Nigerian singer Lekan Osifeso, popularly known as Lojay, has revealed that he once came close to abandoning his music career due to years of uncertainty and self-doubt before finding fame.
In an interview with Punch, the Monalisa hitmaker opened up about the emotional toll of his early struggles in the industry, admitting that there were nights when he questioned whether anyone would ever listen to his songs.
“I’ve had moments where I almost quit music. There were nights I doubted if anyone would ever hear my songs. But those silent years shaped me; they taught me patience, resilience, and gratitude for every single listener today,” he said.
Lojay explained that the difficult period of waiting and being unheard helped him build the strength and discipline that now define his artistry. He said the experience taught him to appreciate every step of his journey, no matter how slow it seemed.
Speaking on how he manages the pressures of fame, the singer revealed that he often withdraws from the public eye to reconnect with what truly matters to him.
“Family, faith, and silence. Sometimes I just disappear for a bit — no music, no social media. Just time to breathe and reconnect with God and my people. That’s how I remember who I am outside the noise,” he stated.
Reflecting on the success of Monalisa and its remix featuring Chris Brown, Lojay said the collaboration reminded him of music’s power to transcend boundaries and cultures.
“It showed me that music really doesn’t have boundaries. Chris came in with full respect for the record — he understood it, felt it, and elevated it. It made me realize that authenticity travels further than trying to sound ‘international,’” he said.
On why it took him time to release his debut album XOXO, Lojay explained that he wanted his work to reflect genuine experiences rather than pressure or haste.
“I didn’t want to drop an album just to say I did. I wanted to live first — to experience enough emotions that could fill an album with truth. Every song on XOXO came from a real place, and I needed time to find that honesty,” he added.
