Every artist reaches a point where
things start to change. For Nigerian recording artist Ibrahim Haruna Jnr a.k.a Young Sudan, that moment came when
he decided to move beyond the name many early listeners knew him by Basky and step into a new chapter under
a new identity.
But the journey didn’t start today…
Long before the rebrand, Young Sudan had already been part of the early circles that helped shape Nigeria’s modern afrobeats sound. In those formative years, he was creating and collaborating within the same creative spaces as artists like Davido, Wizkid, Dammy Krane, Flowssick, Novakillz, Adey, Santi (fka Ozzy B) and so many others. This was during an era when the sound that would later define Afrobeats was still taking shape even before songs like Holla At Your Boy, Dami Duro, etc became major cultural moments.
Listen to Work You Out HERE
Like many artists navigating those
early stages, he spent years experimenting with sound, releasing records and
gradually understanding both the creative and business sides of the industry.
Listen to Gentleman HERE
Listen to Disco Peperempe HERE
Today, Young Sudan’s journey has
evolved beyond just making music. The shift from Basky to Young Sudan marks a
new phase. The name signals a clearer identity and a renewed focus as he
continues building his catalogue. One of the records that reflects this chapter
is Sawale.
“Sawale” carries layered meaning. The word has roots in Swahili, but in Yoruba language it loosely echoes the idea of “running back home.” Musically, the record leans into a laid-back Afrofusion groove, with Young Sudan delivering an easy flow over the rhythm. Lines like “I had to grind my thing manually, I no wan dey for where yawa dey” speak to independence, staying away from unnecessary drama, and focusing on building a “soft life”, stress free!
Before “Sawale,” Young Sudan had
already dropped records like Lafazi
and No Be Lie, which
continue to resonate with listeners familiar with his earlier work.
Beyond the music itself, Young Sudan
has also been quietly investing in emerging talent. Through his own creative
network, he has created a space where creatives can grow, collaborate and
receive mentorship, this reflects his belief in supporting the next generation
coming up behind him.
It’s part of what makes his presence
in the scene so multifaceted…. Artist, collaborator and mentor, Young Sudan has
spent years contributing to the culture in different ways.
And the work continues...
Recently, YS stepped in front of the camera for a new photoshoot as he prepares for the year ahead. These behind-the-scenes images offer a glimpse of him in his element… chill, relaxed, confident and fully settled into this new phase. He is set to drop his next joint titled Aje (Blessings on Blessings), which is his first release of the year.
For Young Sudan, the journey has
never really been about rushing the moment. But with new music on the way and
momentum building again, it might just be time for people to start paying
closer attention.
See photos from the shoot below..
Follow him on his socials:
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