- Words Millie Dunn-Christensen
On the back of his highly anticipated single ‘One For Me’, French-Angolan artist and producer Agatchu talks his genre-blending sound, how his multicultural influences are shaping the future of Afrobeats, and what’s next.
Less than a year into his solo career, Agatchu is already proving himself as one of the most exciting new voices in global Afrobeats. The French-Angolan artist, producer, and songwriter first made waves with his 2024 debut EP Believe, a project that seamlessly fused his Angolan and Congolese roots with modern Afrobeats, R&B, and pop influences. Now, he’s back with ‘One For Me’, a long-anticipated collaboration with Congolese star Ya Levis that bridges cultures and genres into an infectious groove-infused anthem. With an ever-expanding sonic palette and a deep belief in the healing power of music, Agatchu is crafting a unique lane that blends storytelling and spirituality.
But Agatchu’s rise hasn’t been overnight. Before stepping into the spotlight, he spent years behind the scenes as a producer and songwriter for some of Afropop’s biggest names, working with Dadju, Tayc, Teni, and MHD. This foundation shaped his approach as an artist, allowing him to develop a signature sound that resonates globally. As he gears up for his sophomore EP, Agatchu sits down with us to discuss the making of ‘One For Me’, his vision for the future of Afrobeats, and how his multilingual, cross-cultural influences continue to shape his artistry.
‘One For Me’ is a long-awaited collaboration with Ya Levis. What made this the right time to bring this track to life, and how did your creative process together unfold?
Ya Levis and I have been working together for quite some time now, collaborating on numerous projects. Our shared passion for music has served as a bridge that has not only helped us grow as artists but also brought us closer as a team and as brothers. I’m familiar with his workflow from start to finish, and he respects my vision as well.
At one point, I suggested we create a track that would resonate with our culture, especially since we had a set of songs stored on our phones. This particular song brings back the essence of Congolese Rumba while incorporating elements of Kizomba and Afrobeats, a unique style we’ve been developing over the years. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of love and a tribute to women, infused with positive vibes.
Your music seamlessly blends Angolan and Congolese influences with global genres like Afrobeats, R&B, and pop. How do you balance honouring your cultural roots while pushing sonic boundaries?
I strive to remain grounded and deeply connected to my culture, ethnicity, and the rich traditions of Africa. I aim to reflect this in my music, whether through the lyrics or my productions, even as I incorporate a strong hip-hop influence. Since Africa is recognised as the birthplace of humanity, it stands to reason that music also originated from our continent, shaped by our ancestors.
Having Angolan, Nigerian and Congolese roots makes it all the more fascinating for me to blend these diverse cultures. Music serves as a platform where I can explore and fuse my heritage, creating melodies that not only honour my origins but also break barriers and forge new sounds. It’s a beautiful and amazing experience!
You started your career producing and writing for major artists like Dadju, Tayc, and Teni. How did your experience behind the scenes prepare you for stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist?
As a songwriter, I have always focused on unfolding stories drawn from my personal experiences. Some of these experiences are quite intimate, and I needed time to fully embody them before sharing them with the world and performing on stage. Being in the spotlight requires a level of vulnerability, as it means accepting that your personal life may become a subject of public scrutiny.
Throughout my journey, I have learnt a great deal and continue to seek knowledge every day. Collaborating with incredible talents has sharpened my skills and deepened my understanding of music, ultimately preparing me for my own path as a solo artist.
Your upcoming sophomore EP follows the success of Believe. How does this new project evolve from your debut, and what themes or messages are you exploring this time around?
My first EP Believe represents my journey and the progress I’ve made up to this point. It tells a long story of my life through various songs. In my upcoming sophomore EP, I plan to place greater emphasis on themes of love and gratitude. I want to celebrate women as the goddesses they are and express my heartfelt prayers to the Lord, asking for His blessings while also conveying my deep appreciation.
You describe your music as having “frequencies with spiritual and therapeutic properties.” Can you explain what that means to you and how it shapes your songwriting and production?
Music has the incredible power to transform perspectives and evoke deep emotions. It’s a unique weapon that can penetrate the soul, making you feel everything from joy to nostalgia, whether it’s memories of your first love, family moments, or even a connection to God.
In my songwriting and production, I aim to create melodies that nourish the soul and spirit. The spiritual aspect of my music means that no language is necessary to convey the emotions I want to share. My goal is for my audience to truly experience the feelings I intend to evoke, much like a director crafting a film who wants the viewers to fully appreciate and immerse themselves in the story.
You’re fluent in multiple languages—French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese—with an ear for Lingala and Yoruba. How does this linguistic diversity influence your storytelling and songwriting?
Songwriting is essentially storytelling, and the emotional nuances of a moment can vary significantly from one language to another. For example, a Yoruba woman may feel a deeper connection and resonance if I express my feelings for her in her native language rather than in English. The way I say “I love you with all my heart and soul” can evoke different emotions depending on the language used.
My approach to songwriting is always influenced by the context of who I’m writing for, when I’m writing, and how I want to convey my message. This linguistic diversity allows me to connect more authentically with my audience and enriches the storytelling aspect of my music.
The music video for your debut single ‘New Maserati’ was filmed in Angola and celebrated perseverance. How important is it for you to showcase African culture and heritage through your visuals and music?
Showcasing African culture and heritage through my visuals and music is incredibly important to me. I remember a time when many African artists focused on highlighting American culture and way of life in their music, showcasing elements like low riders and capturing footage in places like LA. That was remarkable!
In my debut single, ‘New Maserati’, filmed in Angola, I aimed to celebrate perseverance and highlight the beauty of our landscapes, whether it’s the deserts, beaches, or cities. I wanted to emphasize how we strive and struggle to succeed in our society, despite having many resources, such as gold, diamonds, and gas. In this case, my music serves as a powerful tool for expressing our identity, and I hope to inspire pride in our culture while sharing authentic stories from Africa.
Afrobeats is more global than ever. Where do you see its evolution in the next few years, and how do you envision yourself contributing to its growth on an international level?
Afrobeats has become worldwide, and I believe its evolution in the coming years will be driven by the diverse spectrum of genres across Africa that influence it. I hear elements of Ivory Coast’s “coupé décalé”, as well as sequences from Kizomba and Zouk, all blending into Afrobeats. My cultural heritage has shaped my production style, allowing me to fuse these genres seamlessly, and I genuinely enjoy the creative process.
My contribution to the growth of Afrobeats on an international level will focus on emphasising the depth and spirituality inherent in our music. Many people may not realise how powerful and transformative African music can be, and I aim to showcase that through my work.
You’ve drawn inspiration from artists like Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, and Kanye West. What specific lessons or influences from them have shaped your artistry and approach to music?
The common thread among Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, and Kanye West is their commitment to freedom of speech. From Kanye, I learnt to push boundaries in my production and to see artistry as a personal expression rather than just a product. Bob Marley taught me the importance of diverse songwriting, allowing me to explore themes of love, social justice, and spirituality with emotional depth. Alpha Blondy, whom I consider a godfather figure, inspires me to embrace my cultural roots and use my music as a platform for advocacy. Together, these artists have shown me that music is a powerful form of liberation and self-expression.
With ‘One For Me’ out and a sophomore EP on the horizon, what’s next for Agatchu in 2025? Can we expect live performances, collaborations, or a full-length album in the near future?
In 2025, there are so many amazing things on the horizon for me! With ‘One For Me’ out and my sophomore EP coming soon, I’m planning to embark on a series of live performances, including trips to places where I have a strong following, like Tanzania and Congo, as well as countries I’ve never visited before.