Music itself brings out different meanings for different individuals, and for Godwin, music means healing. As a 23-year-old creative, Godwin has always found ways to implement music in different aspects of his life —in moviemaking and in day-to-day living. He cofounded the Nigerian filmmaking collective, The Critics alongside his kin.
What started as a filmmaking journey evolved into full fledged music making and has been a story worthy of being listened to. Together with Mengi Zeleke (Studio 41), they released a debut project in 2024, ‘Road To Nirvana’ which marked the beginning of their growing recognition.
Now, Godwin lives in Germany and is signed to Sony Music, touring the cities and bringing nostalgic music back to your ears, while reimagining 2002’s “African Queen”, 2006’s “No One Like You”, 2008’s “Fall In Love”, 2011’s “Joy” and 2022’s “Holy Ghost”.
TTC: Kindly tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
Godwin: My name is Godwin Gaza Josiah. I was born and raised in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and I’m the first of three children. I’m an artiste across different mediums. I make films with my brothers and cousins under our film collective, The Critics, and as a solo performing artiste, I release music under the name Godwin.
At the core of it all, I just love creating. I love being part of the process of bringing something from nothing into existence — whether it’s a film, a song, or an idea. Creation, in any form, is what drives me.
TTC: You began actively releasing music in 2024 and have gained recognition since then. What influenced your decision to fully embrace music at that time, and how did you navigate your breakthrough moment?
Godwin: November 2022 was the first time I began working towards my own original music, I was still heavily involved with Filmmaking and my Collective (The Critics), after a trip to Frankfurt for a Film exhibition in MMK in 2023 I met Mengi Zeleke (Studio 41) and we had quickly realized we shared a similar vision and goal. From that point, we started working immediately, building, recording, and shaping the songs that became the foundation of my current Body of work.
2024 was the year I fully embraced the place music has always had in my life. It’s something I’ve always wanted at the forefront, and finally giving myself permission to pursue it felt natural. We released the EP, ‘Road To Nirvana’, with an additional song called “Where the Angels Are”, this was released under Studio 41 in collaboration with Sony Music.
One major reason I leaned into it was healing. Music gave me a kind of emotional release I couldn’t ignore, and I felt compelled to share that with others. Music is also a powerful medium that can take you to unimaginable heights. For me, the ultimate goal is impact to create opportunities not just for myself, but for others.
So, I don’t do this just for myself, I do it with a bigger purpose in mind.
TTC: You recently teased an upcoming release titled “African Queen.” The snippets have drawn comparisons to 2Face Idibia’s classic of the same name. Is that intentional, and what inspired this track?
Godwin: African Queen is a rendition of the timeless classic “African Queen” by 2Face Idibia. Growing up, that song was a reference point for what an African love song could be. It has remained one of the most important and beautiful songs ever created by a Nigerian —and by an African artiste at large.
It’s a song I deeply respect. At its heart, it celebrates Black beauty in a pure and intentional way. We don’t hear many songs like that anymore, songs that simply honour African women.
Yes. The connection is intentional. My version is inspired by the original, but it’s also my way of paying homage while bringing my own voice and generation to it. Now more than ever, I think we need music that connects us, celebrates beauty, and reminds us of who we are.
TTC: Tell us about your upcoming EP. What was the creative process behind the project?
Godwin: I was on tour as an opening act for an Arena Tour, and Valentine’s season was approaching. The timing felt perfect. Being on the road, surrounded by that energy, made the idea very natural. Many of the songs were recorded in one setting. A hotel room while touring. It was intimate, immediate, and in the moment. There wasn’t a huge, overcalculated plan; it felt organic.
For a long time, people had been asking me on social media to release renditions and covers, so this EP was my way of responding. Valentine’s felt like the perfect window to give that to them. If I’m honest, it wasn’t overthought. It wasn’t forced. It was just the right moment and I followed it.
TTC: You are currently based in Germany and seem to connect strongly with that scene. How do you balance that with maintaining your Nigerian audience, and how does that dual influence your music?
Godwin: I currently live in Germany, but Nigeria is home and I make sure I show up there whenever I need to. At a certain point, I felt a change of environment was necessary for my growth as an artiste. Germany has given me new perspectives creatively, culturally, and personally. It’s challenged me in ways that have shaped my work.
At the same time, Nigeria remains the foundation of who I am. My language, my emotions, my references they’re rooted there. So I’ve built a base in both places. Germany sharpens me; Nigeria grounds me.
That duality influences my music. There’s an African soul at the core, with openness shaped by exposure to other cultures and sounds. I’m still discovering where this blend leads, and I’m excited for the journey.
TTC: You’re also known as a filmmaker. Do you still actively pursue that path and how do you balance filmmaking with music?
Godwin: The last major film I worked on was OgunOla: Tomorrow’s War in 2022, it was executively produced by Morgan Freeman. That project was an important chapter for me.
Since then, I haven’t actively pursued traditional filmmaking. However, I still direct and create my own music videos with my brothers. I also produce visual content consistently. In many ways, that still fulfills the filmmaker in me storytelling just takes a different format now.
Right now, my full focus is on music. Film remains a deep passion, and I know I’ll revisit it in the future. But at this stage, music is my mission.
TTC: In October 2025, you released your debut album ‘Atonement’. Is that project a foundation for your upcoming EP, ‘Renditions’, or are they standalone bodies of work?
Godwin: They’re two standalone bodies of work. ‘Atonement’ is deeply personal, it's close to my heart, and I believe it will continue to gain the recognition it deserves.
‘Renditions’, on the other hand, is a tribute. It celebrates the artistes whose music shaped me growing up in Nigeria and continues to inspire me today.
While both come from the same creative space, they serve different purposes. One is introspective and personal; the other is celebratory and a salute to the music I love.
TTC: Do you have a favorite track off ‘Atonement’ that you would recommend to new listeners? What makes that song special to you?
Godwin: I don’t have a single favorite track, because every song is so different, and picking just one would feel like a disservice. But if I had to highlight a few:
“Atonement” — for its personal meaning. It’s a song I grew up hearing from my mom, and it carries a lot of emotional weight.
“Fallen” — a track every lover should experience, whether in a club or a quiet moment. It connects deeply to the heart.
“Permit Me” — musically brilliant. It starts on happy notes and gradually shifts into a reflective, sadder tone. You feel that journey in the music.
For now, these three are what I’d recommend to new listeners.
TTC: Which artistes inspire or motivate you the most, and who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
Godwin: Some of my biggest inspirations are Labi Siffre, Labrinth, Sade, and Tracy Chapman. Their music, storytelling, and authenticity have pushed me to explore deeper in my own work.
For collaborations, I’m open to working with anyone who shares that dedication to genuine artistry and emotional connection. Those names, however, have formed my musical perspective and continue to motivate me every day.
TTC: You’ve announced tour dates alongside plans for a new EP this year, which is a lot of momentum. What more can fans expect from you in the coming months?
Godwin: My supporters can expect more great music and creative growth they can be proud of. I’m putting everything into making this year special, and I promise it’s going to be an amazing journey. There’s a lot of energy, emotion, and work behind what’s coming, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.