GET TO KNOW: RenzNiro

All photos taken by: Ella Mayamothi Sommeil @Mayamothi

RenzNiro is a 24 year-old Manchester-based artist who has carved out a distinct musical style marked by rich textures, impactful moods, and an immersive atmosphere.

His innovative approach reveals a deep attention to intricate details woven together to create a sound that feels both polished and authentic.

Influenced by Skepta, Lancey Foux, Lucki and unconcerned with fleeting trends, his music offers a world of vivid visual narratives and motifs. This has layed the groundwork for a style that is refreshingly original, sincere and undeniably his own.

RenzNiro has taken the time to discuss his latest seven track EP Laissez-Faire with New Wave Magazine as well as a deep dive into the music video for one of the feature tracks 'SIXTEEN'.

“It’s really about finding my feet, making my way. On my own terms. It’s some of the best, and most dynamic music I’ve ever made and yeah, I’m really excited to share it with everyone", he said speaking about the EP.

All photos taken by: Ella Mayamothi Sommeil @Mayamothi

We were first introduced to RenzNiro in 2019 on 'Evolve', when he performed an intricate and passionate delivery over a hypnotising trap beat. Even 5 years ago he had a potent style that was memorable with each verse feeling like a rallying cry towards a personal evolution, growing beyond your constraints. A theme that continues to resenate throughout his music now.

Discussing the visuals for one of the tracks on his EP SIXTEEN, a title referring to an age where he began to explore the world, making sense of where he was and how it related to him.

Speaking about that time, RenzNiro said: “The age of 16 was when I began to really perceive art, and I have just been making art since then… The days where I met a lot of my friends and I just started realising yeah, I can do anything”.

RenzoNiro Initially began exploring the arts as a photographer, working with other artists in the city, until he eventually found himself in a studio with an opportunity to record and he took it.

“I used to be in a lot of my friend’s studio sessions and they always used to tell me to hop on the mic, one day I did & it was up from there”, he said.

All photos taken by: Ella Mayamothi Sommeil @Mayamothi

Manchester is constantly generating talented artists who are working hard to pave their own paths. It takes a certain amount of nerve and love of your craft to pursue your ambitions in a city that doesn’t have the mass attention of places like New York or London. Despite this, Manchester and its artists continue to grow.

In his first project See Me, See Trouble, he explores self-belief, showcasing an improvement in his craft, and adapting to pressure. Each track building continuous momentum towards breaking through the next threshold. On the cover of the EP he is photographed holding a flag on which is printed a bold design that, paired with his sound, feels like a piece of sci-fi graphic art, visually echoing his distinctive style.

The influences behind the flag trace back to vivid memories of his childhood environment in Ghana and after explaining that the pattern on the flag is a West African print called batik.

"Whenever there was an occasion — as a family we decided what fabric we were going to wear. Someone would a pick a pattern and everyone would get clothes tailored and you’d be able to identify members of the family by what they’re wearing", RenzoNiro adds.

The video is co-directed by RenzNiro and his frequent collaborator Joe Pilkington, who had previously directed the video for 'Tandem', the lead single from his last full-length project KWE!.

The set for the video comprised of a sound stage featuring two standout sculptures: a mysterious black house with images of different scenarios pasted over one of its elevations, illuminated by lights in a dark and expansive space. The other piece was made up of of two suspended fabric walls adorned with projected images separated by enough space for people to walk between.

Together, the two pieces played with the senses; creating a surreal and evocative environment. The pieces were an installation by 54 Agency, which includes Jahqira Henry, Gabriel Evans, Libyan Sanoh and Joshua Inyang (from Space Afrika). They created the installation as part of a residency they had at Manchester’s new cultural centre, Factory International.

Speaking about the importance of the scultptures the Manchetser based artist says: “We were blessed to be able to incorporate it into the video. It was a really interesting piece about the Black British experience in the North West of England and it echoed the subject matter of the song. It all just lined up perfectly."

Two other songs on his EP features production from Manchester’s critically acclaimed duo, Space Afrika. The duo are known for their atmospheric soundscapes and genre-blending approach. They have previously collaborated on Space Afrika’s recent album 'A Grisaille Wedding' on their song 'Sweet (I’m Free)'.

RenzNiro describes his experience working with the duo as a "natural process" and also praises them on how they helped him expand his perspective on what is possible. “Every time we link up, we make some heat… We’re so in sync. It’s not always a music thing, it’s like a family thing at this point”.

With the release of Laissez-Faire, RenzNiro’s audience has been treated to a unique but distinctively UK sound that is rich in atmosphere, tone and delivery. The textures and production on the EP feel like an evolution of the UK rap genre, where each track contains its own narrative while continuing building upon the previous.

Listen here