A Chat with Dantiti (18.12.25)
Dantiti fell in love with music at an early age, rapping along to Notorious B.I.G. and dreaming of becoming a DJ. He founded iDope Records in 2017, a family-run label that emphasises independence and creative control. His new single ‘Big Big Tinz’ marks an exciting new chapter in the journey of one of Nigeria’s most dynamic emerging artists.
OSR: What inspired you to create ‘Big Big Tinz’, and how does it reflect your journey as an artist?
Dantiti: ‘Big Big Tinz’ came from the concept of achieving greatness and being able to do something different and meaningful that makes you stand out. Getting to write and record this song during the release of my last EP just proved that I’m on the right path with my creativity.
OSR: Can you walk us through the process of discovering and recording the beat from Leo Pynk?
Dantiti: Leo Pynk sent me the beat, which was originally made for Davido. When Davido didn’t take it, I decided to do something with the beat. I wrote and recorded the song in my apartment studio, and after sending it back to Leo, he loved it and requested to be featured. That’s how ‘Big Big Tinz’ came to life.
OSR: How do you balance your influences from Afrobeats, Afrofusion, rap, and R&B in your music?
Dantiti: It depends on the vibe and the beat. I don’t incorporate all into one song. I treat each influence like a different colour on the same palette and let the song decide which ones show up most. Afrobeats and Afrofusion usually shape the rhythm and mood, while rap comes in through for delivery and storytelling. R&B balances everything with emotion and melody, especially in the hooks and vocal layering. Instead of forcing all four into every track, I anchor each song around one or two core influences, then sprinkle the others in subtly. The balance comes from staying authentic—if the emotion leans soulful, I let R&B lead; if the message is bold or gritty, rap takes control. The fusion works when it feels natural, not calculated.
OSR: Growing up in Benin City, how did your early experiences shape your musical identity?
Dantiti: Growing up in Benin City immersed me in a rich blend of traditional rhythms, church music, foreign music and contemporary African sounds. It shaped my identity in a very grounded and street-level way. That environment fostered a deep appreciation for storytelling, melody, and cultural authenticity, which continues to shape my musical identity today. Limited resources played a role, too. Not having access to fancy studios early on forced creativity—freestyling, writing lyrics in notebooks, recording with whatever was available. That struggle built hunger and originality
OSR: What does independence mean to you as the founder of iDope Records, and how has it shaped this release?
Dantiti: Independence, to me, means full creative control and accountability. As the founder of iDope Records, it allows me to make decisions that stay true to the vision—sound, timing, and message—without compromise. That freedom shaped this release by letting the music grow organically, reflect my authentic story, and represent the label’s values of originality, ownership, and long-term growth. Being independent also allows me to move at the right pace. I take the time to refine projects, collaborate with people who genuinely understand the vision, and ensure final products reflect the identity of iDope Records—bold, original, and rooted in purpose.
OSR: How do you approach storytelling in your songs, and how does ‘Big Big Tinz’ fit into that narrative?
Dantiti: I approach storytelling by drawing from real experiences and emotions, keeping it honest and relatable. ‘Big Big Tinz’ fits into that by capturing ambition, growth, and the mindset that comes with levelling up, while still staying connected to where I’m coming from. The song continues my approach of blending real-life perspectives with memorable melodies to create a story listeners can feel and connect with.
OSR: Can you talk about the collaboration process with Leo Pynk and how it influenced the final sound?
Dantiti: I originally wanted some female choir vocals as the backup vocals. After I recorded the song, I sent it to Leo, and he said he liked the song and asked to be featured on it. While making plans for the backup artists, Leo told me he did something different and asked if I’d like it, which I did, and we cancelled the female backups.
OSR: Your previous singles explored love and personal growth. How does this track build on those themes?
Dantiti: This track builds on those themes by expanding the perspective from introspection to confidence and ambition. While my previous singles focused on love and personal growth, this song reflects the next stage—celebrating achievements, embracing self-assurance, and owning your space. It’s a natural progression, showing that growth isn’t just internal; it’s also about how you express yourself and navigate the world around you.
OSR: What was the most challenging part of creating this single, and what surprised you most during the process?
Dantiti: The most challenging part was finding the female backup artists. As I am in the UK, and Leo in Nigeria, the communication and networking is sometimes difficult. What surprised me most was how seamlessly the collaboration with Leo Pynk elevated the track—his input brought unexpected layers and textures that enriched the sound, which was what I need from the female vocals.
OSR: Where do you see ‘Big Big Tinz’ fitting in the current Afrobeats and global music landscape?
Dantiti: I see ‘Big Big Tinz’ as a bridge between authentic Afrobeats roots and a broader, global sound. It captures the energy and rhythm that fans love locally while incorporating elements that resonate with international audiences.
Many thanks to Dantiti for speaking with us. Find out more about Dantiti on his Instagram, X, and Spotify.
