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The Rise of AKAI | An In-Depth Look at the Mind Behind the Music

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AKAI, also known as Malakai Jones, is the rising Nigerian-American artist who is breaking barriers and closing the gap between himself and the generational diaspora. With his infectious new song, “Naija Boy,” AKAI’s voice resonates as a beacon of positivity, aiming to instill pride in one’s roots and heritage.

Born in the United States to parents with Nigerian and German ancestry, AKAI has always been drawn to the vibrant rhythms of afrobeats and amapiano. Inspired by the lack of representation for those dealing with the diaspora experience, AKAI made a conscious decision to enter the music scene himself. In June 2023, he released his debut single, “NAIJA Boy,” a powerful anthem that showcases his love for his people and reinforces the message of self-acceptance regardless of cultural origins. With his unique sound and undeniable talent, AKAI is making waves in the afrobeats scene, ensuring his enduring presence in the music industry.

Reflecting on his journey, AKAI shares his passion for creating genuine music. Recalling the creation of his first song, “Naija Boy,” he initially doubted its potential and contemplated discarding it. However, after a few weeks of deliberation, he decided to release it, and the response was overwhelming. Friends, fans, and social media followers expressed their love and appreciation for the track, validating AKAI’s artistry and confirming the emotional connection he establishes through his music.

Through his art, AKAI hopes to generate a sense of understanding and unity, urging individuals to be proud of their identities, regardless of their geographical or cultural backgrounds. He emphasizes that pride should extend beyond Nigeria or Africa, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique DNA and celebrate their heritage. AKAI’s music is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, inspiring listeners to appreciate their origins and find strength in their own narratives.

When asked about dream collaborations, AKAI enthusiastically mentions his admiration for Ayra Starr and REMA, two exceptional artists who have made a significant impact on him. This admiration is evident in the countless hours he has spent listening to their music on Apple Music. AKAI’s appreciation for their work reflects his desire to collaborate with artists who share his passion for afrobeats and who have influenced his artistic journey.

Currently, AKAI is diligently working on his debut EP, “Creation I,” a project that serves as a personal storyteller with five captivating songs. This forthcoming EP aims to illuminate AKAI’s narrative, showcasing his growth and evolution as an artist. The first release from the EP, “Naija Boy,” is already available on all streaming platforms, providing a glimpse into AKAI’s distinctive style and musical prowess.

AKAI’s musical journey began approximately five years ago when his interest in music theory sparked a desire to become a music producer. After three years of exploring this path, he made a pivotal decision to step out of the background and take the microphone himself. By conquering one of his biggest fears, AKAI embarked on a whole new chapter in his artistic career. In collaboration with his close friend RJ, AKAI stepped into the studio and created magic, setting the stage for his future success.

As AKAI, or as he humorously refers to himself, Mr. Naija Boy, he aims to bridge the gap between his identity as a Nigerian-American and his heritage. Growing up in a country where his roots may not be widely recognized, AKAI’s longing for his motherland and the profound connection he feels with Nigeria shines through his music. True to his mission, he embraces the title “Mr. Diaspora” and uses his art as a means to unite diverse cultures and reconnect with his heritage.

AKAI’s determination to stay true to himself, uplift his community, and create music with a purpose is commendable. As he continues to make waves in the music industry, his authenticity and unique perspective will undoubtedly resonate with audiences worldwide. AKAI’s journey to bridge the gap between himself and the diaspora is not just a personal mission but a reflection of the universal human experience of seeking connections and celebrating identity through the transformative power of music.

Make sure to join the incredible journey of this emerging star, AKAI. Follow him on Instagram. You can also listen to his music on Apple Music and Spotify. Don’t miss out on the captivating debut track, “Naija Boy,” which sets the tone for AKAI’s exhilarating musical career. Experience the stirring emotions and embark on this exciting odyssey.

This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

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iurisEkero Proves Pop Music Doesn’t Have to Be Loud to Be Good

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iurisEkero

There’s something refreshing about an artist who doesn’t chase volume. “I don’t make music to sound loud. I make music to sound deep,” says iurisEkero, and after diving into his catalog, you get exactly what he means.

Born in Mendoza, Argentina, iurisEkero (stylized in lowercase, like his approach to fame) grew up in a house where music wasn’t just background noise—it was the main conversation. His grandfather recorded albums as a vocalist, his father played trumpet, and young Iuris absorbed it all. But here’s what’s interesting: instead of just carrying the torch, he’s completely reimagined it.

Now splitting time between the USA and Argentina, iurisEkero creates what he calls “sonic exploration”—pop mixed with electronic textures, ethereal vocals, and these atmospheric moments that genuinely make you want to hit pause on everything else. He pulls inspiration from unexpected places: cities at night, red wine, those comfortable silences between people who know each other well, and what he describes as “the glitch of memories.”

His latest single, “This Summer Night,” dropped on August 19th and perfectly captures that specific magic. At 3:17, it’s packed with synths that stick in your head and a melody that somehow feels both nostalgic and brand new. Other tracks like “The Sun, The Wine and You” and “Midnight Drive” show his range—each one catching different emotional frequencies while keeping that distinctive warmth that comes from his bicultural perspective.

The numbers tell their own story. Nearly 3 million Spotify streams. Over a million YouTube views. But when you mention this to iurisEkero, he seems genuinely surprised. “I don’t even understand those numbers,” he admits. “I just enjoy and am grateful.”

What he hopes listeners take away is simple: that urge to play a song again, whether you’re remembering someone, dancing alone in your kitchen, or waiting for something you can’t quite name yet. Even his breakup songs somehow feel optimistic—there’s always this undercurrent of possibility in his work.

