Jon Batiste, the Grammy-winning US singer, has revealed that he recorded “half of my next album” during his visit to Nigeria.
The 37-year-old Louisiana-born artiste is in Nigeria — courtesy of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) — as part of the charity organisation’s ongoing commitment to Africa’s development.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the singer revealed he has recorded music with various artistes in Nigeria in the past 10 days and “now have half of my next album completed”.
Batiste also expressed his fascination with Nigerian culture and cuisine, particularly Jollof rice.
The 10 days I have been here feel like a month. It feels like so much has happened. The flavours, you feel when you eat it, it is visceral,” he said.
I have made music with people. I probably have half of my next album already. The range of experience is so synthesized. There is so much in every moment.
I believe music is a spiritual. Music can create something greater than entertainment. That is why I feel called to be here. I do not even know what the future holds, I am just grateful to Mr. Gates’ Foundation.
Batiste started to gain prominence at 17 when he released his debut album ‘Times in New Orleans.
The singer has won five Grammy Awards including ‘Album of the Year’ for his 2021 album We Are,
He was recently featured in ‘Adedamola,’ an album by Afrobeats star Fireboy.
