When people start to announce your name in crowds and shout “I hope FirstKlaz wins”, “FirstKlaz is so good”,  “I’m glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves”, it means something has shifted. Ears are open, eyes are watching, everyone is listening, and you're on the right track. And then you go ahead to see yourself actually making a difference on the live stage; there are clips of fans singing your song word for word, surely that's all the proof you need to know that you are doing something great and distinguishable. That’s the case for Justice Joseph Esla, known as FirstKlaz by the masses. 

Originally from Nasarrawa and based in Abuja, FirstKlaz is opening the eyes of others to the beauty that Northern indigenous sounds of Nigeria can prove to be when mixed and incorporated into Afrobeats. He is indeed making a difference and spotlighting a region which conventionally hasn't always had strong representation or many Afrobeats acts breaking through from its side.

FirstKlaz has always been one to promote his music independently, which is quite evident across his social media platforms. He has come a long way from fame and there are tracks to prove it. From the Minz’s “wo wo” cover to “I LIKE GIRLS” which gained traction on TikTok to 2024’s “Gen Z Fuji” which refuses to disappear from the corners of the country and beyond. The sustainability of this is owed to the fact that FirstKlaz has found a way to expand his sound continuously by making other songs similar to “Gen Z Fuji”. Therefore, these variants, “Gen Z Faaji”, “Gen Z Arewa” have cultural effects. 

This creativity paved the way for other beautiful songs made by him such as “Lili,” “Alhaji,” “Soyaiya”, followed by an EP titled ‘Dejavu’, to mention but few. The cover art of this project sparked a lot of conversations on the internet as it references an old classic. To uncover more on FirstKlaz’s inspirations and music, an interview lies in wait, letting you know exactly why FirstKlaz is, indeed, a FirstKlaz Citizen. 

TTC: You found your true sound after years of experimenting and releasing songs. How did that moment feel, and what made you decide to lean into that side of your artistry fully?

FIRSTKLAZ: You know how you feel when you are under pressure in an exam hall, trying to copy answers from your seatmate while having just five minutes left to submit? And at last you did everything and finished immediately when the lecturer screams “Pens up!”, that’s the exact feeling I have. 

TTC: With each of your rollouts, you create several creative skit-like content that adds to the promotion. What’s your thought process behind that promotional style?

FIRSTKLAZ: To be honest, it depends on how the song makes me feel. I just bring the feeling to a picture. 

TTC: Your outro tag, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just arrived at your destination…thanks for flying FirstKlaz”, is quite remarkable. Has it always been part of your music, or is it a recent addition? How did you come up with it, or was it suggested to you?

FIRSTKLAZ: I started using the tag in 2023. I’ve always had it in mind since my name is FirstKlaz, as in flight classes.  I had to relate it to the announcements made when pilots are about to take off and land. It all fits perfectly. 

TTC: “Gen Z Fuji” was a massive hit that even spawned many remixes. The version with Jeriq and Zlatan stood out. How did that collaboration come about and what was the behind-the-scenes process like? 

FIRSTKLAZ: I’ve always wanted to unite the three major tribes in Nigeria through music and I’ve known Zlatan for over two years. I waited patiently for that moment. When I made that song, I just knew it was him for the remix. Also, Jeriq is friends with my manager and he made that happen.  

TTC: You released your EP ‘Dejavu’, your first major project since gaining fame. What inspired the theme behind it, and what’s the story behind the cover art?

FIRSTKLAZ: Usually**,** I love to do stuff with the way I feel. Organically. ‘Dejavu’ means you are feeling what you have already experienced, it could be something that is happening for the first time and you still get that feeling. This is the exact feeling I had for like a year, so I had to make a project from that feeling. The cover art was inspired by a ‘Mo town’ album that my dad used to have in the house while growing up. 

TTC: Songs like “Lili,” “Alhaji,” and “Soyaiya” have become fan favourites. Which of your releases do you personally hold closest to your heart and can you share a bit about its creation process?

FIRSTKLAZ: “Maria” is my favorite off the project. It evokes emotions and is very technical. I grew up as a member of my church choir and doing technical music. That’s probably one of the reasons I love that song.

TTC: Your sound now carries a strong Northern Nigerian undertone. Do you plan to explore and expand that regional influence further, or is it just a creative phase for you right now?

FIRSTKLAZ: Yes, I’m from the North and I have to represent my place. However, I personally won't like to be boxed in because I’ve got a lot inside of me that I’d like the world to see.

TTC: You’ve already collaborated with a few artistes, but who else would you love to make music with, whether from the new wave or the older generation?

FIRSTKLAZ: Kanye West.

TTC: Making music isn’t always a smooth ride. Who do you lean on for support, and what inspires you to keep pushing?

FIRSTKLAZ: Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve always wanted to make music and do something different with it. That alone keeps me moving forward. As for my support system, I have to appreciate The Orban Company for managing me, and a special shoutout to my manager, Lucky Freeman (The Softpapa), as well as my family, fans, and everyone who has always believed in me.

TTC: Looking ahead, if you gave yourself a five-year mark, where would you like to see your career by then?

FIRSTKLAZ: Global. I’ve always wanted to be a global superstar and it’s happening in less than 5years from now!