Get To Know: Taves

The global music scene thrives on diversity, and rising artist Taves is making his mark with a captivating sound that defies easy categorisation. Drawing from real-life experiences and blending an array of influences, Taves delivers music that’s as introspective as it is universally relatable. We caught up with the artist to discuss his creative evolution, his love for live performance, his take on success, and how he’s carving out his place in the industry.

Taves’ introduction to music came naturally, with some of his early music memories dating back to long road trips out of Lagos with his dad, putting him on to Nigerian artists like Asa. But his journey has been anything but ordinary. His raw honesty and eclectic style stand out, even in today’s vibrant landscape. Discussing his artistic growth since his earlier work like ‘Betterment’, Taves reflects, “If 18-year-old me could see me now, he’d lose his mind. I’ve always made music I liked, but now I’m better at it. It’s like I’ve become a casual listener of my own music.”

From his early days to now, Taves acknowledges a drastic evolution in his sound and approach. “It’s crazy to think that Betterment was just three years ago.It's a drastic difference. I keep getting better at doing what I do.”

For Taves, success isn’t measured solely by fame or financial gain. “One of my biggest goals was to move out of my parents’ house, and I did that because of music. That was success to me,” he shares. However, his vision goes deeper: “I want as many people as possible to hear my music and feel something. It doesn’t have to be what I felt while making it—it’s about connecting with them in their own way.”

This drive for connection has brought unexpected rewards. “I just dropped a song, and it was charting in Sierra Leone. That blew my mind. It’s amazing to see how music can touch people from completely different places and backgrounds.”

Taves emphasizes that success isn’t about a specific milestone but the ability to create music that transcends borders and speaks to universal emotions. “For me, it’s about making music that touches people everywhere. Whether they understand where I’m coming from or not, the music should make them feel something powerful.” A significant part of Taves’ appeal lies in his vulnerability. His songs are rooted in real-life experiences and observations. “A lot of my music comes from things I’ve gone through or seen others go through,” he explains. “If I’m feeling something, chances are there are a million other people feeling the same way. I want my music to be a voice for those experiences.”

This raw emotion is what makes Taves’ work stand out in a saturated industry. His ability to weave personal and collective stories into his music ensures it resonates deeply with listeners, no matter where they are. Live performances have become a pivotal part of Taves’ artistry, though it wasn’t always the case. “I used to be really shy,” he admits. “I was in my head a lot, but now I’ve gotten over that. Live performances are so important because they let you bring a different energy to the music. A stripped-back version of a song can sometimes hit even harder than the original.”

Taves explains that his perspective on live performances shifted as his confidence grew. “As an artist, you need a certain level of confidence. When you walk into a space, people should feel your energy. I’m still working on that, but I’m not shy anymore, which is a huge step forward.” This newfound confidence allows Taves to focus on creating memorable moments for his audience. “When you perform live, you connect with people in a way that recordings can’t. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s one of the best parts of what I do - A stripped-back version of a song can sometimes hit even harder than the original.”

Despite explaining how he enjoys working alone and is proud of his ability to now make music himself, collaboration is still another exciting part of Taves’ creative process, something that he believes adds a new dimension to his work. “I love collaborating. It’s something I’ve always been into,” Taves says. “It helps bring out different sides of myself, and it’s exciting to see how others interpret your ideas and add their flavor to it.” 

A key collaborator in Taves’ journey is Afrobeats giant BNXN, previously known as Buju, whose influence has had a profound impact on his work. “Me and Buju have a close relationship,” Taves shares. “We’ve worked together on music, and his approach has taught me a lot about honing in on what feels real and authentic. He’s not just a collaborator but also someone who’s been a mentor and someone I respect deeply.”

The dynamic nature of collaboration, for Taves, is part of what keeps him excited about the music-making process. “Working with other artists allows you to push yourself in ways you might not have considered before,” he explains. “When I’m with people who bring different ideas to the table, it’s like we’re all elevating each other, and that’s such a great feeling.”

In today’s music landscape, visuals have become an essential part of an artist’s identity. Taves fully embraces this aspect of his artistry, believing that visuals are just as important as the music itself in creating a complete experience for his audience. “I think visuals are crucial in today’s world. People are visual by nature, and sometimes they connect with the image first before the music,” he says.

“I want everything to tell a story. It’s not just about looking good or being flashy—it’s about creating an experience that feels cohesive, from the sound to the visuals. It’s all part of the same world I’m trying to build.” The result is a unique blend of audio and visual storytelling that immerses listeners in Taves’ world. “I want my audience to feel like they’re in the space with me, whether they’re watching a music video or seeing a live show. It’s all about creating an atmosphere that pulls people in and makes them a part of the experience.”

Taves’ dedication to creating music that transcends barriers is evident in his approach to songwriting and production. “I want my music to be objectively good. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are—if you hear it, you’ll feel it.”

The artist credits his ability to touch diverse audiences to his belief in music as a universal language. “It’s about creating something that people from all walks of life can connect to. That’s what makes music so powerful—it brings people together.”

As he continues to grow as an artist, Taves remains focused on leaving a lasting legacy. “I want my name to represent a time or a season in people’s lives. Like, when they hear my music, they think of a specific moment or feeling. That’s what I want to achieve.”

Although he envisions his sound evolving over time, Taves emphasizes that his growth as an artist will depend on his life experiences. “As I go through life, I’ll figure out the direction my music should take. It’s all connected to who I am and where I am at that moment.”

With his unique voice, boundless ambition, and the ability to craft music that resonates across cultures, Taves is definitely one to keep an eye on.