Meet Lagos Nigeria-born UK Open Mic performer Sammy Yeanks:

Hi Sammy Yeanks, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

30

Where were you born?

Lagos, Nigeria

Where did you grow up?

Lagos, Nigeria

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

Growing up in a Lagos hugely influenced my music, that’s why it’s called the centre of excellence.

Where are you based now, and why?

Currently based in south London.

What got you into making music in the first place?

I was born to make music, I’ve been writing songs, scribbling on paper since I was a little boy.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Piano
Guitar
Percussion

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

My music varies in depth as I do write songs in English, French and Yoruba and a bit in Spanish . Diversity is naturally included in my music. Grew up listening to music form the 80s
Lionel Richie, Michael, Fela Kuti, Asa, Craig David, Henrique Iglesias, Madonna, Richard Bona, Lokua Kansa, the commodores and several others.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

20

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

Mostly my personal experiences. My subjects are mostly about life and love, or anything that pertains to life itself.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

3

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

For me it ain’t easy at all. But as an artist your music ain’t really yours it’s for the people, for the sick, the broken hearted, the sad , as well as the happy.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

My advice would be not ever give up. The journey is always lonely but worth it.

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

I’d say the reception ain’t there yet but .

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

I’ve been to a couple around London. My favourite place is two bridges.

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

It’s the sound that have in my head but can reproduce due to a woke lot of factors from finances to support and so on.

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

That I make music, people find it shocking especially my voice. Have shad people say to me that’s not your voice mate. And I agree cos I don’t look it at all. And secondly it’s a way of letting the world know that talent comes form every part of the planet 🌍 it’s not solely meant for some race or ethnicity.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

At the moment nothing at all.

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

https://www.youtube.com/@sammyyeanks

Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?

https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/sammy-yeanks/1699555578

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

https://www.youtube.com/@sammyyeanks

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!