JELEEL! refuses to be boxed in. The British-Nigerian artist has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm building a following with raw, unfiltered viral clips, and a fearless, off-the-cuff approach. His sound is just as unpredictable with a bold fusion of afrobeats, afro-swing, and futuristic vibes.
Standing out in a digital age of formulas and trends, JELEEL! has proven that instinct, experimentation, and unapologetic self-expression can carve out a space entirely your own. With latest singles, ‘Bumpa’ and ‘Call Me’, he’s shaping a sound and aesthetic that’s rebellious, fun, and unmistakably his.
Clash caught up with JELEEL! to talk about his journey, the making of ‘Nyash Worldwide!’, and how he’s defining both his music and his life on his own terms.
—
—
Let’s start with your single, ‘Call Me’ It has a lot of vibe and energy. What inspired it?
For me, I was in London at the time, and I just felt like sometimes I’d rather people call me than text. I’m really bad at texting! So it just felt right. I wanted people to pick up the phone and call instead of texting. That’s really what inspired it.
Love that. And your album ‘Nyash worldwide’ is out worldwide now. That’s a bold title. Why that title?
I feel like “Nyash” is a term most Africans know, but it’s not really a global word. I wanted it to bring awareness to something people might not know about, and I just love the word.
Your single ‘Rhude Gyal’ was everywhere and got massive replay, then you released a remix with Darkoo. How did that progression come about?
I went to London for a promo run, and Darkoo was performing at Wireless. I hit her up to see if it was possible to perform, and she was so cool about it. I was like you on the remix would sound dope. And she wanted to hop on the remix anyway; I was like, “Yeah, let me send you the track.” It was very organic, nothing forced.
—
—
The UK has been showing you massive love. How does it feel to be embraced by fans there?
It feels amazing. The UK fanbase is strong and very diverse. They really understand me. In America, the reach is bigger and more widespread, but in the UK, it’s more compact, so the reaction hits faster. People are definitely catching on right now.
Your name and catchphrase is unique: “Jeleel!” How did you come up with it?
That’s my real name! My full name is Jeleel Yussuf Abdu. My mom used to call me “Jeleel” and I’d respond with “yeah!” Eventually, it just became a call-and-response thing, and now it stuck.
At what point did you know you wanted to pursue music professionally?
After college. I originally wanted to be an athlete, but sports didn’t work out for me. Music just felt right. it wasn’t even a question, it felt natural and right.
You’ve had experiences with homelessness early on. How have those shaped you?
Those experiences definitely shaped me. I know what it feels like to struggle and to not get love. It was tough, but it made me hungry. I know how it feels to not get that love. It sucks going to that time but it makes me hungrier. Being here now and doing what I love is a blessing.
You’ve mentioned influences like DMX, Fuji, and Paramore. How do you bring those sounds together in your music?
I just experiment. I try different things and see what fits. It’s mostly just trying things. It’s all about having fun and fusing sounds naturally.
How would you describe your sound to someone?
Very futuristic. Genre-bending. I feel like I’m bringing something new to the Afro-space, something people haven’t heard before. It’s definitely new and people are enjoying it.
You have a strong online persona.You’ve leveraged TikTok to build your audience. How has it transformed your career?
TikTok is the best. It makes connecting with people so much easier. I have seen fans in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Places that I never thought I would reach. It’s a great tool for sharing music and connecting globally.
Your performances are very high-energy, with backflips and moves. Are those instinctive or planned?
Mostly instinctive. It’s all in the moment, just having fun. Though I’ve been easing off the backflips a bit! I am more the chill JELEEL! now.
—
—
You’ve performed in New York, London, and Ireland. How does it feel connecting with fans worldwide?
Every fan is different, but it’s amazing. Traveling can be exhausting, but it’s worth it. I see them as supporters, not just fans, and I really appreciate them caring about my music.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I’m really chill offstage. When it’s time to perform, I will make sure people get that side of me. People see the energy online and during performances, but I’m calm in everyday life.
Finally, what do you want people to remember about you and your music as you start this journey?
I want people to know that I’m here to make positive energy, create music that connects, and do something the world hasn’t seen before.
—
—
‘Nyash Worldwide’ is out now.
