Fast rising Afro fusion artist Jumanji Ya Hinex has shared insight into the cultural roots and creative direction behind his music, saying his sound is strongly influenced by African heritage while also embracing global musical styles.
The Edo State born artiste, whose real name is Osagie Iredia Precious, explained that growing up in Benin City played a major role in shaping his identity as a musician. According to him, the city’s deep cultural traditions, storytelling heritage and rhythmic expressions helped him understand authenticity in music from an early age.
He noted that the environment around him exposed him to rich traditional sounds that later blended naturally with his interest in contemporary music. This combination, he said, has continued to guide the direction of his career.
Jumanji Ya Hinex described his style as a fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, hip hop soul, electronic dance music and 80s inspired influences. He said the blend reflects the variety of sounds he grew up listening to and his desire to build a unique identity in the music industry.
According to him, Afrobeat remains the foundation of his artistry, but the fusion approach allows him to express emotions and stories in a broader and more relatable way for both local and international audiences.
The singer also revealed that most of his songs are inspired by personal experiences, including moments of struggle, growth, uncertainty and hope while navigating life and the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
He explained that his goal is to create music that listeners can emotionally connect with, especially those going through similar real life situations. For him, music is not just entertainment but a reflection of lived experiences.
One of his standout records, Kuruse, was described by the artist as a tribute to Benin culture and the traditional shaker instrument that inspired its title. He said the song was created to preserve cultural identity while presenting it through a modern Afro fusion sound.
He added that the record was also a reminder for young Africans to stay connected to their roots even while embracing global music trends, stressing that culture remains a strong part of identity.
Jumanji Ya Hinex further explained that other songs in his catalog explore different aspects of everyday life. Tracks such as London reflect themes of luxury, desire and complex relationships through a blend of retro inspired melodies and Afro rhythms, while Ehnn Okay focuses on hustle, resilience and survival in Nigeria’s challenging environment.
