Nigerian singer Lekan Osifeso, popularly known as Lojay, has opened up about his early struggles in the music industry and how he almost gave up on his career.
In an interview with Punch, the Monalisa crooner revealed that he faced long periods of doubt and uncertainty before achieving success.
“I’ve had moments where I almost quit music. There were nights I doubted if anyone would ever hear my songs. But those silent years shaped me; they taught me patience, resilience, and gratitude for every single listener today,” he said.
Speaking on how he manages fame and public pressure, Lojay said he often takes breaks to reconnect with his faith and family.
“Family, faith, and silence. Sometimes I just disappear for a bit — no music, no social media. Just time to breathe and reconnect with God and my people. That’s how I remember who I am outside the noise,” he explained.
Reflecting on his international breakthrough with the Monalisa remix featuring Chris Brown, Lojay said the experience taught him the universal power of music.
“It showed me that music really doesn’t have boundaries. Chris came in with full respect for the record — he understood it, felt it, and elevated it. It made me realize that authenticity travels further than trying to sound ‘international,’” he said.
Lojay also revealed why it took him a while to release his debut album XOXO, saying he wanted the project to be honest and emotionally grounded.
“I didn’t want to drop an album just to say I did. I wanted to live first — to experience enough emotions that could fill an album with truth. Every song on XOXO came from a real place, and I needed time to find that honesty,” he added.
