In the pulsating heart of Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene, a new voice is captivating listeners with a sound that’s as raw as it is soulful. LUCYD, born Ibrahim Junior Momoh, has stormed onto the stage in 2025 with his debut singles Plenty Love and Broken Soul, weaving Afro-soul with heartfelt storytelling and silky vocals that linger long after the music stops.
Hailing from Auchi, Edo State, LUCYD’s journey from a childhood marked by poverty and loss to the cusp of musical stardom is a powerful tale of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of music.
Born into a broken home in a small rural village in Auchi, LUCYD’s early life was shaped by hardship. His mother left when he was just months old, leaving him in the care of his grandmother, while his father, a gifted but struggling singer, became his first musical inspiration.
“I watched my dad pour his heart into music, but he never got the break he deserved because of financial struggles,” LUCYD recalls. “Music can make you and break you at the same time. It’s addictive, more than any drug, and seeing him drown in it scared me.” That fear led LUCYD to suppress his own musical aspirations for years.
At 16, he left home to work in Ekpoma, taking on grueling jobs, including illegal oil refining, to support his grandmother and cover household expenses. As the middle child, he shouldered responsibilities his siblings ignored, unable to balance music with the weight of survival.
The loss of his father a few years ago and his grandmother in 2024 left a void that reignited his passion for music. “After losing my grandma, I felt this hollow space,” he says. “Music was the only thing that kept me going.” This revival birthed his debut single, Plenty Love, a soul-stirring Afro-soul track that defies expectations. Far from a typical love song, it’s a tribute to the unconditional love of his grandmother and father. “I wrote it thinking about them, the only people who loved me without conditions,” he shares.
The original version, which he plans to release later, reflects on his grandmother’s sacrifices—selling her clothes and livestock to fund his WAEC exams. “She was extraordinary, a giver who’d take the clothes off her back for someone else,” he says, his voice heavy with emotion. Written on the verge of tears, Plenty Love captures memories of poverty, evictions, and unwavering love, its melodies and LUCYD’s silky vocals resonating deeply with fans and marking him as a fresh voice in Nigeria’s pop landscape.
Hot on its heels, Broken Soul showcases LUCYD’s ability to turn pain into art. “It’s like looking in a mirror and describing your reflection,” he explains. The song weaves together the threads of his life’s struggles—a broken home, his father’s unfulfilled dreams, his siblings’ neglect, and the isolation of discovering relatives only as an adult.
With its soul-soothing delivery and raw honesty, Broken Soul is climbing charts, connecting with listeners who see their own struggles in its lyrics. “It’s not just a song; it’s my life,” LUCYD says, his voice a conduit for shared resilience.
Navigating Nigeria’s competitive music industry hasn’t been easy. “Nobody wants to support you at first,” LUCYD admits. “Some are jealous, others think you’re wasting your time.” Financial barriers loom large—“Music is expensive, very expensive. It takes the grace of God for a poor man’s child to make it,” he says—but his self-belief has been his anchor. “You have to believe in yourself first, make it worthwhile, and show them what they’re missing.” Crucial support came from producer Sunshine (@mustb_sunshine on Instagram), who guided him on recording techniques and software, helping him transform his bedroom into a studio. “Sunshine’s encouragement made me not give up,” LUCYD says, crediting their collaboration on his first song, Obiageri, as a turning point.
LUCYD’s music is more than a career—it’s a mission to inspire. “I want to finish the journey my dad started,” he says, driven to honor his father’s dreams and uplift others facing similar struggles. He envisions his sound evolving to blend Afro-soul, dancehall, and inspirational themes, with messages of hope and perseverance. “I want to write a book someday, to give hope to people going through what I did,” he shares. “Darkness may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
His upcoming projects, including an EP or album, promise a dynamic mix of party anthems and heartfelt tracks, with collaborations alongside Sunshine and other artists. “None of my songs come with a dull moment,” he assures fans.
Looking ahead, LUCYD sees music as a passion, not a paycheck. “Seeing people resonate with my sound is everything,” he says.
He dreams of collaborating with Nigerian icons like Aṣa, Omah Lay, Wizkid, and Davido, inspired by their ability to craft meaningful stories. With Plenty Love and Broken Soul gaining traction, LUCYD is carving a unique space in Afrobeats, blending introspection with infectious rhythms.
His journey from Edo State’s rural struggles to the edge of stardom reflects a universal truth: music can transform pain into purpose.
As he prepares to release more music in 2025, LUCYD is poised to become a voice for the resilient, a beacon for those navigating hardship, and a testament to the enduring power of dreams. Keep an eye on this rising star—his soulful sound is just beginning to shine.