Currently working on a new album featuring various guest artists, iurisEkero seems ready for whatever comes next. The sound explorer from Mendoza has found his frequency, and people are definitely tuning in.

Find iurisEkero’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other streaming platforms, or visit his official website and follow him on Instagram.

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Alain Mékani Confronts Success and Solitude in New Single ‘Quiet’

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Alain Mékani

What happens when you achieve everything you dreamed of before turning 23, but there’s no one around to celebrate with? That’s the question Alain Mékani wrestles with in “Quiet,” his introspective new single that dropped August 1st, 2025.

The Dubai-based artist, who grew up in Beirut speaking Arabic with his mom and French with his dad while MTV played in the background, has been carving out his own corner of the Middle Eastern pop scene since his 2023 debut “Fool.” But this latest track hits different. It’s raw, honest, and uncomfortably relatable for anyone who’s ever felt alone in a room full of people.

Written during a period of professional success while living abroad, “Quiet” runs just over three minutes but packs an emotional punch. The track opens with Mékani reflecting on his younger self’s dreams—the car, the new place, all achieved before his 23rd birthday. But here’s where it gets real: “I left it all behind just to find myself / But am I really free?”

The chorus doesn’t pull punches either. When he admits “I’ve been going through some changes and my mind is fucking racing,” you feel that restless energy. It’s not polished pop perfection; it’s someone working through their stuff in real-time. The official music video, which premiered July 31st, visually captures this internal conflict.

“Quiet” by Alain Mékani

Family threads through every verse — and you can feel it. There’s the promise to make his mother proud, the desire to share his victories, and that gut-punch line about missing the people who matter most. The bridge transforms into something between a mantra and a desperate reminder: “Be somebody if you’re nobody.” It’s less motivational poster, more survival mechanism.

Since emerging with tracks like “Awlad El Haram” and his licensed reimagining of the Lebanese classic “Tallou Hbabna” earlier this year, Mékani has built a reputation for blending French, Arabic, and English lyrics with what critics call a “melancholic awakening” sound. Regional outlets including Musivv and Buro 24/7 Middle East have taken notice of his ability to pair cross-cultural production with genuine vulnerability.

The artist, who taught himself guitar after starting on accordion at eight, turned to songwriting as therapy following his father’s death in 2015. While working a marketing day job in Dubai, he spent nights and weekends learning production, eventually creating the demos that would launch his career.

Currently working on collaborations with Rayan Bailouni and Jay Janith, Mékani is pushing further into French territory with his upcoming releases. It’s a natural evolution for someone who grew up switching between languages at home. As he puts it: “I write in three languages because some emotions need more than one passport.”

“Quiet” is now streaming across all major platforms. Connect with Alain Mékani on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Anghami, Instagram, TikTok, and at alainmekani.com.

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Siren Built Her Entire Sound in Secret and Now She’s Ready to Surface

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Siren

The first thing that hits you about Siren isn’t just her voice—it’s the sheer audacity of someone who taught themselves everything. No formal training, no music theory classes, just pure instinct driving her to create something that sounds like Rammstein got into a late-night conversation with Lana Del Rey while Massive Attack played in the background.

At 24, this LA-based artist has already written around 70 songs, most still unreleased, sitting in her vault like secrets waiting to surface. Born June 13, 2001, Siren started making music in 2019, and what’s emerged since then defies easy categorization. Her sound pulls from trip-hop pioneers like Portishead, the industrial weight of German metal, and the cinematic drama of Tchaikovsky—yes, the Swan Lake composer.

“Every ache must be turned into art,” she says about her approach to music. It’s this philosophy that drives her self-described “raw confessions where melancholy meets beauty.” Her mezzo-soprano voice shifts between whispered vulnerability and soaring intensity, creating what she calls “cold waves of sound that mesmerize like a siren’s voice in the night sea.”

Siren

The artist’s journey started unexpectedly early. One of her most vivid childhood memories involves her grandmother singing Russian folk songs on a winter swing—an experience she describes as “blue, cold, wintry, dark, nostalgic, deep, soulful, and melancholic.” By twelve, she’d discovered Rammstein, which she credits with awakening “strength, courage, resistance, and the spirit of a fighter.” The band shaped about 60% of her musical taste, while Lana Del Rey, who she calls her “musical mother,” opened up the other side of her artistic personality.

What’s striking about Siren’s work is how she balances opposing forces. She describes her music as reflecting both her anima and animus—the feminine emotional vulnerability paired with masculine instrumental drive. This duality shows up everywhere in her sound: acoustic piano meets electric guitars, string arrangements collide with rock drums, trip-hop grooves support orchestral swells.

Her latest release, “Devil 2019,” dropped on August 3, 2025, running 3:28 and showcasing her hypnotic vocal control. But it’s just a taste of what’s coming. Her debut single “Siren Heroine,” released on June 13, previews her upcoming album “Blue Blood,” which promises an oceanic, siren-themed concept drawn from songs written three to four years ago.

Siren

Beyond music, Siren works as a visual artist, filmmaker, and photographer, creating her own visual concepts exactly as she imagines them. She admits to both loving and fearing the ocean—thalassophobia mixed with an obsession for deep blue imagery. “I reflect what I fear. I am what I fear,” she explains.

When asked about dream collaborations, she mentions Hans Zimmer, Rammstein, and Lana Del Rey—though she notes that most of her musical heroes are dead. Her approach to creation remains uncompromising: “I don’t write for people—I write for myself. Music is how I let you know me.”

For those curious to dive deeper, Siren’s music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, and her website. Follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok.

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