We had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Cyani, a rising Afrobeats star hailing from Cameroon’s English-speaking region and now making waves from Montreal, Canada. Our virtual conversation—bridging time zones between our West African team in Nigeria and Cyani in Canada—offered an intimate glimpse into her artistry and journey as a diasporic artist.
Cyani has been steadily capturing the attention of music lovers and A&Rs alike, with her name buzzing in industry circles since last year. Now boasting over 70,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, she’s proving that her ascent is only just beginning.
Our conversation comes at a pivotal moment—fresh off the release of her infectious new track, Give Me Your Love, produced by T-Nyce and dropped in January 2025. The song marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Cyani, as she officially joins Amory Records, a promising Canadian label that signed her in 2024. With a renewed vision, an unwavering connection to her African roots, and a hunger to create magic, she’s well on her way to making an indelible mark on the global stage.
So, grab a coffee, a whiskey, or whatever sets the mood, and join us for this exclusive chat with Cyani—a conversation you would love that we have brought to your cognizance.
Journey of Growth and Artistic Influences
MC: Hey Cyani, it’s so great to connect with you! How’s everything going today? And how’s the weather treating you over there?
CYANI: Well, it’s a bit cold here since we’re in the midst of winter, but I’m doing just fine and staying strong. Thank you for asking.
MC: Cyani, your sound has evolved—what do you think has been the biggest change from Moto to Give Me Love? And what part of your journey do you feel has had the biggest influence on that shift?
CYANI: That’s such a great question! Recently, there’s been a huge shift for me—I got discovered and signed last year, which changed the direction of my sound. I signed with a production company based in Toronto, and it all started when an A&R discovered me around March. Since then, I’ve been on the radar, creating fresh new tracks. My team has been guiding me in such a positive direction, helping me stay focused and reach new goals, especially with their experience in the industry. You can hear the evolution in my sound, the production, and even the way I carry myself. Being signed was a huge milestone, and it’s had such a big impact on both my music and my journey.
MC: You’re known for blending Afrobeat with R&B so effortlessly—what’s your approach to merging these two genres? And how do you make sure your sound stays authentic while still experimenting and trying new things?
CYANI: Well, with the R&B blend, whenever I’m at the mic, I just flow—it’s natural, especially with my vocals. I’ve always felt my vocals have this soulful, R&B vibe, so it’s easy to start there. Growing up, R&B was the soundtrack to my life, so it’s always been a big part of me. I didn’t dive into Afrobeats until late 2021 when I started creating and posting covers, and that’s when I truly began exploring it.
But I think what keeps it all grounded is staying true to myself—I don’t have to force anything. Even when I experiment, I focus on the end goal and what I’m trying to create, always keeping my authenticity intact. I want people to feel what I’m expressing, and I just do my thing. Every time I step in front of the mic, it’s a fresh experience. I also draw a lot of inspiration from other artists, which keeps me evolving.
MC:Afrobeats has taken off globally lately! Do you feel like you’re part of this new wave of artists redefining the genre, or do you think it’s something that’s always been evolving on its own?
CYANI: I feel like part of a new wave, especially as a female artist in a male-dominated space. Women like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla have been inspiring, and I’m bringing my unique blend of R&B and Afrobeats. Many people say my fusion of the two genres feels seamless, which means a lot to me. While Afrobeats’ global rise may have softened the sound a bit, I believe it’s important to stay connected to its roots and continue giving it the respect it deserves as new artists emerge.
Musical Inspiration and Influences from Cameroon
MC:Give Me Love” feels like a fresh yet familiar piece of music. What was the inspiration behind this track, and how does it reflect your current mood or artistic direction?
CYANI: well, Give Me Love was inspired by my desire to create a feel-good Afrobeats track with a unique French touch, different from the typical West African sounds. It was a bit of a challenge at first, but once I found the themes I wanted to explore, it became easier. The song is about reassurance—both in my journey as an artist and in life—and the importance of love and having someone by your side during tough times. I wanted to keep it light and fun while still addressing these deeper themes. The process was challenging, but in the end, I’m really happy with how it turned out.
MC:Give Me Love feels very personal. What emotions did you want to capture, and how do you hope listeners connect with them? If the song could tell a story, what would it look like, and what do you want people to feel when they hear it?
