Being in the right rooms or getting mentioned in them can be the game-changer your career needs to scale up. Just ask KvngVidarr, a former songwriter for hire. His big break came when a music producer recommended him to Joeboy. What started as a writing session evolved into conversations about joining Young Legend LTD, Joeboy’s newly launched music company, as a recording artist.
Since KvngVidarr was announced as the latest artist on Young Legend’s roster in 2024, the singer-songwriter has released four singles and one EP. This week, he had a chat with us about his budding music career, song inspiration, new life and future expectations.
How did you discover music?
KvngVidarr: I think music found me first. I’ve been surrounded by it for as long as I can remember. I grew up with it.
Your music is laidback, almost the opposite of the mainstream trend. Who did you grow up listening to?
KvngVidarr: I really enjoyed listening to the one best boy bands ever, Westlife group and also Nigerian legends like 2Baba and P-Square. My dad enjoyed a lot of Chief Dr. Orlando Owoh’s music — I listened to him a lot too.
When did you decide to go pro with it?
KingVidarr: Nothing beats passion. I found myself going to the studio more often than I went about any other thing. I found peace and comfort in making and being around music. I started working on my music in 2015 at the Doc Side Theatre Studio on June 12, a popular complex at the University of Benin. I put out two EPs, one in 2019, PROJECT FREESTYLE — and another in 2020, Vibes, Palm Trees & Chill. The reception I got from these works gave me a reinforced feeling that I could do more. It was in those moments that I knew that I’d go pro. With the projects, I was trying hard to see ways that I could learn and leverage that knowledge to level up my music.
Then, earlier this year, myself and other talented musicians collaborated with Music Business Africa on a body of work called Pepple Street. I knew I was ready.
Seeing as your songs on Spotify and other DSPs are all 2024 releases under Young Legend LTD, I assume you used to go by a different name.
KvngVidarr: I used to go by different names. First, it was just Vidarr. Other times, Ro1lmijay and Valorthegreat. But none actually stuck as hard as KvngVidarr.
What had to halt when you became KvngVidarr?
KvngVidarr: It’s songwriting. I used it as a means to hustle, to learn the game and mechanics of the industry at the most basic level. For me, right now, with all the love and support I’m receiving, I’m trying to put out the music I create as opposed to selling it out to other artists to use for their own songs.
How did you get signed to Joeboy’s Young Legend LTD?
KvngVidarr: It was through a mutual friend, a producer who got me into one of Pon Deck’s [Joeboy] writing camps. It’s been upward since then. Shoutout to BeatsbyKo. He is the man.
Has getting signed changed your perspective of music, the business and the industry in any way?
KvngVidarr: Yes, definitely. The endless possibilities and partnerships. Understanding music as an actual superpower that can do wonders when properly wielded. Learning never stops and I’m trying to learn as much as possible.
Is anything new you’re getting adjusted to?
KvngVidarr: I’m getting used to not taking the bus anymore. I particularly loved using my BRT card to go around Lagos if I was having a bad day. Those times were fun.
As for the music, I truly feel that it’ll only get better with time and hard work.
For now I feel okay. I’m in a good place, setting up my content creation tools. It’s a new level and it’s a new life with its own unique challenges. I’m adjusting to this new level to better understand how best I can work towards positioning myself for the opportunities that are coming in this industry. I like to be at the ready in order to take advantage of these opportunities.
What do you want people to take away from this album?
KvngVidarr: I want people to listen to my works and feel seen, heard, and understood. Emotions drive my music, and I know that too many of us suffer from hidden feelings and pent-up anger. This is where my music comes in for us all —providing a safe space for all emotions to express themselves.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
KvngVidarr: I see myself achieving global recognition for my work, contributions and accomplishments. I can see it, but all that’s left is the work, and I’m ready to do that.
