MOIO is making his earth landing

It’s not everyday that a musician seamlessly blends indie, R&B and soul into a collection of tracks about being as forthright as possible. But on Earth Day, MOIO’s debut EP, he does just that. The Nigerian- Irish singer, songwriter and producer has released music for years, dropping his first two singles ‘SUNBEAMING’ and ‘Open Your Eyes’ in 2023 to a reception of over two million Spotify streams. But it was the release of his single ‘Moments’, which went viral in 2024, where the fact became evident: MOIO was about to make some waves.

With Earth Day, it seems that MOIO is going to ride those waves even further. The EP’s first single, ‘Figure It Out’, encapsulates the artist’s genre-bending taste, where jazz instrumentals mesh with soft synths and intimate vocals — as if bedroom pop entered the same recording booth as twentieth century soul. His lyrics, however, speak to something more universal: a vulnerable take on the uncertainty of life, crescending through the tracks into an optimistic conclusion. “It’s basically a letter to myself to remind myself that no matter what happens in my life, I can always figure out a way to move forward,” he says.

I notice MOIO’s nonchalant attitude even before he makes this declaration. Our Zoom call takes place with the artist fresh from a singing lesson and walking home from the tube. But before long, a journey into the artist’s history overshadows that carefree demeanour. Growing up as Nigerian-Irish in Dublin, MOIO felt a layered sense of identity. He felt immersed in Irish culture through his friends and school, while a deep connection to his Nigerian roots could be found at home and at church. The latter introduced him to music. MOIO’s present self is a culmination of these factors — he plays five instruments, writes and produces. You might get a sense of precarity while listening to his lyrics, but it looks like the MOIO of today has got it all figured out.

Cyna Mirzai: Congrats on the EP! How are you feeling post- release?

MOIO: It’s just exciting to have all the songs out. Like, I’m already working on the next one and I’m feeling really good about it. And I’m happy — really happy.

CM: What made you choose Earth Day as the EP title?

M: I named it that because my birthday is on Earth Day, 22 April. That was the day I was introduced into the world, so I knew I wanted that day to be the name of my first EP because it would be my introduction to the world of music. And so the theme of my album very much is, like, a coming of age.

CM: I want to talk about your song, ‘Moments’, which went viral in 2024 with over twenty million streams. How has that success changed your artistry and what made you decide to include it on the EP?

M: When I wrote it, I felt as if I was in a new sonic era of my music. The song really helped me to find myself as an artist. So I knew I had to include it
in this EP. It was such a big part of what the EP is because ‘Moments’ is the start of how I decided to make Earth Day.

CM: Growing up in Ireland, what were some of the things that influenced and helped inspire your music taste and artistry?

M: Well, my introduction to music was actually in church. Seeing how the music moved people from a young age was always really interesting to me. At that time, radio was also a big one for me because I would find all my new music from listening to the radio. By the time I got to my early teens, The Internet became a huge band for me. Their album Ego Death that came out in 2015 influenced me so much because it changed my whole taste in music. The range in my music taste is definitely also a result of where I grew up because I feel like Irish people listen to so much music. There’s so many different sectors of things that people are interested in and I also think Ireland is becoming more and more of a multicultural place. So even meeting people from different backgrounds with different stories definitely influenced me a lot.

CM: When you’re not in between sessions or touring, what do you like to do in your free time? Do your hobbies outside of music end up influencing your songwriting, as well?

M: Yeah for sure, everything I do outside of music informs my art. Honestly, at the moment, music takes up so much of my life. But I love to read. And also anime, I love anime. I’m watching this one called Dandadan at the moment. It’s weird and silly but really interesting. I just like learning new things. I often
go down random rabbit holes if I find a new interest. I’m learning a lot about philosophy right now.

CM: Did you have any inspirations that helped you build this EP?

M: Honestly, it all felt subconscious. Like, I didn’t have too many direct reference points for this one. For some of the new stuff I’m working on, I do have more reference points. But I think for this, I was just making shit and then
I just put it all together.
It’s not a concept EP, it’s just a collection of songs that I wanted to use to show my range as an artist.

CM: Who would be your dream collaboration?

M: I’d love to collaborate with Björk. And Solange.

CM: Tell me about Chamomile Club, a group run by musicians Monjola, Aby Coulibaly, Thomas Kettle and yourself. It began in 2021 as a way to host music events in Dublin and it’s where you had your launch party for this EP.

M: It’s a creative collective that I run with some of my friends. We’re all Irish musicians, producers, creative directors, photographers or videographers and it’s just a way for us to thrive in our community. And we wanted to make it a tangible thing. So it’s mainly just, like, all of my friends. We’re like-minded and we all inspire each other, so I thought it was really important to have [the launch party] there. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.