Long before the spotlight found her, Efe Oraka was already quietly shaping her sound, releasing music in her teens, and crafting songs that carried an intimate kind of magic. Though many were first drawn in by her viral cover performances, her journey had long begun, rooted in a deep love for music and storytelling.
Now, as she prepares to usher in the era of the Florence Dei– a project that promises depth, reinvention, and revelation- we caught up with the gifted singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer to talk about everything in between. From her early beginnings in Abuja’s tightly-knit creative community to navigating the evolving landscape of Nigerian music, Efe opens up about growth, grief, artistic freedom, and the quiet defiance of staying true to one’s sound.
In this intimate Custodian Conversation, we ask: Who is Efe Oraka? Who is Florence Dei? And what happens when an artist stops asking for permission and finally chooses herself?
Music Custodian: Hey Efe, how are you feeling today? And what has life been like for you since stepping into 2025?
Efe: Hi, it’s a new month, and I’m stepping into it with fresh energy. I’m doing okay, just in that space of figuring out what this summer is going to look like musically and deciding what I want to release. I had a solid plan at the start of the year, but as they say, man proposes, God disposes. A lot has shifted with time, so I’ve had to stay open and restructure some parts of my year. It’s been a bit stressful navigating that, but overall, I feel like I’m in a good place mentally right now, and that’s what matters most.
Early Background
Music Custodian: You started out performing covers of artists like Jon Bellion and Olamide. What drew you to those songs and voices at that time?
Efe: A lot of people found me through my covers, but my journey with original music started quite early. I dropped my first full-length project when I was just 12. At the time, I thought music would be a straight path, but life had other plans. I had to prioritize school, so I took a step back from recording and leaned into covers as a way to stay connected with music and grow vocally.
The Jon Bellion and Olamide mashups were major moments. I didn’t expect them to resonate the way they did, but they helped people see me. Covering those songs wasn’t just about singing; it was about translating emotion, training my voice, and honoring the music that moved me. That era was important, but it was always meant to lead to something more personal: my sound and story.
Music Custodian: How would you describe your artistic voice today, and how has it changed since you released Magic?
Efe: I wouldn’t say I’ve changed completely, I’ve just evolved. At my core, I’m still Efe, but I’ve grown into more layers, especially in how I express myself artistically. Songs like BSTRD and LASTCARD show a new honesty, raw, sometimes in pidgin, and completely unfiltered.
I’ve let go of the idea that music has to follow a formula. I’m no longer creating to be palatable or understood in a certain way; I’m creating to express. It’s taken courage, and yes, I’ve lost some fans, but I’ve found something deeper: a stronger sense of self.
Now, I’m okay with imperfection. I’m okay with freedom. As a woman in music, one of the most powerful things I’ve learned is not to shrink or box myself in. I’m not here to be perfect, I’m here to be human. And that’s exactly what I want my music to reflect.
Music Custodian: As the first Nigerian artist selected for the #emPawa100 initiative in 2020, how did that opportunity shape your perspective on creating and sharing your music?
Efe: Looking back, I’d say the Empawa 100 initiative was a really interesting experience. And not to sound overly confident, but I’ve always had a strong sense of who I am as an artist, so when I put myself out there for opportunities like that, I sometimes have certain expectations. That said, I’ve reached a place now where I’ve let go of a lot of those expectations. I’ve come to understand just how much timing, luck, and positioning can play a huge role in how these things pan out.
With Empawa 100, I had hoped to be selected for the Empawa 10; those artists got to attend a creative recording camp in places like Kenya or South Africa, which would’ve been a dream. But I ended up getting selected for the music video funding and promotion tier instead. That support went into a video for my song, Nigerian Dream, which is very close to my heart. We shot it in Lagos, and they handled the promotional push, which helped it gain significant traction on YouTube.
Overall, it was a good opportunity that offered me some behind-the-scenes insight into how the industry works, both the highs and the lows. It helped me understand what to expect and, more importantly, what not to expect. In all honesty, I wouldn’t say it was a game-changer for my career, and that’s okay. It’s one of those experiences that revealed how much of the music industry, especially here in Nigeria, can often be smoke and mirrors. Still, I’m grateful for the platform and for what I learned from it.
