In this exclusive interview, Afrobeats producer Krizbeatz dives into the making of Daddy Daycare, his creative process, and how he’s shaping the future of the genre.
For nearly a decade, Krizbeatz has been at the forefront of Afrobeats’ sonic evolution, orchestrating hits that range from high-energy anthems to warm, immersive grooves. His gift for curation and execution is evident across every project he has helmed, from 2020’s African Time, which cemented his place as one of Afropop’s key architects, to King of The New Wave, his 2023 tape that championed a bold new class of artists. Now, with Daddy Daycare, Krizbeatz takes on his most personal project yet—one that leans into the fatherly instincts he has developed while continuing to push the boundaries of Afrobeats.
Sitting down with us, Krizbeatz talks about his journey, the making of Daddy Daycare, and the vision behind his ever-expanding musical universe.
The Origins and Longevity of a Sonic Architect
Before he was shaping the future of African pop music, Krizbeatz was a young boy with a passion for rhythm. “I started playing drums at the age of seven,” he recalls. “I played for different bands, then churches, and that’s where people started calling me ‘Krizbeatz the Drummer Boy.’ The name stuck, and that was my first introduction to sound.”
Beyond talent, his longevity in the industry has been fueled by pure passion. “Yes, music makes me a lot of money, but I care more about how it makes me feel. And every day, it still feels like having fun.”
Crafting Soundscapes: The Krizbeatz Method
One of the hallmarks of Krizbeatz’s work is his ability to blend intricate elements seamlessly, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources. “I get inspired by doing something I’ve never done before,” he explains. “People also inspire me—both those who doubt my abilities and those who believe I’m the best. I try to prove the former wrong and make the latter proud.”
His creative process varies from project to project. “Sometimes I start with the drums, other times I build around a melody. But I always think of the artist’s sound first and how to push them further.”
The Evolution of Afro-Dance Music
Krizbeatz’s signature style, Afro-Dance Music (ADM), is a genre he pioneered—an electrifying fusion of Afrobeats and EDM. “That’s my stronghold, my comfort zone,” he says with conviction. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t open to experimentation. “If I could explore another genre, I’d love to see how Afro-house and Brazilian funk could blend together.”
His admiration for genre-bending producers is evident in his influences. “DJ Snake, David Guetta, Don Jazzy, DJ Khaled, Kanye West—I draw different things from each of them.”
The Making of Daddy Daycare
Unlike his previous projects, Daddy Daycare is deeply personal. The album, a textured and intentional body of work, was shaped by the experience of fatherhood. “The ultimate message is that you can be a successful father and still make music. You can have a successful home and still be at the top of your career,” he shares.
The project took over two years to complete, involving 37 artists and over 57 recorded tracks before narrowing it down to a carefully curated selection. “My son, Crown, was a big part of the process,” he says. “He was always in the studio, and he’d nod his head to the songs he liked. That actually influenced some of our final choices.”
The album’s opening track, He Yeh, featuring Alpha P and King Perryy, pulses with tropical energy, setting the tone for what follows. Darkoo and Ajebo Hustlers deliver a sung-rap masterclass on Wicked Jazz, while Fave’s dreamy vocals on Touch Me blend seamlessly into Joshua Baraka’s soulful cadence.
Krizbeatz takes pride in his ability to merge generations and styles. A standout moment is The Roof, where Fuji legend Alhaji Adewale Ayuba, Tekno, and rising star Taves unite for a soulful ode to the genre’s rich history. “That song is a prime example of what I mean when I say I like to push boundaries,” he notes.
Collaboration: Elevating Artists Beyond Their Comfort Zone
Beyond just assembling an all-star lineup, Krizbeatz is meticulous about the artists he works with. “For me to collaborate with someone, they have to have a sound,” he emphasizes. “Every sound has layers, and I love figuring out how to push an artist further.”
This approach has led to transformative moments in Afrobeats, from Philo by Bella Shmurda and Omah Lay—where Krizbeatz helped shift Bella’s signature sound—to Which Kind Dance, where rapper Reminisce infuses his hip-hop flow with Afrobeat sensibilities.
Looking ahead, there are still dream collaborations he’s eager to explore. “I’d love to work with Shallipopi, Odumodublvck, Ayra Starr, and Tems. And internationally, David Guetta and James Hype are on my list.”
Growth Since African Time
Comparing Daddy Daycare to his last full-length project, African Time, Krizbeatz sees clear artistic growth. “Back then, I was experimenting with different sounds. Now, everything is more intentional, more mature,” he reflects.
This maturity is evident in how Daddy Daycare bridges different eras and influences. From Wizard Chan’s politically charged Belly of the Beast to Skales’ club-ready Break Your Back, every track contributes to the album’s rich tapestry. “This is a project that connects different parts of Nigeria’s music scene while linking it to the rest of Africa.”
Legacy and What’s Next
As we wrap up our conversation, I ask Krizbeatz how he wants to be remembered. His response is unwavering: “I want people to remember that Krizbeatz was successful at everything he did. If I take on something, I do it well. And if I can’t do it well yet, I take my time to learn before I put it out there.”
With Daddy Daycare, Krizbeatz has once again proven why he remains one of Afrobeats’ most influential producers. And as always, he leaves us with one final request: “Make sure you stream Daddy Daycare.”
