By Benjamin Njoku

Fast-rising Nigerian artiste, Aguvybes, has marked his return to the music scene with a deeply reflective project titled The New Race, describing it as a personal journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery rather than a competition with others.

In an exclusive chat with Vanguard, the singer revealed that the new project represents a shift in mindset and purpose, moving beyond the pursuit of fame and financial success.

“‘The New Race’ is not about competing with anyone in the industry. It’s more about running against my old self — the version of me that went through pain, struggles, and survival mode,” he said. “This race is about growth, peace of mind, and building something meaningful.”

According to him, the project redefines success to include impact, stability, and legacy, rather than just hype.

Aguvybes also spoke on how his involvement in building De Spirited Music, his record platform, has reshaped his creative process and approach to music-making.

“Being behind the scenes with De Spirited Music opened my eyes to the business and structure of music. Before, I was just creating from emotion. Now, I record with intention. I think about sound quality, audience connection, longevity, and branding,” he explained.

The artiste admitted that balancing his creative instincts with executive responsibilities has not been easy, describing it as a “constant battle.”

“The creative side wants to express pain, take risks, and be raw. The executive side wants structure, hits, and market value. But on this project, I found a balance. If anything, the creative side won slightly because this EP is real, emotional, and honest,” he said.

Speaking on maintaining originality in a rapidly evolving industry, Aguvybes noted that he deliberately avoided chasing trends, choosing instead to stay rooted in authenticity.

“I didn’t chase trends. I studied the evolution of sound, but I stayed true to my roots. I upgraded my production, flows, and delivery, but the message is still me — real life, real struggles, real growth,” he added.

He further described De Spirited Music as more than just a label, saying it embodies the emotional and experiential depth reflected in his new EP.

“‘De Spirited Music’ represents energy, soul, and resilience. In this EP, you’ll hear that spirit in the emotions — pain, survival, hope, and transformation. It’s not just music; it’s a reflection of a journey,” Aguvybes said.

On the challenges of making a comeback after a period of silence, the singer admitted that releasing new material again came with uncertainty.

“Honestly, pressing ‘upload’ after being away for so long was nerve-wracking. You start wondering — will people still connect? Will they understand the growth? But at the same time, I knew this was my truth, and I had to put it out regardless,” he said.

Looking ahead, Aguvybes hinted at a packed schedule, promising consistency and expansion both as an artiste and a music executive.

“This is just the beginning. The rest of the year is about consistency — more music, visuals, and building De Spirited Music into a strong platform,” he said. “As an artiste, I’m coming back stronger. As a label head, I’m focused on growth, structure, and creating opportunities not just for me, but for others too.”