Words: Temiloluwa Adeyemo
—
Join us on WeAre8, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and
photo shoots. Get backstage sneak-peeks and a view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
JELEEL! refuses to be boxed in. The British-Nigerian artist has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm building a following with raw, unfiltered viral clips, and a fearless, off-the-cuff approach. His sound is just as unpredictable with a bold fusion of afrobeats, afro-swing, and futuristic vibes.
Standing out in a digital age of formulas and trends, JELEEL! has proven that instinct, experimentation, and unapologetic self-expression can carve out a space entirely your own. With latest singles, ‘Bumpa’ and ‘Call Me’, he’s shaping a sound and aesthetic that’s rebellious, fun, and unmistakably his.
Clash caught up with JELEEL! to talk about his journey, the making of ‘Nyash Worldwide!’, and how he’s defining both his music and his life on his own terms.
—
—
Let’s start with your single, ‘Call Me’ It has a lot of vibe and energy. What inspired it?
For me, I was in London at the time, and I just felt like sometimes I’d rather people call me than text. I’m really bad at texting! So it just felt right. I wanted people to pick up the phone and call instead of texting. That’s really what inspired it.
Love that. And your album ‘Nyash worldwide’ is out worldwide now. That’s a bold title. Why that title?
I feel like “Nyash” is a term most Africans know, but it’s not really a global word. I wanted it to bring awareness to something people might not know about, and I just love the word.
Your single ‘Rhude Gyal’ was everywhere and got massive replay, then you released a remix with Darkoo. How did that progression come about?
I went to London for a promo run, and Darkoo was performing at Wireless. I hit her up to see if it was possible to perform, and she was so cool about it. I was like you on the remix would sound dope. And she wanted to hop on the remix anyway; I was like, “Yeah, let me send you the track.” It was very organic, nothing forced.
—
—
The UK has been showing you massive love. How does it feel to be embraced by fans there?
It feels amazing. The UK fanbase is strong and very diverse. They really understand me. In America, the reach is bigger and more widespread, but in the UK, it’s more compact, so the reaction hits faster. People are definitely catching on right now.
Your name and catchphrase is unique: “Jeleel!” How did you come up with it?
That’s my real name! My full name is Jeleel Yussuf Abdu. My mom used to call me “Jeleel” and I’d respond with “yeah!” Eventually, it just became a call-and-response thing, and now it stuck.
At what point did you know you wanted to pursue music professionally?
After college. I originally wanted to be an athlete, but sports didn’t work out for me. Music just felt right. it wasn’t even a question, it felt natural and right.
You’ve had experiences with homelessness early on. How have those shaped you?
Those experiences definitely shaped me. I know what it feels like to struggle and to not get love. It was tough, but it made me hungry. I know how it feels to not get that love. It sucks going to that time but it makes me hungrier. Being here now and doing what I love is a blessing.
You’ve mentioned influences like DMX, Fuji, and Paramore. How do you bring those sounds together in your music?
I just experiment. I try different things and see what fits. It’s mostly just trying things. It’s all about having fun and fusing sounds naturally.
How would you describe your sound to someone?
Very futuristic. Genre-bending. I feel like I’m bringing something new to the Afro-space, something people haven’t heard before. It’s definitely new and people are enjoying it.
You have a strong online persona.You’ve leveraged TikTok to build your audience. How has it transformed your career?
TikTok is the best. It makes connecting with people so much easier. I have seen fans in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Places that I never thought I would reach. It’s a great tool for sharing music and connecting globally.
Your performances are very high-energy, with backflips and moves. Are those instinctive or planned?
Mostly instinctive. It’s all in the moment, just having fun. Though I’ve been easing off the backflips a bit! I am more the chill JELEEL! now.
—
—
You’ve performed in New York, London, and Ireland. How does it feel connecting with fans worldwide?
Every fan is different, but it’s amazing. Traveling can be exhausting, but it’s worth it. I see them as supporters, not just fans, and I really appreciate them caring about my music.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I’m really chill offstage. When it’s time to perform, I will make sure people get that side of me. People see the energy online and during performances, but I’m calm in everyday life.
Finally, what do you want people to remember about you and your music as you start this journey?
I want people to know that I’m here to make positive energy, create music that connects, and do something the world hasn’t seen before.
—
—
‘Nyash Worldwide’ is out now.
