Fimí With the Flow: A Journey Through Rap, Creativity, and Legacy

Fimí’s journey into rap was born out of natural talent and an undeniable passion for the art form. From an early age, she recognized her ability to craft intricate rhymes and deliver them with precision. “I’ve always had a talent for rap,” she shares. I decided to pursue it because it’s something I’m really passionate about.” This passion is evident in her lyrics, which blend contemporary rap with traditional influences, creating a sound that is refreshing and uniquely hers.

One of the most striking events in Fimí’s career was when she infused Ewi, a traditional Yoruba poetic form into rap. She wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before, a sound that defied categorization. “I’ve never seen anyone do a general bending kind of sound like this,” she explains. The result is a genre-defying fusion that stands out in the Nigerian music landscape. In one of her songs, listeners can hear a distinct voice in the background, leading many to wonder if it was an Oríkì (a Yoruba praise chant). “It wasn’t an Oríkì,” she clarifies. “It was simply saying Olólùfẹ́ mi ò wọn—which means ‘my love.’ It was a eulogy to a loved one, praising them and making them feel special.”

A Creative Force Beyond Music

Beyond her music, Fimí’s artistry extends into visuals, styling, and storytelling. When asked to define her sound in three words, she chooses creative, fresh, and different—qualities that are evident not just in her songs but in every aspect of her brand. She credits her team with helping her bring her creative visions to life. “We brainstorm and come up with concepts together,” she says.

Her love for vintage aesthetics is apparent in her visuals, including her recent birthday photoshoot, which radiated a strong ’90s vibe. “I like the retro vintage vibe,” she explains. “If you look through my page, you’ll see that in my branding. I enjoy bringing back the oldies and making them modern.”

Her storytelling abilities shine in her song Pookie, though, interestingly, it wasn’t inspired by personal experience. “I just tapped into my creative self and wrote the story,” she says. “It’s fictional, but I’m glad people feel like it comes from a real place.” While she isn’t considering a remix for Pookie, she has big dreams for another track, Beef. “For Beef, I’d love to get Olamide Baddo on it,” she reveals. “I can already picture it. Imagine Olamide coming in right after the line ‘Shout out si awon goons mi.’ It would be perfect.”

Fimí cites Kendrick Lamar as one of her biggest influences, admiring his level of creativity. When it comes to Nigerian rap, she looks up to the greats—Olamide, M.I., and Mode 9, among others. “There are so many names on my list,” she says. “Shout out to everybody doing great things.”

Bringing the Old School Back

Fimí’s deep appreciation for older music extends beyond hip-hop; she fondly remembers the era when Nigerians grooved to Westlife, Styl-Plus, and other classics. “People have forgotten how great music used to be in Nigeria,” she says. “Afrobeats is amazing, but I want to serve as a reminder of what came before. I want to bring back that old hip-hop vibe and modernize it.”

But while she is committed to reviving nostalgic sounds, she isn’t looking to convince other artists to follow her path. “This is just what I want to do,” she says. “I don’t need to make anybody go back to the oldies with me.”

A Superstar in the Making

Fimí’s hard work is beginning to pay off, with major industry players recognizing her talent. She recently landed the Spotify Africa ‘Fresh Finds’ cover, a moment that left her ecstatic. “When I found out, I was screaming everywhere in the house,” she recalls. “Shout out to Spotify, thank you!”

Industry giants have also taken notice of her work. “The biggest moment for me so far is that Mode 9 follows me,” she says. “It was unbelievable. I had to check his page to make sure it was real.”

Confidence radiates from Fimi, and she embraces the superstar title wholeheartedly. “Yes, call me a superstar,” she says proudly. And she does not doubt where she’s headed. When asked where she sees herself in five years, she quickly reshapes the timeline. “That’s too long. Ask me where I’ll be in two years.”

So, where will Fimí be in two years? “On the global stage,” she declares. “I’ll be everywhere. My songs, my name, my brand.”

And with the way she’s moving, it’s only a matter of time before that vision becomes reality.