Prove Magazine: Your artist name is Wátifé, but we’ve also seen it spelled as Watife online. What’s the story behind it?
Wátifé comes from my full name, Boluwatife. I used to go by 3atife, but I changed it to Wátifé not long ago. I wanted the name to reflect a new chapter in my music, something more personal and true to who I am now compared to what I used to make.
Prove Magazine: It’s amazing to see you representing Nigeria while living in the U.S. How has that influenced your music?
It’s had a big influence. I grew up in Nigeria and moved to the U.S. about six years ago. My music reflects both worlds. I pull from Afrobeats and Nigerian culture while also being influenced by the Western sound I’ve been around since moving here. That mix gives me something different to bring to the table.
Prove Magazine: Afrobeats is now a global movement. How do you stay true to its roots while creating your own style?
I focus on what feels real to me. I use African percussion in a lot of my music and always stay connected to where I come from. But I also love exploring new sounds. I believe music is universal, so I just follow what feels true and creative in the moment. That’s how I keep evolving while staying grounded.
Prove Magazine: What’s been the biggest challenge for you in breaking into the Afrobeats scene?
For me, it’s been about location. I’m an Afrobeats artist living in Baltimore. It’s a great city with a strong culture, but it’s not exactly the center of the Afrobeats movement. Where you’re based can really affect your momentum in music, and figuring that out has been a challenge.
Prove Magazine: Are you open to traveling or even relocating for music opportunities? And do you have a team behind you, or are you doing everything independently?
I’m definitely open to traveling or moving for the right opportunity. Right now, I’m fully independent. Everything I’ve built so far is self-made, and I’m proud of that, but I’m always open to growth.
Prove Magazine: If you could work with any Afrobeats legend, past or present, who would you choose and why?
Olamide Baddo without a doubt. I’ve been a fan since I was in primary school. I used to play Eyan Mayweather and The Glory over and over when I was about 13. He’s a huge influence. And if I could, I’d definitely want to do a song with Fela Kuti too. That would be legendary.
Prove Magazine: Afrobeats is known for storytelling. Is there a personal story you haven’t shared in your music yet?
There are definitely a few I haven’t put into words yet. I try to be open and honest with my music, but some stories take time to tell the right way. I’m getting there with every new song.
Prove Magazine: Where do you see Afrobeats going in the next five years, and how do you hope to be part of that?
I see it growing even more and mixing with other genres globally. I want to be part of that by pushing the sound forward, experimenting with different styles, and still keeping the heart of Afrobeats in everything I do.
Prove Magazine: How do you balance staying creative while honoring the traditions of the genre?
It’s about respect. I respect the culture and the roots of Afrobeats, so I never want to lose that in my music. But I also believe in trying new things and finding my own voice within it. It’s all about balance.
Prove Magazine: A lot of people say Afrobeats is more than music, it’s a lifestyle. What does that mean to you?
It’s about being proud of where you come from and showing that through how you live, how you speak, how you create. On stage and off stage, it’s about carrying your culture with you and sharing it with others.
Prove Magazine: Which Afrobeats artist or producer has influenced your sound the most?
Definitely Olamide. He’s so versatile and consistent. He’s always growing and staying relevant, which is something I look up to. His music has inspired how I approach my own journey.
Prove Magazine: What’s one part of Nigerian culture you really want to highlight through your music?
The joy and the resilience. Nigeria has so much energy and soul, even through tough times. I want my music to show both the fun and the fight that make our culture so powerful.
Prove Magazine: What’s the hardest part of making music for you? Is it writing, finding the beat, or something else?
It changes all the time. Some days, the beat just doesn’t hit. Other days, I can’t find the right words. Music is like a flow, and you just have to go with it. That’s part of the creative process, and I’ve learned to enjoy the ups and downs.
Prove Magazine: The opportunities are endless for you. Any final words for your listeners as we wrap up?
Just keep supporting. I’m grateful to everyone who’s been on this journey with me. I’ve got a lot more coming, and this is really just the beginning.
Don’t forget to check out Wátifé’s new single “Give Me My Money,” dropping this Friday, May 9th, on all streaming platforms.
Instagram: @iamwatife
