There is a melancholic sweetness, but also an intense light, in Godwin's voice. Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer, he is one of the new promises of the contemporary soul and Afro scene, capable of blending roots and modernity in a personal and cinematic language.
His new album, “Atonement”, is an emotional journey between forgiveness, love and memory: an intimate story that transforms vulnerability into creative strength.
We meet him in Milan, after his participation in the JazzMI Festival, to talk about spirituality, sonic contaminations and the link between music and redemption.
THE INTERVIEW
Your new album has a very powerful title. It's about redemption and acceptance. What does “Atonement” represent for you and your music?
“Atonement” represents two fundamental moments in my life: my origins, my younger phase, and my present.
It is a record that was born from a process of personal and spiritual growth.
I had to deal with the topic of forgiveness in a profound way — forgiving others, but also myself — to truly be able to accept the idea of loving someone completely, without reservations.
The album takes inspiration from the experience of falling in love for the first time, but not in a banal sense: it is a pure, visceral, almost sacred love that remains imprinted forever.The song that opens the album, Atonement, is dedicated to my mother, who is no longer here. Inside there is a passage that reads: “Give us the strength to forgive”. At that moment I understood that I had to reconcile with my past, with those who had hurt me, in order to write an album about true love. It is an intimate project, born from a path of healing and awareness, but also universal: it speaks to anyone who has gone through pain, loss and rebirth.
In this project you mix Afrobeat, Soul, R&B and cinematic Pop. What, in your opinion, is the essence of your music?
Afrobeat is my starting point, the root from which everything is born. It is the music of my childhood, the one that formed my ear and my sensitivity. But as I grew up, I started to absorb many other influences: I developed a huge passion for cinema and soundtracks, I listened to music from all over the world, from American Soul to European electronic music, up to South American ballads.
This is why today I don't like to define my music in just one genre. When I write, I just ask myself what the song needs: it can be an acoustic guitar, a piano, a traditional drum or a synth. If that choice serves to convey the emotion of the song, then it is the right one.
I really believe in the concept of “free music”, without borders. Labels help us understand, but they shouldn't cage us. The essence of my sound is precisely the freedom to contaminate, to create a personal language that combines African roots with a cinematic, visual, almost spiritual imagery.
Do you know Italian music? Do you have any references or artists you like?
I must admit that I don't know her well yet, at least not as well as I would like. But after participating in JazzMi I felt an incredible energy, warmth and sensitivity that really impressed me. I was fascinated by how Italian music manages to mix melody and feeling in an authentic way.
I am a very curious person, and I know that soon I will explore this world more deeply: I will listen, I will study, I will try to understand the sounds and the language. I love entering cultures through music, and I believe that Italian culture has a lot to offer. Next time we meet, I promise I'll tell you about Italian artists — and maybe sing something in Italian!
So next time you will be an expert in Italian music… maybe you will also sing in Italian?
(laughs) Why not? I like the idea! I believe that singing in another language is an act of openness and respect towards a new audience.
The Italian language, then, has a beautiful, flowing musicality, full of round sounds. I'd like to experiment, even just with a verse or a chorus. It's a way to get in tune with those who listen to me, to create a more direct connection. Who knows, maybe there will be a surprise in the next album…
In recent days you played live here in Italy. How was the experience?
It was an experience that I will carry with me forever. It was my first time in Italy, and I wasn't sure what to expect. Instead I found a warm, curious and welcoming audience. Many people didn't know my music yet, but during the concert I felt a very strong, almost immediate connection.
When you go on stage and see the emotion that comes in people's eyes, you understand that music is truly a universal language.I received so much love, so much energy, and this affected me deeply. I felt at home. Now I only have one desire: to return soon, do more concerts, build something lasting with this city and this audience.
I truly believe we can create something beautiful here.
Your music unites different cultures: the meeting between Soul, Afrobeat and R&B is truly powerful.
That's what I always try: to unite, not divide. Music for me is a bridge, a means to bring cultures, people and stories closer together. I want those who listen to me to feel the truth and vulnerability that I put into my songs.
LISTEN TO THE RECORD
THE VIDEO
ABOUT
Godwin Josiah, known simply as Godwin, is a creative person, with interests ranging from music to cinema. He started as a director together with his cousins, with whom in 2015 he founded the film collective, also recognized by Variety, The Critics Company. Godwin directed a film in collaboration with Morgan Freeman's production company, Revelation Entertainment, and had the privilege of being mentored by such illustrious directors as JJ Abrams, Taika Waititi and Kemi Adetiba.
Hailing from the often overlooked city of Kaduna, Godwin brings an authentic energy to the scene, fusing his rich cultural influences with his deep emotional experiences, creating a unique blend of sounds. His music, deeply linked to the visual arts, draws inspiration from different genres such as Soul, R&B and Afrobeat. His influences include Labi Siffre: “He is an exceptional songwriter, capable of making the most complex words really simple”, Aretha Franklin: “My father introduced me to her as a child, and it did something to my voice when I was trying to sing his songs” and Labrinth: “Labrinth's music transcends traditional genres and, as a black man, manages to free itself from the norms of usual conventions”.
In the musical field, Godwin stands out as a talented artist capable of creating soulful melodies, which defy musical expectations regarding Nigerian artists, often linked to Afrobeat. Godwin's musical proposal travels unexplored territories, offering a moment of break with the sound one would expect from him. Godwin's music is more than just a collection of songs; is an anthology of shared experiences, a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit, and a call to embrace the musical journey with open hearts and ears. With over 80 million views on TikTok, more than 500,000 followers and 4.6 million likes, his presence as a musician and songwriter continues to grow. His unique storytelling, blending music, images and cultural tales, has captivated audiences worldwide. “BROKEN” arrives after previous singles: “HOME” and “ABEKE”, which received praise from publications such as Clash Magazine, 1883 Magazine, BBC 1Xtra and COLORSxSTUDIOS, where “HOME” made its debut.
WEB & SOCIAL
https://www.instagram.com/godw3in
