Israel Ajayi, formally known as xInsomniac, is a dedicated experimentative visionary. Not fully cemented into any genre, he transverses several sounds, creating whatever pleases him. His ability to flow and mesh himself into any form his expression requires, is exceedingly commendable. It is not a flimsy attempt to dabble. It is fluid, veracious and exceptional. Israel stands firm in his understanding of himself as being able to do anything he puts his mind to.
Making music is not his only creative venture. Israel is a designer, photographer, creative director and sound engineer. Consequently, existing within creative spaces is not new to him and has not been for a while. Recently, he designed the first cover for ‘Native Now,’ the first edition of Natives’ digital magazine. The artist of focus was Davido.
In regards to music, it has always been a staple part of his life. xInsomniac recalls writing songs in primary school, even though he only started creating music in 2020. The love for it has always been there, slowly blooming. The state of the world in 2020 was a significant factor in xInsomniac’s journey to making music. He needed a release. Covid-19 brought a very dark time; with the lockdown, life as we knew it ceased. Forcing everyone to take a step into themselves. Without the usual bustle of life and the support of friends, he found solace in music.
Unsurprisingly, his main message when creating is expression and nonconformity. Committing himself to endowing the values of freedom, while empowering people to pave their own path, disregarding those before them and the shadow of their shine. For xInsomniac, music binds us, creating cohesion and drumming up passion.
As for his creative process, it is as dynamic as his sound. It often starts with hearing a beat and letting his soul respond. Releasing the lyrics directly from his heart. Then developing them by writing them down properly. He often switches up his writing style, keeping his creative process lively. His debut EP, ‘House of X,’ is a testament to this dynamism and commitment to unbound expression. Released on the 7th of July, the EP is a special medley of self expression and mental.
xInsomniacs’ inspirational run is just beginning, heating up every corner of the industry as he goes. Drawing inspiration from different people and phases of his life, he continues to blaze a path for himself that speaks true to his talent and dedication. I cannot wait for his brilliance to be fully realized.