Meet Elias Slay6rr: the Parisian dj with a promising future.

Strongly inspired by the Nigerian underground scene, the young Nigerian-born performer and DJ, @elias_slay6rr , shares his vision and the highlights of his journey in an exclusive interview :

In this interview, we had the opportunity to meet Elias Slay6rr, a Nigerian-born performer and DJ who also made his first appearance on the catwalks of Paris Fashion Week! Elias accepted our invitation to this interview to talk about his music, his inspiration, his unique style and his long-term goals as an artist and his desire to become a reference in alternative Afro music in France and internationally. He wants to continue writing and producing his own music and touch people with his stories. He also wants to inspire the new generation of musicians and encourage them to follow their dreams.

With punk aesthetics and the 2000s as his main sources of inspiration, he creates a unique style that reflects his state of mind. He sees fashion as an extension of his music, allowing him to express himself visually and add an extra dimension to his art. Style is very important to Elias Slayer, who does not conform to social norms of masculinity.

Photographer : Charlotte Jeoffroy

Stylist : Awa M. Sissoko

Stylist Assistant : Abdoulaye Keita

Make up : Lou Boidin

Interview : Bessie Lampecinado

Hello Elias, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. To begin with, could you briefly introduce yourself for our readers ?

Hi, my name is Elias, but I prefer to be called “Slayer”. I’m a performer and DJ of Nigerian origin. My music is a personal expression of my love stories, my sorrows and my life. I started my artistic career as a member of a collective, but I decided to focus on myself and show who I really am.

You mentioned that you were inspired by the Nigerian alternative Afro scene. Can you tell us more about this inspiration?

Absolutely, the Nigerian underground scene is very rich and diverse, and it’s a great source of inspiration for me. Whether in terms of visuals or sounds, I draw a lot of inspiration from this scene. I’m keen to represent it in France and show that Nigerians create different types of music.

Why did you choose to sing in English rather than French, given that you are fluent in both languages ?

I actually moved to France when I was 18 and I’m fluent in French now, but English comes more naturally to me. However, I’m open to incorporating French words into my songs. But for me, singing in English is a no-brainer.

As an artist, what is your long-term goal ?

My long-term goal is to become a reference in alternative Afro music in France and internationally. I want to continue writing and producing my own music and touch people with my stories. I also want to inspire the new generation of musicians and encourage them to follow their dreams.

When we look at your clips and photos, we immediately notice your unique style. Could you tell us more about this ?

Indeed, style is very important to me. I’m not one to conform to social norms of masculinity. If I feel like giving myself a manicure, I do it. The punk aesthetic and the 2000s are my main sources of inspiration. I mix the two to create a style that suits me and expresses my “F**k everybody” state of mind. Fashion is an extension of my music, as it allows me to express myself visually and add an extra dimension to my art.

Are there any artists who inspire you visually and aesthetically ?

Absolutely! Playboi Carti is one of my greatest references in terms of style. I see a lot of myself in her character. Sean Paul and Amaarae are also artists who inspire me visually and aesthetically. And of course, I can’t forget Busta Rhymes, whose clips are legendary and have influenced a whole generation.

As far as your music is concerned, how would you describe your creative process ?

I often find inspiration in my own life experiences. When I feel strong emotions, whether joy, sadness or anger, I like to express them through my music. I usually start by finding a melody or chord progression that matches the emotion I want to convey, and then I start writing the lyrics. I like to experiment with different musical genres to find a unique sound that reflects my personality and influences.

You mentioned that you’re currently working on your first EP. Can you tell us more about this project ?

Of course, I’m very excited about this project! My first EP will feature five songs that represent different facets of my personality and musical universe. I’ve worked with several producers to create a unique sound, and I can’t wait to share it with the public. The songs deal with themes such as love, loss and life. I hope people can relate to these stories and find strength and inspiration in my music.

How do you see the music industry today, particularly as regards the representation of Afro-alternative music and black artists in general ?

I think the music industry still has a long way to go in terms of representation of black artists and Afro-alternative music. Although there have been advances in recent years, there is still an under-representation of this community in mainstream media and music events. That’s why I feel called to represent this scene and make my voice heard. I’m proud to be part of a community of creative and talented black musicians who work hard to get their music heard.

Where do you see yourself in a few years’ time ?

I see myself on a beach in Mexico, relaxing, with a Grammy Award on my bedside table. I’d like to be recognized as one of the benchmarks of alternative Afro music, not only in France, but also internationally. I want to continue writing and producing my own music, and inspire people to follow their dreams, whatever their background.

Finally, for readers who would like to discover your music, where can they find you ?

You can find my music on all streaming platforms such as Spotify, Deezer,Apple Music, etc. You can also follow me on social networks such as Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news on my music and upcoming projects.