Words: Temiloluwa Adeyemo
—
Join us on WeAre8, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and
photo shoots. Get backstage sneak-peeks and a view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
JELEEL! refuses to be boxed in. The British-Nigerian artist has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm building a following with raw, unfiltered viral clips, and a fearless, off-the-cuff approach. His sound is just as unpredictable with a bold fusion of afrobeats, afro-swing, and futuristic vibes.
Standing out in a digital age of formulas and trends, JELEEL! has proven that instinct, experimentation, and unapologetic self-expression can carve out a space entirely your own. With latest singles, ‘Bumpa’ and ‘Call Me’, he’s shaping a sound and aesthetic that’s rebellious, fun, and unmistakably his.
Clash caught up with JELEEL! to talk about his journey, the making of ‘Nyash Worldwide!’, and how he’s defining both his music and his life on his own terms.
—
—
Let’s start with your single, ‘Call Me’ It has a lot of vibe and energy. What inspired it?
For me, I was in London at the time, and I just felt like sometimes I’d rather people call me than text. I’m really bad at texting! So it just felt right. I wanted people to pick up the phone and call instead of texting. That’s really what inspired it.
Love that. And your album ‘Nyash worldwide’ is out worldwide now. That’s a bold title. Why that title?
I feel like “Nyash” is a term most Africans know, but it’s not really a global word. I wanted it to bring awareness to something people might not know about, and I just love the word.
Your single ‘Rhude Gyal’ was everywhere and got massive replay, then you released a remix with Darkoo. How did that progression come about?
I went to London for a promo run, and Darkoo was performing at Wireless. I hit her up to see if it was possible to perform, and she was so cool about it. I was like you on the remix would sound dope. And she wanted to hop on the remix anyway; I was like, “Yeah, let me send you the track.” It was very organic, nothing forced.
—
—
The UK has been showing you massive love. How does it feel to be embraced by fans there?
It feels amazing. The UK fanbase is strong and very diverse. They really understand me. In America, the reach is bigger and more widespread, but in the UK, it’s more compact, so the reaction hits faster. People are definitely catching on right now.
Your name and catchphrase is unique: “Jeleel!” How did you come up with it?
That’s my real name! My full name is Jeleel Yussuf Abdu. My mom used to call me “Jeleel” and I’d respond with “yeah!” Eventually, it just became a call-and-response thing, and now it stuck.
At what point did you know you wanted to pursue music professionally?
After college. I originally wanted to be an athlete, but sports didn’t work out for me. Music just felt right. it wasn’t even a question, it felt natural and right.
You’ve had experiences with homelessness early on. How have those shaped you?
Those experiences definitely shaped me. I know what it feels like to struggle and to not get love. It was tough, but it made me hungry. I know how it feels to not get that love. It sucks going to that time but it makes me hungrier. Being here now and doing what I love is a blessing.
You’ve mentioned influences like DMX, Fuji, and Paramore. How do you bring those sounds together in your music?
I just experiment. I try different things and see what fits. It’s mostly just trying things. It’s all about having fun and fusing sounds naturally.
How would you describe your sound to someone?
Very futuristic. Genre-bending. I feel like I’m bringing something new to the Afro-space, something people haven’t heard before. It’s definitely new and people are enjoying it.
You have a strong online persona.You’ve leveraged TikTok to build your audience. How has it transformed your career?
TikTok is the best. It makes connecting with people so much easier. I have seen fans in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Places that I never thought I would reach. It’s a great tool for sharing music and connecting globally.
Your performances are very high-energy, with backflips and moves. Are those instinctive or planned?
Mostly instinctive. It’s all in the moment, just having fun. Though I’ve been easing off the backflips a bit! I am more the chill JELEEL! now.
—
—
You’ve performed in New York, London, and Ireland. How does it feel connecting with fans worldwide?
Every fan is different, but it’s amazing. Traveling can be exhausting, but it’s worth it. I see them as supporters, not just fans, and I really appreciate them caring about my music.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I’m really chill offstage. When it’s time to perform, I will make sure people get that side of me. People see the energy online and during performances, but I’m calm in everyday life.
Finally, what do you want people to remember about you and your music as you start this journey?
I want people to know that I’m here to make positive energy, create music that connects, and do something the world hasn’t seen before.
—
—
‘Nyash Worldwide’ is out now.
