Ife Ogunjobi is a Grammy award winning London based trumpet player, composer, and producer of Nigerian origin. His music reflects the richness of culture and sound that has shaped his career. Don’t miss our interview with Ife Ogunjobi, where we discuss composing music, influences, artistic vision, upcoming projects, and life.

Growing up in South East London, surrounded by Afrobeats, Fuji, Hip-Hop, and Jazz, how did those sounds shape your earliest relationship with music?

Those were the sounds I grew up with -  whatever my parents had playing in the house is what shaped me. It was everything from Wizkid to King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti and Yinka Ayefele. Naturally, those sounds find their way into the music I make today. The Jazz side came a little later, when I started playing the trumpet and studying legends like Clifford Brown and Freddie Hubbard. Now, I feel like my musical identity is rooted in my African influences with layers of Jazz culture too. 

Was there a moment when you realized the trumpet would become your primary voice of expression?

Around the age of 10, I had the chance to see the legendary Hugh Masekela perform live. It was the first time I’d heard the trumpet in a live setting, and I was immediately drawn to the sound. The trumpet felt and sounded so unique to me - it had a character and a voice I didn’t hear in many other instruments. After that show, I started learning to play the trumpet, and the rest is history. Now, whenever I play, I focus on making sure my own sound and voice is projected through my horn.

You’ve been at the heart of Ezra Collective’s rise, with their Mercury Prize and BRIT Award wins. What’s the most important lesson you’ve taken from that collective experience into your solo work?

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned through all the success and awards is to always keep the focus on the integrity of the music. Recognition and accolades are a blessing, but when they become the goal rather than a byproduct of your work, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. For me, the priority is always to create something timeless that allows me to feel something. If the music doesn’t move me, then it doesn’t hold much value.

You’ve collaborated with global icons like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Jorja Smith, and Dave. How does stepping into those different musical worlds feed back into your own artistry?

Working with all these artists feels like an extension of who I am. They’re icons who have inspired me and influenced my journey, so getting the chance to collaborate with them, whether live or in the studio, has been a full-circle moment. I like stepping into different worlds and environments, so I never feel boxed into one genre. That freedom has helped me mature as an artist and feel comfortable exploring new directions in my own music.

What does your typical composing process look like? Do you have any specific rituals or environments that help you get into a creative flow?

My process is always evolving. Sometimes I start by making beats on my laptop, which usually starts the creative process. Other times an idea will come to me and I’ll record it as a voice note on my phone so I don’t forget it. Inspiration tends to hit me in the most random places - sometimes on a train or  flight - so I’ve learned to capture the idea immediately. For this latest project, it’s been amazing working with Gaetan Judd because he really pushed me and opened me up to exploring new ideas. He’s such a talented and versatile producer - the way he makes beats and his flexibility to ideas, depending on the type of song we’re creating. Not every producer can be that diverse and imaginative, so I’m grateful to work with him whenever I get the chance.

This new EP feels like a bold statement: “Tell Them I’m Here.” Who exactly are you speaking to with that declaration?

I’m speaking to everyone - those who are already listening, but also those who aren’t tuning in yet. It’s about having so much self-conviction in what you’re doing that you keep shouting about it, whether people are ready to hear you or not. Sometimes, when you’re that passionate, you have to be so strong-minded it almost feels borderline delusional. When everyone else is saying, “You’re wasting your time” or “It’s not going to lead anywhere,” you have to be stubborn enough to ignore the noise and keep chasing your dream.

Which piece of music that you’ve composed is your favorite, and what makes it special to you?

I’m not sure I have a standout favourite at the moment, but I’ve been really enjoying “Zimbabwe”, the first single released from the EP. The beat is infectious, and the melody is one I could sing all day, every day. “East Street Market” is also special to me because of how it came together. Before making it, I was listening to Ebenezer Obey, and you can really feel that energy in the track. At the same time, it sounds completely different — more modern, which is essentially my music in a nutshell.

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or collaborations?

This next EP really feels like a new chapter for me. I hope people can hear how my sound has matured and been refined, but at the same time, I’ve also explored both new and familiar sounds that make me, me. On this project, I worked with Samm Henshaw on the track “Cali”, and that song feels really special. Samm is a good friend, and I’ve known him for a few years, but I knew this track needed someone like him to bring a fresh perspective. He’s such a talented musician and always manages to sound like himself, regardless of what you throw at him.

Finally, from your perspective, what is the meaning of life?

To me, it’s about staying true to who you are and living your life unapologetically. These days, so many people get caught up on what everyone around them is doing or listening to how others think they should live their own lives. But if you spend your time living for the approval and acceptance of others, you’re not really living - you’re living a facade. Personally, I feel like it would be such a waste to reach the end of my days having lived for someone else. Everyone has something unique to offer, so why change that just to temporarily please others?