Interview: Marvin Calderon
Photography: David Adelaja
In the midst of Toronto’s cultural renaissance, Toronto artist EverythingOShauN stands prominently in the mix. True to his name, EverythingOShauN defies easy categorization, drawing inspiration from his Nigerian and Jamaican roots, as well as icons like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Jay-Z and more – resulting in a unique sound that seamlessly blends his Caribbean influences, hip-hop, R&B, and Afro-fusion. Looking to make music for all moods, EverythingOShauN looks with a global perspective.
With a string of fire releases and features, EverythingOShauN shined throughout 2023. Last fall, he unveiled his EP “Everything Is Right Here,” followed by another EP titled “Everything Is Right There.” Last winter, OShauN collaborated with Toronto Raptor’s official DJ, 4Korners, contributing to his “4KORNERS Of The World” project with his track “Ogwula.” EverythingOShauN’s most recent music video release, “Thought That You Loved Me,” offers a raw dive into his romantic experiences. He emphasizes that the inspiration for the song is drawn from real-life moments.
Poised to leave an indelible mark on the evolving Toronto music scene, EverythingOShauN contributes to what he describes as a “Renaissance” in the city’s artistic landscape. “We are in a Renaissance in Toronto, the internet and the spotlight on here has enabled artists to cut through and also makes it possible to change your situation by keeping the output of work up and always finding ways to big up where you come from.”
The Toronto rapstar also recently joined forces with acclaimed Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK for a heated double take of his track “ALA BEKE” from his 2022 EP “Everything Is Right There.” The collaborative effort, titled “ALA BEKE 2,” leaves us anticipating for more and waiting to see what EverythingOShauN has in store for the coming year.
We had the chance to catch up with EverythingOShauN on his inspirations, his music, Toronto and more. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate a continuation of the EverythingOShauN wave. Watch EverythingOShauN’s latest music video “BIG BADA BOOM” featuring Aiza above and read our full exclusive interview below.
XMPL: To someone who may not be familiar, how would you describe your music?
EverythingOShauN: It’s easy to put my music in a box but as my name suggests “everything” I try to make music for all moods. I want listeners to be able to come to me for every situation they find themselves in. Sometimes you’re happy and lit, sometimes you’re in your sad bag, and my music reflects that.
Can you tell us a bit about your music influences growing up? How did you find yourself later pursuing music as a professional career?
I have a lot of influences. Being of Nigerian and Jamaican descent I grew up on Fela Kuti and Bob Marley but I’m a huge Hov fan on the rap side, Kanye, Outkast, Fugees and Ross. Honestly, the only way to find yourself is to never stop the search, it will eventually flush itself out. And also not being afraid to try new things.
What was the inspiration behind your song “Thought That You Loved Me?”
I have been blessed to have gone through a lot of things romantically because it has given me a lot of material to pull from when I want to explore that side. TTYLM is definitely being taken from real experiences I went through and really taking stock and realizing some things. You can only really do that once it’s over and you’ve had some distance from it to be able to see it for what it was.
You killed your performance in your music video for your song “ISSA RAE” – tell me about some of your favourite moments while filming?
The Issa Rae music video shoot was a whole vibe. Exactly how it looked. It was fun, care free full of talented people. All of the Queens vibing and loving the music no matter how many takes we did always makes me feel really good. I feel bad for the on screen talent that has to hear a record from an artist on set over and over again and it’s trash and they have to find a way to make it look good. Hahahah. Thank God we don’t have that problem.
What is the meaning behind the name “Everything Is Right Here” and can you tell us a bit about the work behind this EP?
Everything is Right Here as the name suggests – everything that you are looking for is right here…in front of you. The song “Thessaloniki” really paints the picture because it speaks to the next time you need me I won’t be available and nearby, since that opportunity was wasted while “Everything was right here”. Rent Free and living in your mind…once again proximity. All the songs help to paint that narrative.
How was is working with Omega Mighty on your fiery collab “AYO?”
It was a beautiful experience. I rock with her musically, so it was really a no brainer, and the chance to do Afrobeat vibes on a song I’m always ready for.
“We are in a Renaissance in Toronto, the internet and the spotlight on here has enabled artists to cut through and also makes it possible to change your situation by keeping the output of work up and always finding ways to big up where you come from.”
Being from the Toronto area, how would you describe the current music scene there?
We are in a Renaissance in Toronto, the internet and the spotlight on here has enabled artists to cut through and also makes it possible to change your situation by keeping the output of work up and always finding ways to big up where you come from. What was once seen as a handicap is now more of an advantage.
Are there any Canadian artists or producers that you’d like to collaborate with?
As cliche as it sounds, I’m pretty open when it comes to working with other producers outside my brother XP and other artists. If you are dope and doing things and I vibe with the music then I’m definitely on board.
Who are some music artists that are just timeless to you? Top 5?
Artists that I think are timeless and I really fuck with heavy are Sade, Outkast, Hov, Fugees, Badu and Mary J, Brandy I mean I can go on and on. I think Biggie is super timeless as well. I know you said 5 but. I can never. I have more but I will stop for now. Ol’ school R&B is also very timeless to me.
