Exclusive Interview with Cruz of Life, the Afropiano Act Reclaiming His Identity One Vibe at a Time
In Nigeria’s music industry, the path to stardom is rarely straightforward. It’s filled with identity battles, pressure to fit in, and the shadow of already-established giants. For Rowland Onyedikachi Chima, better known as Cruz, the journey began with a song, a comparison to Phyno, and a painful decision to either blend in or break out.
Now known by fans as Cruz of Life, this rising artist — born and bred in Lagos but seasoned in Imo State — is carving a unique lane with his sound: a fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano, which he proudly brands as Afropiano.
In this raw and revealing interview, Cruz speaks for the first time about:
• The depression he faced after being told he sounded “too much like Phyno”
• Why he’s not worried about Google showing Ted Cruz before him
• The grind of promoting music without a budget
• And why the title King of Vibe isn’t just hype — it’s a prophecy.
Get ready to meet the Cruz that the search engines haven’t caught up with yet.
“Cruz” is such a bold stage name. Were you ever worried about the comparison with Tom Cruise or other famous Cruzes? How do you make the name yours?
Honestly, I’ve never worried about being mistaken for Tom Cruise or Ted Cruz. They don’t make music — they don’t even operate in this lane. I’m not in competition with them. Right now, they show up on Google first, but that doesn’t scare me. This is just the beginning of my story. With consistency, growth, and visibility, that narrative will shift. “Cruz” is mine — not theirs — and soon, everyone searching that name will land on me, the African King of Vibes.
You’ve called yourself the King of Vibe — what does that actually mean to you, and do you think Nigerian music has space for a real ‘vibe king’ right now?
King of Vibe isn’t just a tagline for me — it’s an identity. My sound hits different. My energy is authentic. Wherever I go, I carry that vibe, even when I’m not singing. And yes, there’s space — a big one. Nigeria has its big three, but the stage is wide enough for more crowns. The real thing is being prepared. So when my time comes fully, I’ll be ready to carry that title and expand the sound beyond trends.
You started in 2020 with Time 4 Money featuring Yovi, and then went quiet. What really happened behind the scenes during that long break?
The truth? Hustle happened. I had no budget. I was pushing Time 4 Money from inside the house, all on my own. It got to a point where I had to pick between promoting music or eating. So I went back to the grind. I never stopped recording though — I stayed writing, evolving, waiting for a shot. It was hard, but necessary. Today, I see that silence as the training ground for who I’ve become.
A lot of Lagos-based artists look down on talent from the East. Has being an Imo State-based artist affected your rise in the industry — positively or negatively?
Here’s the thing — I was born and raised in Lagos (Okoko, Maiko, Ojo), but my music journey started in school, in Imo State. My mom made sure we never lost our roots. Every December, we went back to the East. That connection gave me range — I can flow in Yoruba, Igbo, pidgin, anything. But yes, I’ve felt the imbalance in the industry. Lagos gatekeeps a lot. But this is my first official Lagos push, and I believe strongly that the tide is about to shift in my favor.
Let’s talk about “Afropiano.” That’s a word you’ve used to describe your sound. Is it just branding, or are you really creating a new subgenre of Nigerian music?
It’s real. Afropiano exists, but very few artists are truly pushing it with meaning. I’m not just blending Afrobeat and Amapiano for vibe’s sake — I’m building a sound that carries weight. It’s bounce + emotion + storytelling. I’m not trying to sound like everyone. I’m here to stand out, and Afropiano is my anchor.
“Gum Body” and “Good Conduct” are very different in tone. Are you still experimenting with your sound, or have you found your signature?
It’s not experimentation — it’s versatility. I want to show people that I’m not a one-trick artist. “Gum Body” was love and groove. “Good Conduct” was more conscious. KOV is the full vibe. I can rap, I can sing, I can glide on blues, street beats, hip-hop, house — anything. I want fans to expect range from me, not repetition.
You’ve been called “Cruz of Life” by fans. Where did that name come from, and do you feel pressure to live up to it?
It came from evolution. People used to call me “Phyno” because of how I looked and sounded. It honestly started to depress me because I wanted to be me, not a shadow. I tried other names like “Rm-Flip” and “Rm-Cruz,” but people kept mispronouncing or confusing them. Then I remembered my dad used to call my elder brother “Cruzzo.” He never used it — so I did. Brushed it up and came out as Cruz. Fans added “of Life” because I brought the cruise — on stage, off stage, everywhere. I embraced it. Now it’s bigger than a name. It’s identity.
Let’s be real: the music industry is full of hype and fake love. Have you experienced betrayal or backstabbing in the game yet?
Not yet, and hopefully never. But I’m aware of how the game works. For now, my circle is tight — we move like family. My team isn’t just business; they’re brothers. We have values, and we correct ourselves when needed. If betrayal ever happens, we’ll handle it like men — no loud drama, just correction and forward movement.
Do you write your own songs? And if yes, which lyrics are you most proud of — and why?
Yes, every single line. I believe in owning my art. When I write, I’m more connected to the beat and to the message. My lyrics come from experience. As for my favorite? I can’t choose. It’s like having five kids and picking your best. Each song is tied to a moment in my life. So I love them all equally. They all tell parts of my story.
Your music feels very vibe-heavy — but what’s the message underneath the vibe? What are you trying to tell young Nigerians?
I’m saying: Chop life, but keep your head. Enjoy while you’re here — nobody knows tomorrow. But do it on good conduct. You don’t need to ball in Lekki before you feel good. Celebrate what you have, where you are. Whether you’re in the trenches or uptown, just stay grounded. That’s what Good Conduct stands for. My songs have a message, even when they make you dance.
If someone Googles “Cruz” today, Tom Cruise or Ted Cruz shows up. What do you want to show up instead, five months from now?
Right now, it’s Ted Cruz, the politician — not even Tom Cruise anymore. But here’s the thing: my fans will keep searching, scrolling, and sharing until Google adjusts. With my growth and visibility, Google will soon catch up. In five months, I want to pop up as Cruz of Life — The African King of Vibes. That’s the vision. And I’m working daily to make it a reality.
What’s one personal struggle you’ve faced recently that most fans don’t know about — and how did it shape your music?
The Phyno comparison hit me hard. It made me feel invisible, like I had no lane of my own. And that’s tough for any artist. I started to feel like I could never blow because Phyno already exists. It was depressing, and it messed with my mind for a while. But I fought it. I went deep into sound development. I refined my delivery, owned my vibe, and the result is what you’re hearing now — me, not a copy. That pain gave birth to this version of Cruz.
Who are your top 3 dream collaborations — one from Nigeria, one from Africa, and one global?
I won’t lie — this is from the heart, not strategy.
Nigeria: Niniola — her vocals and energy are unmatched.
Africa: Davido — because he’s raw, real, and connects deeply.
Global: Chris Brown — because I know our energies would create magic.
Last one — finish this sentence:
“In 2 years, Cruz of Life will be known as…”
The African KING OF VIBES — and trust me, Google will agree.
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