CYANI: The first message I wanted to share with Give Me Love is spreading positive energy—something feel-good, infectious, and full of confidence. Even in vulnerable moments, the song is meant to remind you that everything will be alright in the end. You can hear that in the lyrics and the uplifting hooks, creating that “happy ending” vibe. It’s a reminder to stay confident through the journey.
When I think about the song, I imagine a painting on a canvas—you’re on a narrow road that eventually leads to a wide, open path. The title *Give Me Love* speaks for itself; it’s about deserving love amidst everything going on in life and needing someone to hold you down. The imagery I have is like a journey—starting small but leading to a beautiful, wide horizon full of new experiences and happiness.
MC:Being an independent artist and a diasporic voice brings both freedom and challenges. Can you share what those challenges look like for you in the African music space?
CYANI: As a diasporic Afrobeats artist, one challenge I face is bridging the cultural gap. While Afrobeats is gaining international recognition, it can be hard for people to fully understand the roots and deeper meaning of my music, especially in Canada. I also feel that if I were back home, my journey and sound would be more easily understood. That’s why my team and I are focusing on pushing my music toward Africa, where it will resonate more. Sometimes I need to travel home to reconnect with that authentic energy and bring it into my art—staying grounded in my roots is key to keeping my essence intact.
MC: With so much pressure to fit in, how do you maintain your artistic identity while striving for wider recognition and growth in a global music scene?
CYANI: Yes, there’s pressure to fit into the trending sounds, especially for someone who might not fully trust their creativity and feels the urge to follow the crowd. But to avoid that, I surround myself with like-minded people who keep me grounded. We always remind each other of why we started making music—to trust our creativity and bring something fresh to the table. While we’re inspired by the trends, we focus on staying true to our vision. This goes for my production team too—we work intentionally to keep things fresh and bring something unique to every project.
MC: As an independent artist, has that experience shaped the way you approach collaborations with producers or other artists? How do you decide who you want to work with?
CYANI: Absolutely! Things have changed with the new team I’m working with—there’s a lot more collaboration now. Decisions are made together with my management and team, so it’s not just all on me anymore. Of course, I still have a say when it comes to the producers or artists I want to work with. While I tend to work independently when recording, for production, and other aspects, I rely on people I trust to help bring my vision to life. It’s a joint effort now, and having a team that understands my direction makes the whole creative process so much smoother and more fulfilling.
MC:Your upbringing in Cameroon plays a significant role in your artistry. How does your culture influence the way you express yourself through music?
CYANI: Oh, definitely—my upbringing back home has had a huge influence on my career. I grew up in the English-speaking part of Cameroon, right near the border with Nigeria. Even though Cameroon is often known for its French-speaking side, we share a lot of cultural similarities with Nigeria. My household was filled with music, and my parents, who weren’t musicians but were huge music lovers, played a lot of music around the house—everything from gospel to classic Afrobeat hits like P-Square, along with a collection of R&B. I grew up listening to all of that, and it shaped my musical taste.
Although I didn’t make music back home, I would sing in church, but it wasn’t until I moved to Canada in 2020, during the Covid lockdown, that I developed a real interest in creating music. So, even though I’ve made some major changes in my journey, I’ve never lost touch with where I’m from or the music that influenced me—it’s still very much a part of who I am creatively.
MC:Your fanbase feels very connected to you. How do you stay connected to them, and what does their support mean to you on a personal level?
CYANI: Social media has truly been a game-changer for me on this journey. I make it a point to listen to feedback, whether it’s criticism or praise, and take it all in a positive light to help me grow as an artist. It’s been so valuable for my evolution, allowing me to observe, learn, and incorporate fresh ideas into my music. I love engaging with my audience on social media—it’s where I share my covers and connect with them on a deeper level. It’s also a way for people to see all the different layers of my artistry, even when I’m experimenting with different genres. The support I’ve received throughout my journey has played such a huge role in where I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
MC:Music can be demanding, especially for someone in your position. How do you practice self-care and maintain a sense of balance in your personal life?
