Flavour Credits P-Square for Inspiring His Evolution into a Recording Artist

Nigerian highlife sensation Flavour N’abania has opened up about a pivotal turning point in his music career—crediting the iconic duo P‑Square for inspiring his transition from live performer to a full-fledged recording artist.

In a candid conversation on the In My Opinion podcast, Flavour reflected on his early days performing in Enugu, where he built a local fanbase by playing weekend gigs and entertaining crowds well into the early hours of the morning. As a passionate stage performer, he found joy in live music but hadn’t yet considered venturing into music production or studio recording.

That perspective changed dramatically during one unforgettable night.

According to Flavour, he was performing one of his regular sets at Enugu’s City Centre when P‑Square—then one of Nigeria’s biggest acts—arrived at the venue to promote their hit single “Temptation.” A promoter abruptly asked Flavour to cut his performance short to make way for the duo. What happened next, he says, left a lasting impact.

As Paul Okoye took the microphone and began singing, the crowd erupted with energy. “The way the people responded when Paul sang was like magic,” Flavour recalled. “I stood there, and I realized—I’m just performing other people’s songs. These guys are creating music, recording it, and the people love it.”

That moment sparked a profound realization: to truly connect with a broader audience and grow as an artist, Flavour needed to move beyond live performances and begin crafting his own music. It was a humbling yet inspiring experience that pushed him toward the studio and eventually led to the birth of his now-celebrated solo career.

“After that night, I knew I had to change,” he said. “I decided to become more than a music man—I wanted to be an artist. I started from scratch.”

Flavour’s journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable. He released his debut studio album N’abania in 2005 and has continued to rise through the ranks with hits like “Ashawo,” “Ada Ada,” and “Levels.” Blending traditional Igbo highlife with contemporary Afrobeat, Flavour has become a household name across Africa and beyond. In 2024, he made history by selling out London’s iconic Wembley Arena—a testament to how far he’s come since those early days in Enugu.

As for P‑Square, Flavour holds no resentment—only admiration. “They inspired me,” he said. “Without that experience, I might have remained just a performer.”

Flavour’s story is a reminder that even the most uncomfortable moments can plant the seeds for growth, reinvention, and success. Sometimes, stepping off the stage is exactly what it takes to find your voice.