Words: Temiloluwa Adeyemo
—
Join us on WeAre8, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and
photo shoots. Get backstage sneak-peeks and a view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
JELEEL! refuses to be boxed in. The British-Nigerian artist has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm building a following with raw, unfiltered viral clips, and a fearless, off-the-cuff approach. His sound is just as unpredictable with a bold fusion of afrobeats, afro-swing, and futuristic vibes.
Standing out in a digital age of formulas and trends, JELEEL! has proven that instinct, experimentation, and unapologetic self-expression can carve out a space entirely your own. With latest singles, ‘Bumpa’ and ‘Call Me’, he’s shaping a sound and aesthetic that’s rebellious, fun, and unmistakably his.
Clash caught up with JELEEL! to talk about his journey, the making of ‘Nyash Worldwide!’, and how he’s defining both his music and his life on his own terms.
—
—
Let’s start with your single, ‘Call Me’ It has a lot of vibe and energy. What inspired it?
For me, I was in London at the time, and I just felt like sometimes I’d rather people call me than text. I’m really bad at texting! So it just felt right. I wanted people to pick up the phone and call instead of texting. That’s really what inspired it.
Love that. And your album ‘Nyash worldwide’ is out worldwide now. That’s a bold title. Why that title?
I feel like “Nyash” is a term most Africans know, but it’s not really a global word. I wanted it to bring awareness to something people might not know about, and I just love the word.
Your single ‘Rhude Gyal’ was everywhere and got massive replay, then you released a remix with Darkoo. How did that progression come about?
I went to London for a promo run, and Darkoo was performing at Wireless. I hit her up to see if it was possible to perform, and she was so cool about it. I was like you on the remix would sound dope. And she wanted to hop on the remix anyway; I was like, “Yeah, let me send you the track.” It was very organic, nothing forced.
—
—
The UK has been showing you massive love. How does it feel to be embraced by fans there?
It feels amazing. The UK fanbase is strong and very diverse. They really understand me. In America, the reach is bigger and more widespread, but in the UK, it’s more compact, so the reaction hits faster. People are definitely catching on right now.
Your name and catchphrase is unique: “Jeleel!” How did you come up with it?
That’s my real name! My full name is Jeleel Yussuf Abdu. My mom used to call me “Jeleel” and I’d respond with “yeah!” Eventually, it just became a call-and-response thing, and now it stuck.
At what point did you know you wanted to pursue music professionally?
After college. I originally wanted to be an athlete, but sports didn’t work out for me. Music just felt right. it wasn’t even a question, it felt natural and right.
You’ve had experiences with homelessness early on. How have those shaped you?
Those experiences definitely shaped me. I know what it feels like to struggle and to not get love. It was tough, but it made me hungry. I know how it feels to not get that love. It sucks going to that time but it makes me hungrier. Being here now and doing what I love is a blessing.
You’ve mentioned influences like DMX, Fuji, and Paramore. How do you bring those sounds together in your music?
I just experiment. I try different things and see what fits. It’s mostly just trying things. It’s all about having fun and fusing sounds naturally.
How would you describe your sound to someone?
Very futuristic. Genre-bending. I feel like I’m bringing something new to the Afro-space, something people haven’t heard before. It’s definitely new and people are enjoying it.
You have a strong online persona.You’ve leveraged TikTok to build your audience. How has it transformed your career?
TikTok is the best. It makes connecting with people so much easier. I have seen fans in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Places that I never thought I would reach. It’s a great tool for sharing music and connecting globally.
Your performances are very high-energy, with backflips and moves. Are those instinctive or planned?
Mostly instinctive. It’s all in the moment, just having fun. Though I’ve been easing off the backflips a bit! I am more the chill JELEEL! now.
—
—
You’ve performed in New York, London, and Ireland. How does it feel connecting with fans worldwide?
Every fan is different, but it’s amazing. Traveling can be exhausting, but it’s worth it. I see them as supporters, not just fans, and I really appreciate them caring about my music.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I’m really chill offstage. When it’s time to perform, I will make sure people get that side of me. People see the energy online and during performances, but I’m calm in everyday life.
Finally, what do you want people to remember about you and your music as you start this journey?
I want people to know that I’m here to make positive energy, create music that connects, and do something the world hasn’t seen before.
—
—
‘Nyash Worldwide’ is out now.
Words: Temiloluwa Adeyemo
—
Join us on WeAre8, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and
photo shoots. Get backstage sneak-peeks and a view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
