After years of being behind the boards, Yeankeyz is finally stepping into the limelight and not quietly either. Born Mayowa Adeyinka Orenuga and raised in the bustling music capital of Lagos, Nigeria, Yeankeyz has long been a trusted name behind some of the country’s most influential Afrobeat, street-hop, and urban hits. From working with heavyweights like Olamide, Reminisce, and the late Sound Sultan, to his dream of being involved in modern Nigerian music. But now, he’s interested in using his voice and vision to take centre stage.
Currently based in the UK, Yeankeyz is more than just a returning producer or rebranded artiste. He’s an innovator with an eye on global impact, a businessman with big plans in fashion and tech, and a creative force determined to fuse cultural depth with international relevance. His upcoming single “KOKO,” dropping May 30, 2025, is already generating buzz for its bold sound and street-rooted storytelling. Produced entirely by Yeankeyz himself, this signals his transition from behind-the-scenes genius to a solo and present powerhouse.
In this exclusive editorial interview with TurnTable, Yeankeyz discussed his creative journey, the evolution of Nigerian music, his incoming EP project, and why now is the perfect time to reclaim his place as an artiste, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador.
TTC: For those who don’t know, who is Yeankeyz?
Yeankeyz: My name is Mayowa Adeyinka Orenuga Bariga. I was born and raised in Lagos but UK-based. Yeankeyz in general is a creative genius, a musician, a serial entrepreneur, a founder, a family man, and much more.
TTC: Tell us a bit about your venture into music, especially as an independent act. What drew you to the industry and what’s kept you going?
Yeankeyz: The love for the music keeps me going. The passion keeps the engine running because even when the motivation is low, the passion fuels the engine. All that ignites us to keep pushing.
TTC: Afrobeats is a hugely popular genre, both locally and globally. What makes your sound stand out within that space?
Yeankeyz: Everyone is unique in their separate way. My sound is the fusion of the OG sounds with the GenZ vibe so I’ll say it's the sound for all. It took only a few years to correct the stigma attached to Nigeria. It took Afrobeats to do that, to correct what couldn't be corrected for decades. Shout out to kings like Olamide, Wizkid, Davido, Burnaboy, Rema, Asake, and so on. Now, the future is us, the future is here. We are Afrobeats and Afrobeats is us, but we would be ignorant and not grateful without giving the flower to the Great Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
TTC: You’re getting ready to release a new single, “KOKO”. Walk us through the inspiration and the creative process behind the song.
Yeankeyz: For a while, I’ve been off the radar. I’ve been enjoying it from the backend, observing and attending to sort out some personal stuff. But then, I realised the passion kept ringing. I decided that it was never too late. In short, I didn't quit before I was just on a break. After God is good health and money, so “KOKO” is about money and good life.
TTC: You’ve mentioned plans to be a major player in the Nigerian music scene. What does that vision look like for you?
Yeankeyz: There are many plans on the way. I’m not relenting so far the work keeps going and the dots stay perfectly connected. That way, my team and I will move the industry.
TTC: “KOKO” is part of a proposed EP. What can fans expect from the full project? Are there any featured artistes or themes you’re excited about?
Yeankeyz: Expect great songs and great collaborations from all over. By God’s will, these songs will be border-crossing and world-breaking records
TTC: In 2021, you were featured on KLASSIC KAMIK’s track “NAVIGATE.” After that, you took a break. Was there a reason behind the pause in your musical journey?
Yeankeyz: I just needed time to sort out some personal stuff. As I mentioned earlier, it was just recess time, but baba train baba no train, baba na champion. We are now back like we never left.
TTC: Are there any artistes, local or international, that you’d love to collaborate with?
Yeankeyz: Yes. There are quite a number of them, ranging from Skepta to Burnaboy, Akon, Rema, etc.
TTC: Looking ahead, what should fans expect from Yeankeyz as a musician and brand?
Yeankeyz: The move is just starting but they should be on the lookout for class, style, good records, impact and good vibes!