Creator Spotlight: Ridah Talatu Debuts Powerful New Release
Introducing our Exciting New Creator Spotlight Magazine, highlighting top creators from around the world, sharing exclusive insights into their careers, personal lives and spotlighting special moments within their creative processes. We spotlight artist Ridah Talatu, who shares her creative inspirations with her latest single, "WE-UP," alongside an upcoming EP titled ‘UNVEIL’ On Friday 23rd of May 2025, Ridah Talatu announced a story reveal of a new single titled ‘WE-UP’ which pulls us into a neon-lit soundscape with a vibrant feminist anthem celebrating femme liberation. This Afro-R&B tune channels heartbreak into healing, encouraging us to grow into our strongest, most radiant selves. Bursting with infectious energy, it pairs soulful melodies with an irresistible groove: an empowering blend of joy, resilience & self-love. It's a bold, danceable declaration of evolution that invites us to move & rise. She shares with us an Upcoming EP titled ‘UNVEIL’ which isn’t just the title of her upcoming EP; she says it represents bravely peeling back her layers to showcase her truest self. In this candid and unfiltered discussion, she reveals the deeply personal experiences that influence her music, touching on themes like heartbreak, healing, identity, mental health, and the unique challenges of navigating the industry as a woman. With vulnerability as her superpower, she candidly discusses the emotional intricacies behind her songwriting, her struggles with being misunderstood, and her resolute defiance against societal expectations. This narrative embodies creative resilience, spiritual strength, and unapologetic self-expression. As she gears up to unveil her most intimate project yet, UNVEIL, we sit down with the artist to delve into the life lessons and sense of liberation that inspire her music. Let’s dive into this conversation with her.Mini Dress dress, styled with Dark themed punk accessories and a Custom Barbie Chain.
Her Personal & Artistic Journey
My Personal experiences play a major role in my songwriting, I’m very connected to
what i write, as its everything i experience or have experienced, my vulnerability through
my music is like my superpower, it’s why I love to create at my own pace.
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the misconceptions?
Oh dear, People think i’m weird, and I honestly think they’re right, there’s nothing normal
about me, there is no room that won’t feel my prescence when i walk in, and it is truly
because I’m deeply in tune with who I am and need to be, in a blind world, where people
expect You to fit their own understanding, I surpass all Human comprehension.
overcome it?
Collaborating with fellow Industry cats, the competition scale is scary and people
obviously think they’re better than You, but when You have God, Grace and move with
Confidence, You surpass all their expectations. Lately i’ve been collaborating more
effortlessly with like-minded artistes and producers, close friends in the scene.
experiencing many disappointments, i realised how many empty promises I had endured and
the time I’ve spent on unfulfilling relationships. I later on learned the importance of prioritizing
myself above everyone and everything else. Now? I really am that Bitch and I really would
like people not to play in my face.
How do you break free from expectations?
Absolutely! People expect You into fit their image of the perfect woman, shaming anyone
who dares think outside the box, but lately, I’m proud to see many more women honing
their art, bodies and thriving in the music scene.
It’s a personal choice to move differently, and it really just connects to how much you
know yourself and what you want to achieve.
Ridah Talatu shares on Her Community, Society & Perception in the Music Industry.
"controversial" when they assert themselves?
Uhm, cos women are expected to be meek and conservative. Any woman who dares to
assert her own ideas and/or opinion is seen as difficult. Some people think I’m a btch for
being so strict in business and collaborations but mahn, When it comes to making
money, it’s best to ask for forgiveness than for permission, I saw that quote somewhere,
and I truly live by it, music business is a completely different ballgame entirely and I
always prefer to play by the rules regardless of my gender or not.
Block out the noise, only care about the people that really matter. I never pay attention to
naysayers, or the debby downers, i’m always focused on myself and my passions.
My Family still thinks i’m crazy for chasing a music career, being a creative in an african
home is the hardest thing ever when you’re moving purely with vision, they dont see it,
so they don’t get it. And especially because of how fast paced and spontaneous the
creative scene in Lagos is, it just seems unsafe for a woman from a deeply conservative
and religious home,
Let go of your past, heal and move happy in happiness. While men are the highlight of our lives, it is is important to focus on yourself amidst other things.
be?
We were intrigued by Her focus on themes on Love, Relationships & Betrayal in Her Music, so we went further into discussion
Ooof, which one, which one, which one?
Well my last romantic relationship was pretty draining and exhausting, It’s what I write
about in all my songs. But nothing compares to the friendship breakup I experienced in
College with my supposed besties. Asides being constantly Bullied, and Shamed by my
friends in school, someone tried to steal my identity and relationships. Aside from other
false accusations endured about my brand, fakers still run around with my name and in
their mouths, they even took to the gram to try and bring me down. But I don't give a
damn anyways, because I’m too Up so I endorse them.
