Artist Interviews
Afropop Singer & Songwriter Emmerson Breaks into International Scene with New Collaborations
Sierra Leonean Afropop singer and songwriter Emmerson is making waves in the music industry with exciting new collaborations and a determined leap into the international music scene. After 18 years of honing his craft locally, Emmerson now sees his hard work pay off significantly.
Emmerson recently teamed up with Nigerian superstar Davido, marking a significant milestone in his career. “It’s fascinating because I’ve been trying to cross into the international scene for a long time… I’ve been doing music for over 18 years, but it’s been locally based. This is huge for me,” Emmerson shared.
Working with Davido has been an exceptionally thrilling experience for Emerson, who has a deep connection to Nigerian culture and has visited Lagos regularly over the past eight years. “Davido is a cool dude, very talented. We were vibing in the studio and created something fun,” he recounted. Their collaboration led to “Strawberry On Ice,” a track inspired by complex relationship dynamics that blend warmth, coldness, passion, and detachment.
His latest release, “Stick to the Plan,” features soulful artist Howard Hewett and dynamic rapper Lola Brooke. The track explores the trials and triumphs of love, and the accompanying high-tech music video, boasting international quality, is a visual spectacle. “New York rapper Papoose has been an inspiration since day one. He helped make the connection with Lola,” Emerson explained. Together, they reimagined the classic Shalamar track “A Night to Remember,” creating a fresh, exciting rendition.
Looking ahead, Emerson is focused on his upcoming projects. “This is a new space now. This is the second single I’ve released, and we’re on fire right now. We’re working on new things, planning shows, and there’s an album in the works,” he revealed. “I want people to anticipate the dude from Sierra Leone, the dude from West Africa. Afro R&B vibes are coming.”
The journey to this point has been a long and enlightening process for Emerson. “You will not be in a place where you’re not prepared to be,” he reflected. “It’s been a long preparation, working with different people, sharing ideas, and learning different cultures. It’s been challenging but also incredibly exciting,” he shared.
As Emmerson continues to break new ground and expand his reach, fans and new listeners alike can look forward to a year filled with exciting releases and unforgettable performances.
Emmerson, originally from Kenema, Sierra Leone, left a computer engineering program at Njala University to follow his passion for music.