Defining the Journey: Growth, Sound, and Self-Discovery
Music Custodian: Are there voices or musicians that have heavily influenced your approach to music, be it vocally or conceptually?
Efe: When it comes to artistic inspiration, I always say that my ultimate reference, especially when I look at the full arc of her career, is Rihanna. The consistency, the chart dominance, the sheer longevity… she’s the blueprint for what I believe an artist should aspire to be. There’s something so powerful about how she managed to draw from so many global influences, and yet everything still felt authentically Rihanna. That’s rare.
Beyond her, I draw inspiration from a wide range of artists. I love Vampire Weekend and a lot of older rock bands. I’m also deeply influenced by Mereba, Ari Lennox, SiR, Solange, Rema, and 2Face. There are honestly so many names I could list, each one has shaped me in small but significant ways. Even artists like Asake left a strong impression on me. I remember the first time I heard his music, it completely blew me away.
The era when artists like Asake and Rema began to rise was such a transformative period for me, creatively. It made me realize just how expansive Afrobeats could be. It felt like a sound that had only scratched the surface, and these artists were now stretching its boundaries and carving out their unique spaces. That pushed me to return to the studio with new questions: How do I make music that moves people, that makes them dance, but still feels 100% me? Their work gave me a template and the confidence to experiment.
We’re so lucky to live in a time where inspiration is everywhere, and artist catalogs are just a few clicks away. I still think about this one Rihanna performance at the American Music Awards, maybe in 2010 or 2012. Watching her completely own the stage, fully immersed in the emotion of the music, genuinely changed something in me. It helped me embrace how emotional I get while performing. I saw that rawness as strength rather than something to tone down.
So yeah, my artistry has grown by absorbing these little pieces from all around the world and channeling them through my lens.
Music Custodian: What are the recurring themes or emotions you find yourself drawn to when writing music?
Efe: Music has always been a journey of self-discovery for me. At my core, I’m inspired by life, love, and more recently, anger. I’ve always believed in the power of love in all its forms, but over time, I’ve also learned to embrace anger as something honest and necessary. You’ll hear that shift in my new music; it’s not just rage, it’s clarity and healing. Spirituality is also a constant thread in my writing. Though I grew up Christian, I now view the world through a broader, spiritual lens, always reflecting on energy, purpose, and the universe.
Lately, I’ve also begun exploring sensuality in a way that feels natural and intentional. And like artists I admire, Frank Ocean, for instance, I’m learning to find meaning in the mundane. Every emotion, no matter how quiet or raw, deserves to be heard.
Music Custodian: There’s often pressure to “fit in” sonically or visually. How do you stay rooted in your individuality?
Efe: I’ve felt the pressure especially sonically, but I’ve learned to channel that into growth. Visually, I’ve been lucky to work with an incredible all-women creative team who fully understand my vision, so I feel grounded there. But musically, the journey has been more layered. I went through a rough few years where life just kept falling apart, and when I finally went to Ghana to create again, I told myself: this time, the music has to feel like release. I wanted joy, not perfection.
As an alternative artist in Nigeria, people often project this sense of “purity” onto you, saying things like, “You don’t sound Nigerian,” which made me question why my sound was being othered. That realization pushed me to reconnect with what genuinely excites me. I found a new sense of freedom experimenting with sounds, pulling from rage, joy, discomfort, and clarity.
Songs like BSTRD and LASTCARD reflect that. They’re emotionally charged, but intentional. For me, genres are tools, not boxes. I’m evolving but always on my terms, not to please the industry, but to stay honest with myself.
Challenges & Industry Navigation
Music Custodian: Navigating the Nigerian music industry can be layered and complex as a young woman. What are some of the defining lessons from your journey so far
Efe: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a woman in this industry is not to take things too personally and to be my own biggest fan. I’ve had moments where I poured my heart into a record, only to be misunderstood or dismissed, and often, I realized it was because I’m a woman. I used to internalize that, but now I focus on being proud of my work regardless of how it’s received.
