Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Dozi enters a defining stage of his journey with DOZAGE, a new EP released on September 30, 2026. The project reflects an artist looking back at the experiences that have shaped him while embracing the ambition, uncertainty, and determination that continue to drive his music.
The title DOZAGE is a play on Dozi’s name, age, and era, capturing the idea that this is a period he intends to make his own. Across the EP, he draws from personal experiences to explore themes of love, pain, ambition and perseverance, creating a body of work that feels connected to both his past and his aspirations for the future.
Dozi’s approach to music is rooted in self-expression. Rather than separating his personal experiences from his creative process, he uses songwriting to communicate what he has lived through and the emotions that have stayed with him. That perspective gives DOZAGE an intimate quality, even as its Afro-fusion foundation keeps the project accessible.
The EP moves through different emotional spaces, reflecting the reality of pursuing a dream. There are moments shaped by love and vulnerability, alongside experiences of pain, uncertainty, and the pressure that comes with trying to build something meaningful.
Musically, Dozi draws on the familiar foundations of Afrobeats and highlife, blending them into a melodic Afro-fusion sound. The production is not built around constant intensity. Instead, the arrangements allow the melodies and emotions to breathe, creating room for the storytelling to remain central.
That balance between rhythm and reflection gives DOZAGE its character. The project can sit comfortably within the contemporary African sound while still leaving space for Dozi to explore more personal territory. The EP also brings other creatives into the process. Brown Joel features on the project, while Sukaaa, Nelxn Ville and Slashbeats contribute through production and writing. Their involvement adds different creative perspectives to a project that was developed across multiple recording periods.
Four of the songs were recorded at home, while the rest were completed in studios at different times and locations. Some of the material dates back to early 2025, including “Slow,” “Imagination” and “Monica.” The extended timeline gives the EP a sense of growth, with songs created at different stages eventually coming together as one project.
That process mirrors the story behind DOZAGE. The EP is not about pretending the journey has been easy. Instead, it recognises the difficult moments as part of the development. The pain, setbacks and uncertainty become experiences that shape the artist rather than reasons to stop.
The project follows a series of earlier releases that have helped build Dozi’s musical identity, including “Magic,” “Blood on the Street,” “Lie,” “Jabulani” and “Sidechick.” Each release has offered another glimpse into his sound, while DOZAGE brings those different experiences into a broader statement.
There is a clear sense of progression throughout the project. Dozi’s earlier struggles are not presented simply as obstacles, but as experiences that have contributed to his current outlook. The hard work becomes motivation, pain becomes perspective, and uncertainty creates room for belief.
His musical influences include Omah Lay, Rema and Burna Boy, placing him within a generation of African artists who continue to explore the possibilities of Afrobeats and its growing global reach. Dozi, however, uses those influences as a foundation for his own story rather than attempting to replicate another artist’s identity.
At its core, DOZAGE is about recognising where you are in your journey. For Dozi, that means acknowledging the work that came before while stepping confidently into what he sees as his own era. With its combination of Afro-fusion rhythms, melodic songwriting, and personal storytelling, DOZAGE introduces listeners to an artist who is using his experiences as material for growth. It is a reflection of where Dozi has been, where he stands now, and the belief that his best chapters are still ahead.
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