Yung L

About Yung L

Yung L was born on January 6 1988 in Jos, Plateau State. He schooled in Jos throughout his academic life and finally graduated from the University of Jos. From an early age, he loved music courtesy of his mother who took him to church. This was the start of his love story with music.

The 34-year-old Afro-dancehall star played the drums in church and became a pianist where he learnt a lot about music production. He took his passion through Mac9, a band he was a part of back in secondary school. Early musical works by Damian Marley and Jay-Z inspired him a lot. He met other young musicians, such as Ice Prince Chopstix the producer, while attending the University of Jos. The trio formed Grip Music label, of which Yung L was the president. In 2011, they all moved to Lagos from Jos to further their music ambition. He quickly established himself as one of the continent's best Afro-dancehall singers in Nigeria. His raucous, well-informed energy comes out on early records like the classic "SOS."

What’s his secret to success? He says it is the inspiration he gets from God and life, as well as from the things he has seen, read, or heard in the past. His musical influences range from Bob Marley to Fela Kuti, Jay Z, Diana King, Damian Marley, 2face, and many others. Coming from a country known for Afrobeat sounds, he took a different direction with dancehall. Since he was a kid, he listened to a lot of Caribbean music, and as a result, he gravitated toward it later in life. Growing up in Jos – a cold region in Nigeria - reggae and dancehall are always rocking the airwaves compare to Lagos which has a different type of music.

When it comes to making music, a simple video idea gives him a blueprint of what he wants to deliver. Yung L then works his way up to the tempo and final artwork. It is this art that saw him work with the likes of Wizkid in remixing ‘Eve Bounce’. He describes working with Wizkid as a ‘blast’ He enjoyed working together with him and he wouldn’t mind working with him on more projects besides other big acts like Skrillex, and Damien Marley.
‘Yaadman Kingsize’ his sophomore album put him on a pedestal due to the creative aspect behind it. It is more of a life’s journey capturing different emotions. Yaadman is full of self-assurance and conviction but is also an admission of life’s experiences. Interestingly, he recorded the album in a single day. Every song takes you through a range of emotions. For example, ‘Operator’ is all about having a great time partying while ‘Womanizer’ speaks about appreciating one’s beauty. But the most outstanding is ‘Police & Thief’ which whips up emotions. It gives you a mixed feeling of rage and sadness but ends with a final prayer to God to take control of everything.

Yung L Popular Songs
· Eve Bounce
· Yaadman (Intro)
· Rasta
· Pass the Aux
· Ready
· Kpor
· High Life
· Pressure
· Cheers
· Gbewa

Yung L Albums & EPs
· Yaadman Kingsize
· Better Late Than Never
· Jollification
· Juice & Zimm

Yung L songs and albums are online on Mdundo.com and are available for download in MP3.