The Playground Meets: Igwe Aka
Written by: Laroche “Cin” Cineus
Interviewed by: Virginia “Steph” Donalds
An eye for an eye makes the whole world predictable
We’re drawn to relatability, it’s not uncommon to fear being on life’s journey alone. A community is needed to sustain and mold us as individuals. Igwe Aka, born Anthony Chukwubuike Aka’Naizerigwe in Enugu, Nigeria is an artist who’s been molded by the world. The Northern California-based artist draws from Alternative, Hip-Hop, Soul, Reggae, Latin and Afrofusion influences to create a distinct sound unique to his experiences. Having been introduced to music through his father, lending to them creating more traditional Enugu music, but Igwe Aka still associates Hip-Hop with being associated with his first memories.
Being that music was something inescapable in Aka’s life, he was destined to carve a space for himself within the industry. Though it wasn’t the most logical dream, at least while he was living in Nigeria, Aka felt as though it was a necessary transition to return to the states to fulfill that destiny. But Aka’s views on the necessity of his departure have long since changed. This realization comes from observing the difference in the American mindframe that fuels our sense of accomplishment, often holding the ideal image to a higher standard than the progress and dedication. Holding the advice of his mother, Aka shares her reminder, “you have to make logical next steps.” This process is subjective but Aka stresses the importance of understanding one’s needs and what to acquire along the way, whether that be a certain character attribute or skill set.
In Aka’s search for understanding he’s found himself accustomed to moving around often, but Aka found it more anxiety inducing for those in his immediate circle than personally. Which made Aka’s transition to Northern California that much more seamless, stating “you have to calibrate to wherever you’re at.” But this transition still came with challenges of its own, accepting the new social norms as well as the conflicting perspective on the brand of racism in America compared to that of Nigeria. As Aka told Submerge “In Africa it wasn’t an issue to be black, that’s just what you were. So it was weird coming here and experiencing that.” Aka found himself having to recalibrate to these changes by learning the history of how systematic racism takes form in America, not only through his research but though his interactions with diverging groups of people coming to understand America is simply a complicated place.
In the calculated efforts leading to Aka’s 2020 More Than A Man EP, we’ve seen Aka’s hard work ethic pay off, but he humbly acknowledges the one million in total streams milestone in 2020. “It’s a testament to growth, it’s a testament to getting stronger as a team, and it’s a testament to having good faith and work ethic” Aka says.
It’s important for Aka to stress that More Than A Man is an EP, where he reserves the debut album title as something special to his growth. Being intentional with his early string of soundcloud singles before releasing 2016’s The Classics Vol.1, Aka hasn’t been shy in his exploration and experimentation. With standout tracks such as “Honesty” and “Henny Sea” Aka demonstrates his range and ability to weave through genres in the same way he experienced that same fluidity through being around his father and the creative community he’s found a place in.
While The Classics Vol.1 highlighted Aka’s range, it wasn’t until 2019’s release of CRyBaby that we recognized his pinpoint focus in sonically arranging a project. Allowing himself to fully be immersed in a singular style.
Aka has still only been teasing us, even with the release of the More Than A Man EP, feeling as though it’s only a sample of who Igwe Aka is as a whole. The self produced intro “Codeine Castle” serves as Aka’s foundation, with a boom-bap inspired beat melded with synthesized elements, he creates a space in the present while calling back to his roots. Before we follow Aka into the nightmarish “Road Rage.” While we’re continuing to dissect More Than A Man’s arrangement, Aka already seems excited to explore the next phase of his evolution.
In 2021 Aka provides us a glimpse of this next phase as he releases the punk rock inspired “Not The Hills'', in collaboration with BRYVN. Describing the process and being around Brian as being so natural, with Brian’s daughter running around as they cycle through sounds. There’s a certainty to Aka’s words as he reflects on his reality and position as an artist. Survival and authenticity are at the root of “Not The Hills,” Which Cedric Crisologo captures in the official video.
While 2020 has restricted Aka in being able to connect with his listeners, it’s allowed him to further connect and collaborate with his peers. With their diverging experiences giving way to a unique sound on its own. Aka encourages creatives to avoid the trap of overthinking, as that acts as a barrier preventing one from challenging themselves to explore the best version of themselves. Which is the unfolding principle of Igwe Aka, the ever changing man.
Be sure to check out Igwe Aka’s latest release More Than A Man available on all platforms - featuring “Red.” Along with his follow up single release “Not The Hills” and the live performance at Major Stage below.
Stay tuned for the next evolution of Igwe Aka in 2021.