafting atmospheric, space themed tracks. Lo-fi became my lane because I’ve always loved the imperfections like the hiss of a tape, the crackle of a vinyl and how a simple, dusty beat can make you feel mellow.

It’s a genre that lets me explore the vastness of the universe from a very intimate, grounded perspective.. Just pure vibes.

You’re Nigerian but based in the UK. How do those two worlds show up in your sound?

Being Nigerian in the UK means balancing two energies. Nigeria gives my music its rhythmic soul and that “never say die” spirit, while the UK influences my moody, spacey textures. I don’t force the Naija elements, they enter naturally because na where I come from. It’s like jollof, different recipes, same soul.

Do you consciously try to infuse Nigerian elements into your beats, or does it happen naturally?

Honestly, I don’t force it at all. It just happens naturally because it’s in my DNA. Apart from my Saturn (Sátúrùn) EP, I’ve got a new project called Venus dropping on January 30th. That one is a complete Highlife/Palmwine bounce. It’s pure rhythm and nostalgia, my way of showing that lo-fi can still have that authentic home feeling.

How would you describe your music to someone who thinks lo-fi is just “background music”?

I tell them it’s not just background noise, it’s the foundation for your thoughts. It’s the canvas that helps you focus or cool your mind after a long day. 

My music isn’t just random loops; it’s a whole journey. It’s about giving you a vibe to breathe in, it doesn’t just fill the room, it sets the mood.

What emotions or headspace are you usually in when you’re producing?

I’m usually in a state of quiet wonder, just catching a calm vibe. I like to sit in that space where the world feels still and my mind can just wander through the stars. It’s really about finding peace in the middle of all the noise.

I produce from a place of reflection and serious nostalgia. Whether I’m tapping into that cosmic stillness or catching that warm feeling, the goal is always to create a sound that helps you cool your heart and just be.

Your projects are all named after planets and celestial bodies. You have earth, mars, jupiter. Is there a reason for that?

I’ve always been fascinated by how massive yet peaceful the universe is. Naming my projects after celestial bodies gives the music scale and reminds us that even when life is loud, there’s a quiet beauty out there.

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How has living outside Nigeria shaped the way you connect with home through music?

Living abroad will make you get a sense about your roots. When you’re far away, you have to be intentional. For me, music is the bridge. It’s how I stay connected to the soil while I’m overseas.

Nostalgia plays a big role in lo-fi. What memories do you find yourself returning to most?

I always go back to those quiet Naija nights, specifically the warm air and the muffled sounds of the street from a distance. That peaceful, hazy feeling is exactly what I try to capture in my beats.

Do you feel pressure to sound “African enough,” especially as a Nigerian producer in a global genre?

I don’t feel that pressure at all because no be by force to follow the crowd. Being a Nigerian in a niche space like lo-fi is the flex itself. My sound is authentic because it’s mine, whether I’m using heavy percussion or just spacey vibes.

How important is it to you that African producers are part of conversations around alternative and niche sounds?

It’s massive. We bring a different spice to the table. Just like my new Venus EP dropping soon, it’s a complete Highlife bounce that shows how our “alternative” sounds can stand anywhere. We’re showing the world that African creativity no get limit.

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Walk us through your creative process. What sparks a beat for you?

It usually starts with a mood. I fit just hear a sound on the street or get a melody while staring at the sky. Once that spark hits, I start layering textures to build a whole world around it.

What’s one thing listeners might not realize goes into making a lo-fi track?

People think it’s just loops, but there’s plenty of “soul” work involved. It’s those tiny imperfections and the way the frequencies hit to make you calm down. It’s intentional chaos.

How do you know when a beat is finished?

I know a beat is ready when I can close my eyes and feel like I’ve traveled somewhere. If I start overthinking, I know I’ve reached. Less is more.

Lo-fi is known for its chill, relaxing vibes, but how do you relax when life gets hectic?

When life gets busy, I just step back. I spend time with family and the people I love, that is where I find real peace. I also like to relax and zone out with a good movie.

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How has being UK-based influenced your opportunities and audience?

Being in the UK has opened doors for global reach. The “London chill” mixes with my roots to give the music a unique edge that resonates here and back home.

Where do you feel your strongest support comes from? Africa or the diaspora?

It’s a mix. The diaspora really feels that nostalgia, but I’m seeing big love from Africa too. People back home are really starting to vibe with alternative sounds now.

What’s been the most validating moment in your journey so far?

Seeing my tracks like “Ganymede” or “Díónì” on global playlists. Knowing someone is using my music to find peace is the ultimate win.

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What are you currently working on?

Right now, all my energy is on my new EP, Venus, dropping 30/01/2026.

How do you want your sound to evolve over time?

I want to keep growing without losing that spacey vibe. I’m moving toward blending more live instruments with my lo-fi foundations.

What do you hope people feel when they listen to your music late at night or during quiet moments?

I want you to feel seen. Whether you’re studying or just overthinking at 2 AM, my music is that “no worries” zone.

Tell us about your upcoming project, Venus. What inspired it?

It’s a complete Highlife bounce. I wanted to bring that classic energy into the lo-fi world. It’s warm, rhythmic and very Naija.

Do you also make traditional Afrobeats music or have plans to do so?

I used to play with traditional Afrobeats back in the day, but right now, my focus is fully on lo-fi. That’s where my head is at.

Still, that Naija rhythm is the heartbeat of everything I do, so you’ll always hear those elements in whatever I create. It’s just me blending my roots with the chill vibe I’m feeling now. The rhythm still dey, just in a different way.

Would you be open to collaborating with Afrobeats artists on Lo-fi and Afrobeats?

I’d love to collaborate with artists like Tems or Lojay, their voices on a lo-fi beat? O’boy, that would be fire!

If so, who are your dream collaborators?

Working with The Cavemen would be pure fire for that Highlife/Palmwine feel.

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Quick Fire Questions 

Lagos or London?

Lagos (November to February) for the energy and London (March to October) for the grind.

Headphones or speakers?

Headphones all day!

One word to describe your sound.

Cosmic.

Femi’s new EP Venus comes out on Friday, January 30th 2026