By Ibeh Fortune Chidinma
In a genre dominated by celebration, Llona positions himself not as a party-starter, but as a preacher of introspection. He draws on pain and trauma from his experiences within his nomadic community, offering a form of musical self-therapy.
While his message is potent, its consistent solemnity may limit his commercial reach—a trade-off that arguably strengthens his artistic authenticity. His music delivers a piercing resonance, a reflection so potent it makes the hairs on your skin stand on end.
His recent release, “Dead Flowers,” solidifies his place among Afrobeats‘ growing emotional voices. The track is a vital contribution to an expanding “afro-emotion” subgenre. Llona frames himself as a change agent, singing, “I believe / yes, I believed / I will build a future that’s just not for me / take away the chaos, advocate for peace.” He emphasizes an internal competition, needing no external validation: “I don’t care who is next / not the reason that I’m here.”
This is more than an expression of past pain; it’s a declaration of arrival. He signals a readiness to reveal the “hidden Super Star” he has realized he is.
This artistic identity was forged in his debut album, “Homeless,” which marked him as a distinctly introspective voice. The project expressed vulnerability, struggle, and resilience, often using dark humor to navigate despair. In “Still Scared,” he sings, “stuck in the place where they can’t save us… running and running like a stray dog / death is the only thing that saves us.”
Llona is actively building the foundation to become the face of “Emo-Afrobeats.” A key strategy is his ambitious “Homeless” nationwide tour, a rarity in the Nigerian music scene due to significant economic and logistical challenges. While major artists often focus solely on commercial hubs, Llona leveraged this tour to connect with the grassroots, performing in cities like Ogbomosho, Benin, Lokoja, Awka, Owerri, Lafia and Abeokuta. This grassroots focus builds a dedicated fandom and gives audiences what they yearn for “to see artists perform live”.
His music might not be “party flow,” but it speaks to the everyday Nigerian’s reality. The “Homeless” tour has skyrocketed his listenership, proving that his message of vulnerability and self-found therapy is not just artistically sound, but a viable path to building a legacy. Llona is a phenom to watch, potentially steering clear of his peers by forging one of the most strong, connected fandoms in the industry.
About the Author
Ibeh Fortune Chidinma is a media creative, podcaster, and culture writer passionate about music and entertainment space. He explores Afrobeats and African pop culture with a focus on the artists shaping today’s sound. When not writing, he is hosting the Spillers Podcast, where bold conversations meet social commentary. Follow him on X @Datafricanboy .