CYANI: Since my music journey has grown, balancing my 9-5 with my music career has been challenging—it’s like living a double life. I’m still figuring out how to find that balance, managing the pressures from both my personal life and my music. To stay grounded, I make time for things like working out, spending time with my sister, and cooking. I also remind myself to rest, since overworking can lead to burnout. Through it all, staying connected with my family back home keeps me grounded.
MC:What’s one thing your fans might be surprised to learn about you that doesn’t necessarily come through in your music?
CYANI: Oh, here’s a fun fact about me— I often get surprised comments from people asking why they’re just discovering my music, especially since my covers have been getting a lot of attention for a while now. But I see it all as part of the journey! I’d also say I’m a pretty good cook, which is something I enjoy doing in my free time. Another exciting thing is that I’ve been learning music production, inspired by incredible female producers like Tems. I’ve been making some beats lately, and I’m sharing this information with Music Custodian exclusively for the first time!
MC:Working with Badass Fentino on ‘Vitamin’ must have been an exciting experience. How did the collaboration come together, and what did you learn from working with him?
CYANI: That collaboration was amazing—it felt like one of those special moments in music. “Vitamin” was one of my first three released songs, and we created it right there in the studio, on the spot, with some friends. The best part? He’s also from Cameroon, just like me, and he’s one of the few Afrobeats artists in the city.
His music impressed me, and we just clicked when we got in the studio together. The vibe was perfect, and I ended up recording the whole track in just one take, which is rare for me since I usually take my time. But this one just happened at the moment, and it was such a cool experience. What I took away from working with him was the confidence to record more freely and fully embrace whatever I wanted to express on the mic. It was an unforgettable experience.
Mission to Define the Future of Afrobeats
MC: what’s next for you after ‘Give Me’? Do you have new projects or collaborations in the works that we should keep an eye on?”
CYANI: Oh, there’s so much exciting stuff coming up!, I’m super excited about an upcoming collab with a fresh artist under the same management as me—it’s a surprise, so I won’t spoil too much! The track has the same spontaneous vibe as “Vitamin,” which I recorded in one take during a short session in Toronto. My collaborator is based in Nigeria and might not be widely known yet, but I’m excited for people to hear about the magic we’ve created together. It’s all set to be the next release, and I can’t wait for everyone to listen to it.
MC:How do you envision your role in the future of Afrobeat music, and where do you see your sound evolving in the next five years?
CYANI: I truly believe, with God’s grace, my sound will take over the world. Every time I release music, I feel the love and recognition, and it inspires me to keep pushing forward. As a female Afrobeats artist, I hope to motivate others who are watching, showing them that if I can do it, they can too. My journey has grown beyond just me—it’s about affirming something special, bringing fresh energy to the scene, and influencing young creatives, especially back home.
MC:If you had the opportunity to create a dream project with unlimited resources—whether that’s an album, music video, or anything else, what would that look like?
CYANI: Wow, that’s such an exciting thought! If I were to create visuals for an album or EP, I’d want it to be something totally out of this world—imagine a futuristic, African concept, blending the two in a way that feels both innovative and connected to our roots. I’ve always loved thinking big, and with the amazing, creative team I have around me—friends, and producers I’ve worked with before—I’d love to launch some free concerts around the project to bring the whole vision to life.
It’s a great question because, as artists, we sometimes feel limited by resources, but I’m focused on making the most of what’s available right now, collaborating with some of my favorite artists, and creating something truly special.
At the end of the day, I want to be remembered as someone resilient, who never gave up, and kept pushing toward her dreams. Despite the challenges, I know I’ll make it, and I hope my journey inspires others to do the same. Honestly, I never imagined being where I am now, with 70,000 monthly listeners on Spotify—that’s crazy! My message is simple: stay positive, try everything, and never give up, because you never know what you can achieve until you give it your all
Cyani
Well, Cyani, as we wrap up this incredible conversation, we just have to say—it’s been an absolute pleasure connecting with you. From diving into your creative journey to exploring your vision for the future of Afrobeats, it’s clear that your passion and authenticity shine through in everything you do.
Your artistry is inspiring, and with the momentum you’ve built, global recognition feels inevitable. We can’t wait to see your name lighting up even more stages, your sound resonating across continents, and your production credits defining the next wave of Afrobeats.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Keep soaring, keep creating, and know that we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!