Yes, pain and suffering might be one of the best ways to create Art. My music is one of
my favorite was to release my emotions, it’s like writing away my pain. After all my
previous heartbreaks, I genuinely haven’t seen relationships the same way, which is
great because now i can properly channel it into my other interests.
What’s one personal battle that the world doesn’t know about?
My Identity disorder lmaoo, people don’t know i have a split personality, as cool as it
might sound, It’s like living in my body with several other people. Scary if You think about
it literally. My alter ego, controls us all, but We love it that way. I’m not exactly in control
of some of my actions which is why I spent time meditating and overall chillaxing,
exposure to extreme or trigegering situations brings out a different part of me.
Handling Fame, Pressure & Industry Battles
pressure?
Walked away, No, but i have focused on other things within the music industry like
Events and Brand Business because the music industry was draining me, To balance
out my life and interest, I focused on other ventures in between.
You know, my family background also kind of kept me in a bubble, and it made it tough
for me to really express myself or be creative. Growing up with both an Islamic and
monarchical upbringing, clashing with how people in my generation see things,
expressing myself fully was quite a challenge. It's like trying to figure out how to stay true
to myself while satisfying my family. I'm still on this journey to blend these together, but
now I live like Hannah Montana!
Trust is fickle, especially in Lagos where everyone is out to gain something, You are only
as relevant as what You can give or be able to offer. It’s why I created my own
community to support and uplift people, with strong values held in Love Peace and
Oneness we uplift each other, It’s easier to move when You’re supported by the right
people
I Go harder! I mean why not? I love a good challenge, it’s the Aries energy in me!
Party Mini Dress dress, styled with Dark themed punk accessories and a Custom Barbie Chain.
Final Reflections
I Honestly don’t know, I think many people have many ideas of me, and that would relate
to what part of me they meet or interact with. To some people I’m like crazy to others,
I’m sweet; to some i’m the best, and to others I’m the worst. But everyone has their own
opinion about me, what is the Truth, is Who I am, which is why You must learn about
me, through my music and art. I love to express through every possible medium and
Social media is my personal diary. I almost forgot how many eyes were constantly on
me.
A little birdy once told me that People were so intrigued by my story posts, “She’s so
unhinged” But It's not enough to only share the good parts; I love to share my
experiences, and no matter how crazy it might sound, I said what I said.
Just kidding, aside from the Music Industry, I belong to communities that are all about
expression, spirituality, therapy, and fellow audiences remind me to use my voice when I
can. So yeah, forgive and heal thyself. My awareness of my perceptions helps me
express whatever and however. You have no image to maintain when you’ve already
broken it. Accept the cringe and choose freedom.
Fuck You! Mwah!
I still make digital art in my spare time, I love colors, patterns and shapes. If i wasn’t
making music, i’d be an Artist or a Fashion Designer.
behind it?
Yes, my upcoming EP release will have a song Titled ‘Free Me’, it pretty much is my
most vulnerable song and it came to me in my most vulnerable state. It’s for anyone who
feels caged and would like to use their voice.
I’m excited to share this EP titled ‘Unveil’ it’s time for everyone to meet the new me that
i’ve kept locked away, so get ready to Unveil with me!
and artistic freedom. Every lyric reveals the soul of an artist who has stopped hiding behind the curtains. Her stories go beyond the studio, and are fierce and fearless, The
Hype Squad vibe! Unlike many other projects, this one blends raw emotion with empowerment, calling out the noise, challenging stereotypes, and embracing every messy, magical part of the journey. Whether you’re dancing to “WE-UP” or tearing up to “Free Me,” you’ll find pieces of your own story in hers. In a world that often tries to silence loud women, UNVEIL gives them the mic back. It’s a reminder to prioritize yourself, break the mold, and never apologize for evolving. So if you've ever felt misunderstood, boxed in, or doubted your power—this EP is for you. Get ready to laugh, cry, vibe, and most of all, feel. The new era has arrived and she’s not waiting for permission. She’s UNVEILING—and inviting you to do the same.
Listen to We-Up Here
An Exclusive Spotify Playlist by Ridah Talatu:
Here
Photographer: Debiyi Detunji
Styling: Ridah Talatu
Hair Stylist: Hair and Beauty Castle
Makeup: By Ridah Talatu
Set Design: Studio 24 Photography
Music Distribution: Rebirth Music Africa
WE-UP Single producer : ThechxseMagazine Cover Designer: Yusuf Oluwatimileyin (linkedin)