EWOL SAMO: The transition from “Drill To Afrobeats”

Samuel Apata, known as EWOL SAMO, is a Nigerian-American Afrobeats artist born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and raised in Chicago. Growing up in a large, musically inclined family, he developed a deep passion for rhythm and drums.

Despite early struggles with discipline and street influences, music remained his anchor. Influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, DMX, Fela Kuti, and 2Face, he started making music in his teens. After a stint in Nigeria for schooling, he returned to the U.S., forming his first band, “A SQUAD,” in 2002.

EWOL gained notoriety in Chicago’s drill music scene, collaborating with Rico Recklezz and founding Recklezz Renegade Records. His career surged in 2016 after a viral moment brought widespread attention, but legal troubles led to a five-year incarceration. During this time, he reconnected with his faith and decided to transition from drill music to Afrobeats, aiming to inspire rather than glorify violence.

Following his release, he toured with Fivio Foreign before fully embracing Afrofusion—a blend of his Nigerian roots and American upbringing. Now known as “The Big Chigerian,” EWOL SAMO is carving a unique path in Afrobeats, dedicated to uplifting his culture through music.

In this interview he bares it all and talks about his music and plans for the future.

Kindly introduce yourself to our readers? 

My name is Samuel Apata, also known by my stage alias “Ewol Samo”. I am a US based Nigerian artist.

What made you decide to pursue a career in music?

I’ve always been musical my whole life. From the day I was born I have always loved listening to music and singing along. Music is something that was embedded in my DNA. So it was only right that I should follow it as a career path.

Why do you go by the name ‘EWOL SAMO’? What prompted the name?

EWOL is the name of the street that I grew up in spelled backwards. While Samo is short for my given name Samuel. So Ewol Samo is a combination of the two and it helps to remind me of where I am coming from and how far I have come in life from the projects.

You have achieved so much in your career, yet so little is known of you? How come you are barely known in Nigeria yet you have been releasing music for a while now?

Yeah, this is because I was focused on Chicago drill music for so long, ignoring my African roots. Also Afrobeats wasn’t as popular as it is today, so it took me a long time before I finally fully converted over to afrobeats music. So I never got a chance to showcase or spread my talents to Nigeria. But I am working on changing that narrative.

What inspires you? Are you in a relationship?

God, my children, and my mother are my main inspirations. Unfortunately no, I am not currently in a relationship. I am too in love with my craft at the moment.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with being in the spotlight, especially with the ladies?

It is no pressure for me, I am used to the attention that comes with standing out. I’m a very reserved man. I’ve seen a lot and been through even more, soI take everything at face value and put it in God’s hands.

Where do you see yourself and your career in the next 5ys?

In 5 years I see myself being the biggest international musician out. I see myself being the bridge from America to Nigeria. I see myself opening up a lane for international artists all over the world. I want to be the most known African artist of Nigerian descent in Chicago and around the US.

What year did you release your first musical project? How did you feel when it went live?

My first real musical project was released in 2012. It felt good, I felt I had finally begun my journey of chasing my passion and fulfilling my childhood dreams. Most of all I felt accomplished, but I also felt like I had a lot of work to do to get where I wanted to be overall. You know it feels good when you have wanted something for so long and finally it was all coming together.

Are you planning on releasing new music, an EP or album any time soon?

Yes I am planning on releasing a flurry of music very soon. I have a few projects that are close to completion. But in the meantime I will be releasing a new single in the coming weeks. I was doing drill music for a while and now I have rebranded fully to Afrobeats and so I am taking my time because I don’t do half measures, I want to get it close to perfect.

What’s your aim when you are making music?

My aim is to touch people, touch lives, bring about change socially and personally. I want to inspire, motivate and captivate people of all tribes with my lyrics and music. I hope to raise everyone’s vibrations once they listen to my music. I want to bring people together because no matter your tribe, language or country of origin, there’s only one human race and we all bleed red blood and we all die.

What puts you off about people?

Ignorance puts me off about people. Disrespect, and also laziness. Those type of people have no place around me

How do you decide what to write or sing about?

I usually write about how I’m feeling at every point in time. When I make music I am always in the moment. Other times when I reflect, I write about what I’ve been through, my experiences and challenges. I also write about what God is doing in my life at the moment. My life’s journey is the motivation most times for my lyrics and the music that I make.

Are you signed to any label?

I am independent and not currently signed to any major label. But in the future as I build up my brand, I hope to get the attention of big labels because being independent is tough especially when you have to worry about finances and taking care of your bills and family at the same time. So I am open to partnerships as long as they align to my plans and goals for my music.

What are you currently working on?

Like I said earlier I am working on some new music for my fans. I am currently working on an EP that I plan on releasing very soon. I am also working on a full length album and hopefully I will have a lot of collaborations on it if everything goes according to plan.

Is there anything you would want to change about your life given the chance?

No. I’m big on trusting God’s plan and His will. God’s will is what has been done in my life. Who am I to try and change the course of that? Everything that has happened was supposed to happen according to God’s will. And all these experiences have made me resilient and taught me a lot. They made me the person I am today and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Which two Nigerian artists would you love to collaborate with if you have the opportunity?

To be honest I have a few more than 2 lol. I would love to collaborate with Burna Boy, Davido, Odumodu, Asake, and any other talented artist that is willing to collaborate

Who areyour favorite Nigerian artists female & male?

My 2 favorite artists will probably be “Asake & Tems”.

Do you have any pieces of advice for upcoming artists out there?

My only advice to upcoming artists like myself would be to put God first and never quit chasing your dreams, regardless of how bleak it may seem, how many times you feel like you’re failed or how many people tell you no. DO NOT QUIT!

We wish you the best in all your future endeavors.