Some artists chase fame, others chase feeling — and for Lagos-born singer Zipowei Omenogor Ochonogor, feeling is everything. Known simply as Zipowei, she’s the kind of artist who turns vulnerability into strength, creating music that feels like a gentle embrace. Her sound floats between R&B, soul, and Afrobeats, wrapped in warmth and honesty. With her debut EP Echoes of Zi, she’s stepping into her power and inviting listeners into a world built on authenticity and emotion.
Early beginnings and artistic roots
Zipowei’s creative story began long before she started releasing music. Growing up, she was surrounded by art in many forms.
“I used to draw a lot, and my dad would buy me art supplies,” she says fondly. “Later, I started singing and performing for friends and family — probably holding them hostage with random performances,” she adds with a laugh.
Her first taste of the entertainment world came as a teenager when she and her sister appeared as extras on the Nigerian TV series The Johnsons. Later, at university, she joined dance crews that kept her creative spirit alive. But songwriting had always been her quiet passion.
“I’d been writing songs since primary school,” she says. “Freefalling was the first song I wrote as an actual artist, something I knew I wanted to put out.”
Though it was officially released in 2021, the journey began years earlier when she realised music was where she truly belonged.
Finding clarity and courage
Every artist has that defining conversation that changes everything. For Zipowei, it came from a friend in the music industry.
“That talk made me see that I could go pro, that I was actually good enough to be an artist,” she recalls. From there, everything began to take shape.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2022 during a live performance at the National Theatre in Lagos.
“I was a bit nervous because it was an older crowd, but once I got on stage, everyone went silent,” she remembers. “As I sang, I noticed the captivated look on their faces. That moment made me realise my music isn’t restricted by age or background. It connects with everyone.”
But perhaps her proudest moment isn’t about success or applause — it’s about resilience.
“Coming back to music and fighting to stay consistent has been my biggest personal victory,” she admits. “Every time someone asked when I’d be back and I didn’t have an answer, it broke my heart. But I’m proud of myself for pushing through the fog and choosing to do what I love again.”
Inside the creative process
For Zipowei, making music is as much about feeling as it is about structure.
“I’ve been working closely with producers like Syntax the Creator,” she says. “We usually start with the beat, feel the energy, then move into melodies and lyrics. It’s organic, and I love every bit of it.”
Her sound naturally leans toward R&B and soul, but she loves blending Afrobeats and alternative influences to create something new.
“I like creating songs that people can chill to, vibe with, and feel understood through. I want my music to feel like a safe space,” she explains. “But I’m not limiting myself — I might one day drop an EDM project or even a hip-hop one where I’m rapping and dropping straight bars.”
Her creative circle reflects that same energy.
“Syntax has been one of my main collaborators. My friend Millie, who’s an incredible photographer, helps bring my visual ideas to life. And my manager and friend, Juwon Balogun, has supported me all the way. Everyone who helped make Echoes of Zi a reality means so much to me.”
The power of honesty in artistry
Zipowei’s art is driven by emotion, truth, and connection.
“My music is deeply personal yet relatable,” she says. “I’m intentional about being authentic and vulnerable because honesty connects people in ways trends never can.”
She describes her artistic identity as a balance — strength and softness, depth and fun, individuality and connection.
She also celebrates the evolution of today’s music industry.
“The scene is becoming more fluid and open. Artists are blending genres more than ever, and they’re not afraid to experiment or cross boundaries. I love seeing Afrobeats gain global recognition, but even more, I love seeing it fused with pop, EDM, funk, and rock. People are connecting with music that feels real and intentional, not just what’s trending.”
Inspirations and evolution
Her influences span across sounds and styles.
“Musically, I’m inspired by Tems, Mereba, Doja Cat, Burna Boy, Westlife, Jessie Reyez, and Joy Crookes,” she says. “They all have intentional sounds and strong identities. Visually, I draw a lot from Zendaya — I love her authenticity, versatility, and expressiveness.”
Her debut EP, Echoes of Zi, captures these layers beautifully.
“It feels like the start of a new chapter for me,” she explains. “The project represents my growth, vulnerability, and creativity over the last few years, and it’s been rewarding to bring that vision to life.”
Looking ahead
Zipowei sees the future of her art expanding beyond music.
“I see my music and brand evolving globally. I want to experiment with new genres, collaborate with artists across cultures, and branch into film, fashion, and beauty. My goal is to build a brand that represents authenticity, creativity, and empowerment.”
Her advice for rising artists is simple but profound.
“Keep pushing, no matter how many times you stumble or stop. Stay true to yourself. As artists, we pour our souls into our work, and when we lose ourselves, our art loses the spark that makes it ours.”
A voice that heals and connects
At the heart of everything she does, Zipowei’s purpose remains clear — to make people feel seen and understood. “Everything I create comes from a place of honesty and intention,” she says.
“I want people to feel seen, safe, and inspired. My goal is to keep evolving, experimenting, and sharing art that resonates deeply.”
With sincerity, soul, and fearless creativity, Zipowei is not just another rising artist — she’s a storyteller building safe spaces through sound, emotion, and truth.
Follow Zipowei:
Instagram: @zipowei
TikTok: @zipowei
X (Twitter): @zipoweii
Spotify: Listen to Zipowei
