Ever since the decision of Robin Thicke and Pharrell, we believe that it was important to make sure that we are safe. When that Robin Thicke verdict came out, we realized that the game had changed in music. – Jidenna
The most important thing for me is the thing I strive for. But I also hope when I play my songs for people – adult, children, mostly children – that they feel mighty, they feel noble, they feel like warriors. And they feel like they can do anything in the world because that’s how I feel. – Jidenna
I was raised in Nigeria, and my mother is white, but I never saw her as white, not until I came to America. She was just my mother. She didn’t really have a color. – Jidenna
I began my studies in a sound and electrical engineering program, but I ultimately created a major called ‘Ritual Art.’ – Jidenna
A classic man is a distinguished man. He cares about taste and his craft. He’s all about the simple model that I live by – eat, drink, be swanky, and have fun getting the job done. He makes sure that he’s excellent in all things and that he cares about his neighborhood immensely. – Jidenna
I was raised with a father who really believed in the bridge between all Africans around the world. – Jidenna
I think each artist lives with purpose. A strong sense of purpose. We know who’s come before us. – Jidenna
I reached rock bottom halfway through college. And it was – because of all the pressure that I think we’re talking about right now – the pressure to learn how to budget, the pressure to really abandon everything that you ever learned. You don’t have a comfort zone anymore. You don’t have your neighborhood. You don’t have your family with you. – Jidenna
I think it’s the job of the artist to reflect the times and also reflect his or her views of the world. – Jidenna
A great tailor is like a great personal trainer – they tailor that suit to your natural physique. – Jidenna
While the majority of my childhood memories are beautiful, I also have experienced the challenges that Nigeria has faced since independence. – Jidenna
I wanted to remind myself and others of the old Jim Crow, so that we can remind ourselves that we’re still living in the new Jim Crow. I feel it’s important to dress in the fashion of the times. – Jidenna
When I originally came to the U.S., my mother came with a couple hundred dollars to her name. I didn’t know we were struggling because she hid that from me. But it was definitely a struggle to get through life and get through school. – Jidenna
I think a lot of people try to be someone else, and Young Thug really is who he is. I love his melodies, how he dresses, how he carries himself. – Jidenna