Mannywellz: From Tears to Triumph in Music

Mannywellz recalls the moment music first moved him to tears. It happened when he was a teenager listening to Așa’s “Eyé àdabá.” The experience reached him deeply, making him emotional. He told Newsweek that it marked the first instance music made him feel something profound.

Born Emmanuel Ajomale, the Nigerian-American singer-songwriter and producer embraces emotion as both his purpose and structure. Originating from Nigeria and growing up in Maryland, his music fuses Yoruba heritage with Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and prayer. His artistic process mirrors his speech, building layers that interconnect cultures and thoughts.

Mannywellz was born into a Yoruba family in Nigeria, then grew up in Maryland, and the distance between those places became less a split than a vocabulary.

A Sound Shaped by Movement

Mannywellz’s upbringing encompassed significant time in both Nigeria and Maryland. He absorbed diverse influences, from Nigerian communities to Caribbean culture, other African heritages, and American R&B. These elements blend into his music, described often as a mix of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. His work emphasizes emotional consistency over strict genre adherence.

Mannywellz’s influences span a wide range, including King Sunny Ade, 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Lauryn Hill. For him, creativity draws from artists who defied their genre conventions.

The Discipline of an Appetizer

His recent seven-track EP, Small Chops, derives its concept from a Nigerian appetizer. Mannywellz crafted the EP like a chef, ensuring it was both brief and fulfilling. The project includes contributions from Lekan and fellow Nigerian-American artist Wale, though Mannywellz handled the writing and production himself.

Each track adheres strictly to his vision, and collaborators were informed that staying true to the theme was critical. He maintained control over the project’s direction to ensure its integrity.

Faith in the Studio

Mannywellz’s music often seems effortless, yet he describes the process as both spiritual and technical. Inspiration may come from prayer or through daily creative practice. He balances sensuality with devotion, integrating his faith into music. His songs aim for authenticity and spiritual depth.

Faith shapes his creative journey and progress as he focuses on continuous improvement. Mannywellz commits to writing, playing instruments, and refining his craft each day.

Speaking From the Shadows

As a Nigerian-born artist, Mannywellz approaches immigration topics with care and personal connection. He emphasizes the importance of voicing support for migrants, advocating through both words and action. He rejects the notion of remaining silent on crucial social issues.

Inspired by advocacy, Mannywellz desires to reflect the principles of figures like Jesus, supporting those marginalized by society.

The Meal Ahead

While Small Chops provides a glimpse into his music, Mannywellz has more personal stories to explore. He suggests the upcoming project will delve deeper into his experiences. His goal is for listeners to connect emotionally with his work.

Mannywellz remains excited about the future, eager for audiences to discover more of his music. The EP serves as an introduction, with more personal and emotional material on the horizon.