There were times I reached out for support and got silence, until I posted a pretty photo. That contrast revealed a lot about how the industry sees women. It’s still deeply misogynistic, but seeing artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Qing Madi thrive gives me hope. It reminds me we’re breaking ground, and I want to be part of that shift, uplifting other women and staying rooted in my power.
Music Custodian: If Magic was an introduction to your inner world, what chapter does BSTRD represent?
Efe: BSTRD feels like a whole new book, not just a new chapter. So much has shifted in me since Magic emotionally, creatively, and spiritually. This era is about freedom and honesty. I’m no longer holding back or waiting for safety to share my truth.
Some people are confused by the change, and that’s okay. Growth can be uncomfortable to witness, especially when it challenges the version of me they thought they knew. But even I didn’t know I had these songs in me. I sit with my music for a long time before releasing it, and each song from this chapter is a reflection of the transformation I’m still learning to embrace.
Music custodian: How has the Nigerian alt/soul music space influenced your direction or sense of community?
Efe: It’s been a journey. Back in Abuja, there was a real sense of creative community; everyone knew each other and moved together. Now, things feel a bit more disjointed, and some people still struggle to accept how my sound has evolved. Growth can be unsettling, even for those who once supported you.
I’ve always admired artists like Odunsi and Santi for how fearlessly they break molds, but these days, my creative direction is more inward. I’m focused on legacy, not trends. With how quickly new artists come and go, I worry that we’re losing the heart of true artistry.
Creative Process & Expression
Music Custodian: Collaboration can be both spiritual and strategic. Are there any artists or creatives you have been dreaming of collaborating with? Locally and globally
Efe: My dream collaborators would be James Fauntleroy and Rostam Batmanglij. I’ve admired their genius for years. I also hope to work with producers from Frank Ocean’s camp, like Mike Dean or Vegyn, and of course, Frank himself. Rosalía inspires me with how she fuses tradition and experimentation.
In Nigeria, I’d love to work with Shallipopi; he’d bring something wild to a song I’m working on, as well as Rema and Obongjayar for their distinct sound. For me, collaboration is spiritual; it’s more about shared energy than just featuring on a track. On the visual side, working with Solange would be a dream; her eye and intentionality are unmatched.
Music Custodian: What’s a challenge you faced in your career that shifted your mindset or deepened your resilience?
Efe: Being a full-time artist is deeply rewarding but also challenging; it’s built my resilience. There’ve been moments I felt overlooked, even by those I’ve influenced, but I’ve learned to trust that the truth always circles back. Navigating the “TikTokification” of the industry has been tough, where virality is often mistaken for value, but I’ve stayed grounded in my process.
This journey has broken and rebuilt me in unexpected ways. While I wish it were smoother, I’m committed to showing up for myself and the people who truly see me. The breakthrough will come, I believe that.
Music Custodian: Your lyrics often read like poetry, sharp, soulful, and reflective. Do you consider yourself a writer first or a musician first?
Efe: That’s such a fantastic question. There was a period where I saw myself primarily as a songwriter, like that was my core identity. But somewhere along the journey, especially before creating BSTRD and the rest of the songs on this new project, that perspective started to shift. I began writing in ways I wasn’t used to, and it opened up a new understanding of what songwriting means. It’s not just about lyrics anymore, it’s also about melody, about emotion, about the full experience.
So now, I honestly can’t separate being a writer from being a musician. To me, they exist together in a very holistic way. You could say the most profound or emotionally resonant things, but if they’re not being carried by a melody that moves people, then it might as well be a journal entry. Melody is just as important as the message.
I think the magic happens when all the elements align: the lyrics, the instrumentation, the vocal delivery, and the production. I play instruments, I produce, I write, I’m just a musician in the most complete sense now. And I do take my writing very seriously. I want my songs to hit you all at once, where you catch the surface emotion immediately, but then find new layers as you return to it. That depth and intentionality are what I’m always striving for in my music.
