After three years in the making, Nigerian-born, Canada-based singer-songwriter Zaiam officially releases his debut EP, One in Town—a genre-blending body of work that fuses Afrobeats, Afro-swing, pop, R&B, soul, and dancehall into a sound that is uniquely his own.
More than just a collection of songs, One in Town is a declaration of purpose. It reflects Zaiam’s journey from Nigeria to Canada, balancing life between Winnipeg and Toronto while navigating college, work, and music. Entirely self-funded and creatively directed by Zaiam himself, the EP is a testament to his independence and relentless drive. “I’m the only one in town who can do what I do,” he says, boldly owning his voice and vision.
A Sound Defined by Storytelling and Sonic Fusion
Each track on One in Town reveals a different facet of Zaiam’s identity—whether personal, imagined, or aspirational.
“Move” sets the tone with its high-energy blend of dance-pop and Afro-fusion, celebrating success and nightlife with swagger and style.
“Trips”, inspired by Sade’s Sweetest Taboo, merges Afrobeats with soul and R&B to explore emotional temptation.
“BAD4Me”, recorded between Toronto and Winnipeg, captures the heartbreak of a toxic love in a melancholic ballad.
“Smooth Criminal” pays homage to Michael Jackson’s iconic track, reimagined with African rhythm and bold, rebellious flair.
“Stylist” dives into luxury, fashion, and attraction through an Afroswing lens, highlighting status and sensuality.
“Pop,” the earliest song on the tape, written in 2022, channels hunger and ambition with motivational force.
“Show Off,” laced with Amapiano energy, paints a vivid picture of Toronto nightlife, complete with city sounds and late-summer vibes.
A New Voice in Global Afrobeats
Zaiam—real name Liman Hamza—first gained traction with his feature on DJ Spinall’s “Cruise” alongside Azanti. Since then, he's carved out a distinct lane, collaborating with rising acts like Yvng Chriis and TVDZ while performing alongside some of Africa’s biggest names, including Davido, Rema, and ODUMODUBLVCK.
One in Town is the culmination of that growth—a debut that positions Zaiam not just as an emerging act but as a storyteller and curator of sound with global potential. From his roots in Nigeria to his life in Canada, every track is laced with lived experience, confidence, and vision.