Victony is emerging into a new era. For the Nigerian artist, the past few years have been full of challenges, healing, and learning — and now he’s ready to share his growth with the world. The 23-year-old rapper and singer-songwriter is working on new music that displays a confidence and knowledge beyond his years. He’s incredibly aware of how his environment, its history, and future, informs his developing sound.

“When we make Nigerians proud of what we do, it feels really rewarding. It’s really special to me,” he says. Having explored various versions of himself via Afrobeats, Victony is bringing his ambition to the global stage. “Right now I’m putting all of the Victonys together to give my fans a special Victony,” he says. “That’s where I want to take Victony next.”

Each version of Victony gives listeners a new glimpse into his world. The seven tracks on his 2022 EP, Outlaw, alchemized Afrobeats with Amapiano, gospel, and pop stylings and cemented his position as a solo up-and-comer. Outlaw soon gathered millions of streams and TikTok love after “Soweto,” one of the project’s standouts, went viral with a dance challenge.

In 2021, Victony was involved in a serious car accident. He suffered leg injuries and had to use a wheelchair for months. Despite multiple surgeries and a long recovery, Victony found time to record several acclaimed singles that year, including: “Pray,” from the Dark Times EP, and “Holy Father,” a collaboration with fellow Nigerian singer Mayorkun that has earned more than 20 million streams on Spotify. He also collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Rexxie (Burna Boy, Angelique Kidjo) to release the double single “Nataraja.”

On Outlaw, Victony reflects on how his mindset has changed since the accident, victorious in the face of extreme challenges. “It forced me to realize that our time here on Earth is not promised, so you have to make good use of your time and just do what makes you happy,” he says.

This January he had his last leg surgery and has been focused on healing and recovery. “My message to my fans is from a different space this time around, especially from the recent happenings in my life,” he says. “They’re definitely going to take away that it’s a new Victony.”

Victony’s wide-eyed ambition means he’s aiming even bigger. His ultimate goal is to make music for everyone, not just to help his own healing. “I feel like changing the world with my music,” he says. “To help people feel the right emotions and make them feel better. To make the world a better place.”