South African-based Nigerian musician 8Figurez, whose real name is Jackson Irorere, is making waves in the music scene with his unique Afrofusion sound. His latest project, a seven-track EP released in December, showcases his ability to blend African influences such as Afropop, highlife, and Afro-inspired rhythms with R&B, contemporary trap, and drill-influenced sounds. This eclectic mix allows him to explore themes of relationships, ambition, resilience, and personal growth.
According to 8Figurez, being an Afrofusion artist means embracing freedom of expression. He lets each song's story and emotion determine its direction, rather than restricting himself to one genre. His lyrics reflect his experiences across different places and cultures, allowing him to honor his African roots while exploring new sounds and creating something distinctly 8Figurez. This approach has enabled him to rebuild momentum, release new music, and expand his reach in the music industry.
8Figurez has been busy rebuilding his momentum, releasing new music, and expanding his reach. He recently released "Tease Me," featuring Manix Chow, followed by "Stay Fresh," a personal reflection on his journey. He has also continued with media interviews, performances, and building connections in the UK music scene. Performing at the RBE Music Showcase in Wolverhampton on September 11 was another step towards building his presence in the UK.
The year 2026 has been a significant one for 8Figurez, marked by growth, rediscovery, and positioning. He describes it as a year of finding his rhythm again, strengthening his identity, and becoming more intentional about his direction. His song "Stay Fresh" captures that journey, appreciating progress, celebrating small wins, and recognizing how far he has come. He has learned that success isn't always one big breakthrough, but also consistency, lessons, and courage to keep going.
Living between South Africa and the UK has played a crucial role in 8Figurez's musical journey. SA gave him exposure through platforms like Channel Africa, UJFM, and Cape Town TV, while the UK is opening new doors for performances, collaborations, and audience growth. He believes that SA has shaped his sound, while the UK offers new influences and connections. This blend of cultures and experiences has helped him create a unique sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
Looking ahead to 2027, 8Figurez aims to build on his seven-track EP, release more music, and further define the sound and identity of 8Figurez. He is aiming for more live performances, tours, and meaningful collaborations across the UK, SA, Europe, North America, and beyond. He also wants to deepen his connection with audiences and create experiences around the music, rather than treating every release as a standalone moment.
8Figurez hopes to contribute to the UK music scene by bringing his experiences of Nigeria and SA into a creative environment where different musical cultures meet. He wants to collaborate with UK-based artists and producers, perform for new audiences, participate in music initiatives, and contribute to conversations about contemporary African music. In the next five years, he envisions 8Figurez having a stronger international presence, a growing catalogue of original music, meaningful collaborations, and a loyal audience across different countries.
Key points
- 8Figurez's music blends African influences with R&B and trap sounds, reflecting his experiences across different places and cultures.
- The artist aims to build on his seven-track EP, release more music, and further define the sound and identity of 8Figurez in 2027.
- 8Figurez hopes to contribute to the UK music scene by collaborating with local artists and producers, and creating experiences around his music.
