Rybeena: The Rising Star Adding Diversity to Nigerian Street Pop
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian street pop, Rybeena is emerging as a fresh and dynamic voice, bringing diversity to the genre. The talented singer first caught the attention of fans with his breakout hit Id.Me, a record that resonated deeply with listeners and even drew recognition from Nigerian hip-hop icon Olamide Baddo.
Since making his mainstream breakthrough, Rybeena has continued to capture the realities of life in the inner cities through his music. His storytelling and unique sound have positioned him as one of the most exciting artists in the street-hop scene.
Virtuoso: A Testament to His Musical Growth
Rybeena recently released his latest project, Virtuoso, a body of work that showcases his artistic evolution. The project features viral songs like World Best and Agba Singing, which have further solidified his place in the industry.
In a recent interview with Apple Music, the singer shed light on his creative process and the inspiration behind some of the songs on the project. He revealed that his goal was to craft an album with multiple sounds while maintaining originality.
“I just wanted to make something that musically had everything but was still totally original. I just want my fans to feel love, stay connected, stay true to yourself, stay yourself. Positive energy, always.”
A Personal Connection to His Music
Among the standout tracks on Virtuoso is 1999, which Rybeena describes as a reggae fusion record that tells a deeply personal story.
“This track has a reggae fusion feel to it, and the song is actually talking about me—how I was brought up, my background, and all I came from. It’s about my true self, so the song actually means a lot to me—a lot!”
His hit single Id.Me also holds deep emotional significance for him, as he revealed that the recording process moved him to tears.
The Story Behind His Stage Name
Rybeena’s stage name has sparked curiosity among fans due to its similarity to a popular Nigerian beverage. The singer shared that the name came about spontaneously while recording his first-ever track.
“I was recording my first-ever track, and the funniest thing is, the producer liked what he was drinking. I was thinking of a new name because I was new to music. I was just like, ‘What can I do?’ Then I saw the Ribena! It’s unique, and I can attach it to many things.”
A Bright Future with Dapper Music
Currently signed to Dapper Music, Rybeena described his label as a perfect fit for his career growth.
“It feels great to be among one of the best record labels in Africa. It’s been a great relationship between us, and everything is working—and it will only get better!”
With Virtuoso, Rybeena has taken another major step in his career, proving himself as a force in Nigerian street music. As he continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate how he will further shape the sound of the genre and leave his mark on the industry.
