Cover star interview: Nigerian Afrobeats artist Rybeena

Rybeena talks about ‘1999’

This track has a reggae fusion feel to it, and the song is actually talking about me, how I [was] brought up, my background and kind of all I came from. It's about my true self, so the song actually means a lot to me—a lot!

The Virtuoso album

I just wanted to make something that musically had everything, but [was] still totally original. I just want my fans to feel love; stay connected; stay true to yourself; stay yourself. Positive energy, always.

The backstory behind his stage name

I was recording my first-ever track, and the funniest thing is, the producer liked what he was drinking. I was thinking of a new name, because I was new to the music. I was just like, “What can I do?" Then I saw the Ribena! It’s unique, and I can attach it to many things.

Rybeena’s viral 2023 hit, ‘Id.Me’

Let me just say: that song is the first song that made me actually cry, because I was at my lowest due to some things that happened in my life. ‘Id.Me’ was just me explaining those things in the song. When I was making it, I burst into tears. That was when I knew that this song was different.

Being signed to Dapper Music

It feels great to be among one of the best record labels in Africa. It's been a great relationship between us, and everything is working—and it will only get better!

Listen to the full interview via on Apple Music here.