TOPLINE
He captured global attention with his breakout hit “Canada,” a song inspired by the wave of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. What started as a casual studio session with producer J P Zoom quickly turned into one of 2024’s most talked-about tracks. “I got the inspiration from what I was seeing on social media,” Magnito recalls. “A lot of Nigerians were travelling abroad with their families, the whole japa wave (a term used for the migration of Nigerians to other countries for greener pastures). I figured I could turn what was happening in the country into something relatable and make a good song.” With J P Zoom handling the beats, Magnito crafted a catchy, feel-good anthem. “Honestly, I didn’t expect it to blow up like this. I thought it would just be a Nigerian banger. But God took it beyond what I planned,” he says with a humble grin. While some listeners speculated about hidden meanings, Magnito clarifies, “It’s not about smoking or anything of that sort. It’s about people seeking better opportunities abroad. Around that time, Canada was giving out visas and work permits easily, so Nigerians benefited. That’s the story the song tells.”
His mission is simple: music that spreads joy. “Every song carries a different message, something that makes you happy, not sad. I just want people to feel good.” Collaboration depends on the song itself. “If the song is good, I’m open to working with anyone, big or upcoming. I like when both sides benefit. Music should connect people, not just names.” Magnito is candid about the challenges of being an independent artist. “Music is expensive, especially when you’re funding yourself. There’s no record label backing you, so everything depends on you. Sometimes, you’re dividing 100 million in your head, thinking about promotion and survival at the same time,” he admits.
Off-stage, he keeps life simple. “I like to sleep,” he laughs. “Rest is very important. I also hang out with friends: Basham, Tony Ross, Eyo, and Fawaz. We eat, gist, and just talk about life. That keeps me grounded.” Touring hasn’t always been smooth either. “One time, I travelled by road from Edo to Nasarawa. We left at 4 p.m. and arrived by 1 a.m., passing through some really dangerous routes. I was scared the whole time.”
Magnito dreams of collaborating with Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Omah Lay. “They inspire me. To work with them would be a milestone.” Balancing creativity and business is key to his approach. “If you’re truly creative, you’ll know how to make your art commercial. I always think about how to make my work generate value.”
While “Canada” became a global sensation, not every track hits the same way. “I’ve had many songs that didn’t blow, not because they were bad, but because I didn’t promote them enough. When I put the same energy I gave Canada into them, they’ll go far.”
For Magnito, this is just the beginning. With more hits on the way, his music promises to continue blending relatable storytelling, infectious beats, and unshakable optimism. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, he is proving that creativity, timing, and passion can truly take music across borders.
