17th July, 2022
The newest addition in the Afrobeats scene, Nigerian musician Snazzy the Optimist, has showcased remarkable singing and songwriting ability in his new song ‘Seluna’.
The Nigerian-South African singer, rapper, songwriter, and performer whose real name Michael Chimeruche Alozie and is currently based in Edmonton, Canada, started making music when he was 8.
He later honed his skills and developed a more dynamic artistry that allows him to perfectly swing between different genres to express the extent of his versatility.
In the year 2021, the singer-songwriter, rapper and a sef-taught guitarist came into the scene with ‘Seluna’, off his debut Extended play. He was currently cited as one of the best new artists to watch out for by Davido’s manager, Asa Asika in an interview with MTV base Africa.
From being celebrated by Jacob Zuma, to opening as a performer for Grammy award-winning artistes, Burnaboy and Wizkid at Felabration, he was also on the line-up of 2021 Felabration.
Michael Chimeruche Alozie was first introduced to the music scene in earlier 2021 by Joeboy. His music is calm with a blend of Afrobeats, and soul, with good riddims. His 2021 sleeper hit ”Seluna” vaulted the young Nigerian-born musician into the Pop and African tradition map. So far, his sound has received positive reviews from critics and fans.
Despite his early foundations in music, Snazzy was never taught how to play the guitar that graces his stirring, melodic, and distinctive with his sounds. “I would listen to it and try to play it piece by piece,” Snazzy explains about teaching himself how to play the chords by ear and using classic Mozart as a guide.
Snazzy the Optimist as a songwriter has worked with some of the Nigerian mainstream artists such as Joeboy, Laycon, Mr Eazi e.t.c.
Snazzy the Optimist has proven himself with his artistic skills musically and he is surely one of the emerging talents set to inject some sonic diversity into Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene. Watch out for his incoming project here.