Seeing Solana Beyond “Okunkun”

“What kept me going was my love for creating. I wasn’t making music just for fame, I was making it because it’s who I am.”

That raw honesty is exactly why the world is suddenly stopping to listen to Solana. Born Ogunlana Oluwabusolami Habibat, the fast-rising Nigerian artiste has been steadily building herself, brick by brick, based on unfiltered, lived experiences.

Solana has been making music for almost a decade. She turned heads when she was chosen as part of Mr Eazi's emPawa 30 cohort in 2020. Since then, she has evolved into a unique cultural pioneer. Today, she is currently at the centre of attention with her viral, Killertunes-produced hit “Okunkun”. Solana with Killertunes? That was the cherry on top! “Okunkun” is that deeper-meaning record no one saw coming.

This soulful hit “Okunkun” has unapologetically triggered a massive social media movement. Asides from the popular release, there is so much to find out. Solana always knew music had so much in store for her. She never backed down. Solana is evidence that good things come to those who wait…wait and act!

TTC: A lot of people know you now because of “Okunkun,” but that wasn't the first piece you put out. It just happened to be the one that connected on a much larger scale. Looking back, what do you think made “Okunkun” different from everything that came before it?

Solana: I think “Okunkun” came at the right time, but more importantly, it came from a place of freedom. It was me expressing myself without holding back. Every song I released before “Okunkun” is still a reflection of who I am, but this record really draws from my roots and my identity as a Yoruba girl from Lagos State.

I embraced my culture and language in a way that felt completely authentic to me. I believe people could genuinely feel that, and that’s why the song has resonated with so many people. Music has a way of bringing people together, and I think Okunkun connected because it carries a sense of identity, honesty, and culture that people could relate to, whether they understand Yoruba or not.

TTC: One thing that stands out in your music is how rooted it is in Yoruba culture. Beyond that, your lyrics often carry cautionary messages and deeper meanings. When it comes to writing, what does a typical songwriting day look like for you, and where do those ideas usually come from?

Solana: Honestly, I think songwriting is one of those things where if you have it, you just have it. For me, it comes very naturally. I can literally write about anything once something sparks an idea. I just focus on whatever is on my mind and let the words come. Inspiration can come from anywhere. I could be watching a movie, observing people, having a conversation, or even imagining a fictional story, and I’ll turn it into a song. I draw inspiration from both reality and fiction because I believe every story is worth telling. Once I get that nudge or the right feeling, the writing process happens really quickly. I can finish a song in about 30 minutes because at that point, it just flows naturally.

TTC: Your recent promotional videos are always a visual treat, especially when it comes to styling. The outfits often seem to complement the music itself. How do you approach the creative direction behind those looks, and what helps you decide what fits?

Solana: Honestly, I’m just being myself and doing what feels authentic to me. I never really sat down and planned a particular image or aesthetic. It all just aligns naturally because it’s a reflection of who I am.

My style is simply another way I express myself. I’m a young indigenous woman in this generation, and I love being able to express myself freely while still holding on to my identity and culture. I don’t see my fashion and my music as separate things; they’re both extensions of who I am. So when people say my styling complements my music, I think it’s because they’re both coming from the same person 

TTC: You've been making good music for a while before “Okunkun” found a wider audience. During those quieter moments, what kept you going and believing in the music you make?

Solana: I genuinely believe in my sound and in the music I make. I feel like all I know is music and of course, there were times when things felt slow or discouraging, but I always reminded myself that everyone’s journey is different and that the right people would eventually resonate with my sound 

What kept me going was my love for creating. I wasn’t making music just for fame, I was making it because it’s who I am. 

Even putting out “Okunkun” despite all the rejections I had prior was from a place of “I’m going to do me and at the right time things will align”. Every release was an opportunity to grow, learn and get better. Looking back now, I’m grateful I stayed consistent because “Okunkun” is proof that sometimes all it takes is one song to introduce people to everything you’ve been building over the years.

TTC: You've shared creative spaces with artistes like Joeboy and Skales. Looking back on those experiences, did they influence the process of finding the sound you're known for today?

Solana: Those were really great collaborations and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with artistes like Joeboy and Skales. They were amazing creative experiences, but I wouldn’t say they influenced my sound in any way.

TTC: Now that “Okunkun” has found an audience and people seem to genuinely connect with it, do you see yourself leaning further into that direction, or are there still other sides of you're eager to explore or maintain?

Solana:  I’ve always stayed true to who I am as an artiste. Every song I make carries a piece of me, my identity, and my perspective. That’s something I’ve always been intentional about. For me, collaboration is about different creative minds coming together to create something beautiful. Everyone brings their own unique energy to the table, and that’s what makes it exciting. You get to learn from each other and create something special, while still remaining authentic to yourself.

TTC: Something else that's been interesting to see is people imagining your music alongside visuals and film. Given how storytelling plays a role in your music, is scoring movies or creating music for film something you'd like to explore in the future?

Solana: I’m bringing all of Solana to the table, and there’s so much more where “Okunkun” came from. I’m not the kind of artiste who likes to put herself in a box. I love experimenting, exploring different sounds, and showing different sides of myself creatively.

That said, no matter where I go musically, I’ll always stay true to my roots and what genuinely resonates with me as a person. My Yoruba identity will always be at the core of what I do, but there are so many layers to me as an artiste that I’m excited for people to discover. “Okunkun” is just the beginning. Definitely. That’s something I’ve always had in mind. In fact, when I wrote Okunkun, I wrote it with the potential for film in mind.

I’d absolutely love to explore that in the future. I think music has the power to bring emotions to life on screen, and that’s a space I’m really excited about. It’s definitely on my list of things I want to do as I continue to grow as an artiste.

TTC: Every artiste has people, sounds, or moments that inspire their journey. Who would you say inspires your music the most, and who would you love to collaborate with if the opportunity came today?

Solana: When it comes to inspiration, I’d definitely say Rihanna. Everything about her is art. I grew up listening to her, and I’ve always admired how freely she expresses herself without trying to fit into anyone else’s expectations. She has this way of embracing who she is and showing that your imperfections are perfectly perfect. To me, she’s literally HER.

As for collaborations, I’d love to work with Asake. His music is art, and it’s something I resonate with very deeply. I admire how true he stays to himself and how he doesn’t conform to trends or expectations. That’s the kind of authenticity I respect, and I think creating something together would be really special.

TTC: Looking ahead, what does the future look like for Solana? What should listeners and supporters be expecting from you next?

Solana: I’m really excited about what’s next because my EP is finally on the way. I can’t wait to share it with everyone. It’s a project I’ve always wanted to put out, and I think it’s going to introduce people to even more sides of who Solana is as an artiste.

If people connected with “Okunkun”, then they’re definitely in for a treat, because there’s so much more to come. I’m just excited for everyone to experience this next chapter with me. I honestly can’t wait.

TTC: Before we close this entry of TurnTable's Discovery Diary, leave a sign-out message for readers who might just be discovering your music today.

Solana: To everyone discovering my music for the first time, welcome. Thank you for taking the time to listen and be part of my journey. I hope my music makes you feel something, tells you a story, and reminds you to embrace who you are unapologetically.

This is just the beginning. There’s so much more of Solana to discover, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Thank you for the love, the support, and for believing in the music. I love you all from the deepest depths of my heart.