Faruq Salami, better known by his stage name Lamii, first made his big entrance in 2017 with the release of his breakout single, “Wonder_”_. By blending his roots with a rich infusion of his local dialect, Lamii quickly established himself as a distinctive voice in the Nigerian music scene. His early work laid the foundation for a promising career, as he associated with music enthusiasts and industry talents during his days at the university.
Following “Wonder”, Lamii’s discography expanded with standout tracks like “Ja”, “Jo Fun Mi”, and several songs from his debut EP, The Journey. Known for exploring themes of love, admiration, self-realization, and romance, Lamii’s music resonates deeply.
After a brief hiatus from the limelight, Lamii makes a triumphant return with his latest single, “Tulip_”_—a track that continues his signature exploration of romance and life experiences. In this exclusive interview, Lamii shares extensive insight into his creative process, evolving music style, and future plans for his music career.
TTC: Hello, Lamii. Kindly introduce yourself to TurnTable and tell us about your background
LAMII: My name is Lamii Wonder, and I’m from Ede in Osun State, Nigeria. I moved to America when I was 16, after attending boarding school in Osun. I went to Pennsylvania State University and that’s where my music journey began. A producer friend had a home studio setup and I would always hang out there out of curiosity. He encouraged me to try different things, including singing in Yoruba, and I discovered I had a talent for it. Over time, I fell in love with the craft, started experimenting, and eventually taught myself how to record. Fun fact: Most of the music I’ve released was recorded by me.
TTC: What’s the story behind your stage name, Lamii Wonder?
LAMII: The first song I ever released was called “Wonder”. It was during my early days of experimenting with music while I was in college. The name stuck, and ever since, people have called me Lamii Wonder.
TTC: So, how would you describe your style of music, and what influences your sound?
LAMII: My music style is Afro-fusion, which reflects my experiences growing up in two very different worlds—Nigeria and America. I pull inspiration from my real-life experiences and those of people around me. My sound is constantly evolving based on what I’m going through and the kind of music I’m enjoying at the moment. I draw influences from artistes like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Davido, Olamide, Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, and Orlando Owoh. I admire artistes who are deep thinkers, and I like to think my music reflects that too.
TTC: You are well known for your 2017 single, “Wonder” which was a major success. What inspires you to make music?
LAMII: The beauty of making music for me, lies in the process itself. I take my time to enjoy creating, and I make sure my friends and family hear my work before I release it. Once the music is out, there’s the industry politics to deal with, but I try to focus on the joy of creating first. My songs are usually based on real-life stories, either my own experiences or those of friends, so my style keeps evolving.
TTC: You have a new song coming on the way, “Tulip”, what was the inspiration behind this song?
LAMII: The idea for “Tulip” came from my girlfriend at the time. She would always tell me, “Don’t get me roses. If you’re buying flowers, I only want tulips.” That stuck in my head, and when I got the beat from my producer friend Signal, I decided to use that as a theme. I created a love song, vibing with the melodies and letting the word "tulip" guide the story.
TTC: If you could collaborate with anyone, are there any artistes or genres you’re particularly interested in working together with in the future?
LAMII: Most of my songs come together without a particular artiste in mind. By the time I’m recording, the song is already fully formed in my head. But if I were to create something from scratch with someone, I’d love to work with Davido, Ayra Starr, or Kizz Daniel. Outside Nigeria, Doechii is someone I’d like to collaborate with.
TTC: Now that you’re fully back, what’s next for you?
LAMII: I’ve got a lot of music in my archive so fans can expect more back-to-back releases. I’m planning to drop a new song in mid-December to keep the momentum going. Also, I’m hosting an intimate show in Lagos on January 3rd. It’s going to be a special night for everyone who comes through.