Music Custodian: Who is Efe Oraka, and who is Florence Dei
Efe: Florence Dei is a part of me I discovered around 2022, during a turbulent time in my personal life. A lot shifted for me emotionally and spiritually, and through that, I came into a new awareness, one that felt like meeting a deeper, more unapologetic version of myself. Florence Dei is rooted in my middle names, Florence Huddein, and ‘Dei,’ which I found out means ‘of God’ in Latin. That resonated with me because I’ve always believed that God exists in everything and everyone. So, bringing Florence and Dei together made sense; it gave a name to this part of me that felt powerful and all-knowing, even in the chaos.
Florence Dei is also the name of my forthcoming project, the home of songs like BSTRD and Last Card. She represents a version of me that’s fearless, expressive, and fully in her bag. If you see someone on the timeline clapping back at trolls with sharp wit, that’s Florence Dei, not Efe. She’s that side of me that isn’t afraid to be bold or take up space.
In many ways, she’s like my own Sasha Fierce, my highest expression of self, the embodiment of my creative freedom. I’ve been inching toward her for a long time, but it took a lot of life unraveling for her to finally come forward. So when people hear the Florence Dei album, I think a lot will begin to make sense. The songs may surprise some listeners, but if you’ve truly followed Efe Oraka from the beginning, it shouldn’t feel too out of place. I’m looking forward to seeing how people connect with it.
Music Custodian: What have you unlearned about success in the music industry?
Efe: I’ve always believed that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. What success looks like for one artist might be completely different for another. But coming from Nigeria, especially with the kind of upbringing many of us had with Nigerian parents, there’s this underlying pressure to be the best, to stand out, to be the ‘odogwu,’ the one who’s first at everything, the main character in every room. That pressure is real.
But the way my journey has unfolded has taught me to redefine success on my terms, at every point in time. Right now, I consider myself a successful artist, and I know that might not make immediate sense to everyone, especially in an industry that equates success with followers, chart positions, or viral moments. But for me, success is being able to feel deeply, to sit with my emotions, and to express them honestly through my art. That’s not an easy thing to do, and I don’t take it for granted.
I think artists are often pushed to release and create even when they don’t have anything genuine to say. But for me, success is staying rooted in myself and in my journey. Maybe in a few years, success will mean something different, like owning an island or reaching some major milestone, but right now, it’s very internal. It’s about self-worth. And for me, that’s not tied to anything material. I feel worthy just because I exist. Success is being able to look in the mirror and like what I see, and even when I don’t, having grace and compassion for that reflection.
Collaboration & Dream Projects
Music Custodian: What can we expect next from Efe Oraka — sonically, visually, spiritually?
Efe: I’m excited about what’s coming next, especially on the visual front. Earlier in my career, I wasn’t too focused on visuals. I’m such a music head that you could lock me in a studio for days and I’d just keep creating without thinking much about anything else. But as I’ve grown, I’ve come to appreciate how powerful visuals can be in deepening the storytelling and connecting with people in new ways. I’m so happy to have found a creative team that gets that and sees the vision with me.
I just released the visual for LASTCARD, which I’m proud of, and I’m gearing up to drop a summer song, something light, fun, something the girlies can dance to, make their cute videos with, and just vibe. That’s definitely on the way. FLORENCE DEI, the full project, is also coming, and I’m looking forward to sharing more covers, lyrical breakdowns, and peeling back the layers of the music.
Creatively, I’ve been playing a lot more in the studio. I recently tapped into that unique swagger that Afrobeats carries, and it’s unlocked something in me. I feel boundless now, like I can step into the booth and say anything, explore any direction, and still make it mine. I’m experimenting with blending that energy into other genres just to see how far I can stretch it.
Spiritually, I’m still finding my balance. The world feels like a lot right now, and I’m learning to stay grounded, to tune out the noise and return to myself. As long as I can keep doing that, I know I’ll be alright.
Our time with Efe Oraka comes to a meaningful close with a candid and reflective conversation that sheds light on her journey—both personal and artistic. As she steps into a new chapter alongside Florence Dei, this dialogue offered a glimpse into her creative process, growth, and the vision she’s shaping. It was a pleasure engaging with an artist so deeply in tune with her craft and purpose.
While we await the full bloom of her next chapter, you can dive into the magic of her sound on our curated playlist, Custodian Gems.
Until then, The Becoming of Florence Dei continues, and we’ll be here, listening.
