“I recorded half of my next album during 10-day stay in Nigeria” – US singer, Jon Batiste

• Jon Batiste, a Grammy-winning US singer, revealed that he recorded “half of my next album” during his visit to Nigeria.

• The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has provided the 37-year-old Louisiana-born artist with a stay in Nigeria as part of their ongoing commitment to Africa’s development.

• The singer announced that he has recorded music with various Nigerian artists in the past 10 days and has completed half of his next album.

Jon Batiste, the Grammy-winning American artist, has disclosed that he has recorded “half of my next album” during his recent trip to Nigeria.

The 37-year-old musician, originally from Louisiana, is in Nigeria through the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), which is dedicated to advancing development across Africa.

During an event on Tuesday, Batiste shared that he collaborated with various Nigerian artists over the past ten days, resulting in the completion of half of his upcoming album.

He also conveyed his admiration for Nigerian culture and cuisine, particularly highlighting his enjoyment of Jollof rice.

“The 10 days I have been here feels like a month. It feels like so much has happened. The flavours, you feel when you eat it, it is visceral,” he said.

“… I have made music with people. I probably have half of my next album already. The range of experience is so synthesized. There is so much in every moment.

“I believe music is a spiritual. Music can create something greater than entertainment. That is why I feel called to be here. I do not even know what the future holds, I am just grateful to Mr. Gates’ Foundation.”

Batiste started to gain prominence at 17 when he released his debut album ‘Times in New Orleans’.

He has received five Grammy Awards, including the prestigious ‘Album of the Year’ for his 2021 work, ‘We Are.’ Recently, he was featured on ‘Adedamola,’ an album by Afrobeats artist Fireboy.