Sidiq

Sidiq is a British born Nigerian singer, songwriter and music producer from south east London. His music is a fusion of R&B,/Soul,Pop & Afrobeat. Sidiq’s sound is inspired by the music he grew up listening to: Soul music of the 60s/70s/80s, 90’s-00s R&B,/Hip-Hop, Afrobeats and 90’s/00s pop music from the UK and US.

Sidiq has recently collaborated with British Dance/House act - Phats and Small, who he occasionally shares the stage with at various festivals around Europe and UK. Both acts have recently produced the soundtrack to a kids movie entitled ‘Strike’, which was released in 2019. We caught up with Sidiq to find out his guilty pleasure (and it is definitely the same as ours too!)

NEO: How would you describe your music journey?

SIDIQ:My musical journey I would describe as a major life lesson. This journey has changed me for the better, even outside of music. It’s a very crazy journey that has broken and mended me. Very grateful for it.

NEO: What was your parent's reaction to you becoming a singer?

SIDIQ: I decided I was going to be a singer in my teens, didn’t know how but I just knew it was what I loved. My Mum was very happy when I made that decision, and it made me comfortable about pursuing a career in it. Being Nigerian, sometimes music isn’t seen as an important pursuit in life, so I was happy I had family support from early. Still had to get a degree though 😝😂.

NEO: What is your creative process like?

SIDIQ:My creative process is slightly long, it’s only because I want to perfect as much as I possibly can. I don’t really have a set process in regards to creating music. I just have to be inspired. I usually start off with melodies, then I write what I’m feeling. Record a demo, then analyse the demo and re-write if needed, then finish production. Once all that’s down, I then lay the final vocal. This sometimes can take weeks 🙈😂 but I treat the song like a new born baby that has to be pampered.

NEO:Should we be expecting new music anytime soon?

SIDIQ: Yes, yes! I’m always recording and creating. Currently working on another 3 track EP, but in the meantime I’ll be dropping some songs for the beautiful people out there that rock with me.

NEO:What’s life like for you outside of music?

SIDIQ: Right now, life is pretty simple. I’m a simple guy. A lot has changed due to COVID-19, so I’ve become more of a home type person. Before Covid I was travelling a lot performing anywhere. But right now, life is pretty simple.

NEO:Do you have any special talents aside from singing?

SIDIQ: Well, I write all my songs and help produce the majority of them. Outside of music I don’t think I have much to offer talent wise, however I do believe I’m a great listener and communicator. If I wasn’t doing music I would probably be like a therapist or something.

NEO:If you had a superpower what would it be and why?

SIDIQ: To be able to turn paper into £50 notes, I like money it’s nice 😂 who doesn’t?

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NEO: What is your guilty pleasure?

SIDIQ: Listening to 90s/early 00’s pop/Brit pop music while driving on the motorway. I’m talking: n’sync, backstreet boys, five, spice girls, Britney, S Club, Robbie Williams the whole lot. Music was so fun and safe back then, reminds me of really good times in my life 🙈😂

NEO:You are left in the world with three songs: what would they be? And why?

SIDIQ: Ooo this is hard!

It would have to be…

Michael Jackson - Wanna be Starting Something - the energy of that song just excites me it’s got that African vibe to it but it’s still soulful at the same time.

Hezikiah Walker - Every Praise - I play this song most mornings. Such a mood lifter and I love God.

Brandy - ??? - I’m not sure what song from Brandy so I guess I’ve failed this question but, Brandy got that voice that I’ll need to hear in a world alone.

NEO:What song would you use as the theme song for your life currently?

SIDIQ:I’ve been banging out Burna Boy “Money play” this year. I play it every day. It’s just a vibe. Makes me feel confident, makes me want to get out and get money and enjoy life. Burna is that guy and definitely a dream collaboration of mine one day 🙏🏿

NEO: Let us know where to find you, on your social media.

​SIDIQ: You can find me everywhere on @sidiqmusic on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Soundcloud and Snapchat. Hit me up whenever it's always nice connecting with new people online.