Young Jonn Discusses The Background Behind His Transition From A ‘Wicked Producer’ To An Afropop Artist In Martell’s Swift Diaries

Few transformations in the history of Afrobeats have felt as deliberate and as audacious as Young Jonn’s. Renowned for years as the brilliant producer behind some of the continent’s defining hits, he had already secured a place in modern Afropop history. At the pinnacle of his success as “The Wicked Producer,” he stepped aside to discover his own unique voice.

For Young Jonn, becoming a vocal artist was never a departure from his goals, but rather a deliberate direction. The pioneering drive for renewal that characterizes a Swift One.

The young Boy with Large Ambitions

Born as John Saviours Udomboso, Young Jonn discovered his first melodies in the church choir of his hometown in Ibadan. His first musical influence was his mother, who instilled in him an appreciation for music through her elegance, self-control, and exceptional skill on the guitar and violin.

Surrounded by melodies at home and inspired by global artists such as P-Square and Eminem, Young Jonn developed his passion for music in private, creating beats after school and continuously experimenting and learning.

After completing secondary school, his mother urged him to attend university but Young Jonn recognised that music was his true calling. He needed to strike a balance between fulfilling his mother’s request and pursuing his ambitions, so he opted for distance learning and relocated to Lagos to pursue a career in music.

My mother, like all African parents, was extremely concerned about the music and urged me to initially pursue a degree for added security. I wasn’t designed for safety, I was designed for stardom.” –

The young Jonn is compiling the Swift Diaries.

A Turning Point

In Lagos, Young Jonn initially functioned as what the industry refers to as a “studio rat”. As an enthusiastic young artist, he ran errands, observed rehearsals, and jumped on the equipment only when others weren’t watching. During those peaceful moments, he was acquiring knowledge, making progress, and developing himself.

Olamide, a well-known rapper, entered the recording studio one day. The producer he had come to see was unavailable, so the question fell to Young Jonn.

Can you create a beat?

At the time Young Jonn was still proving himself but he said yes. He believed he had the potential to rise to the challenge, not because he was prepared.

This moment marked the beginning of a creative partnership with Olamide, and together they produced the highly successful track “Story for the Gods”, which was the first to bring Young Jonn widespread recognition. Shortly thereafter, his distinctive moniker, “Young Jonn, The Wicked Producer”, became synonymous with the creation of a hit song.

“Story for the Gods” wasn’t just a hit track, it marked my debut. Once the industry listened, it just couldn’t stop – Young Jonn, Swift Diaries.

A Turning Point in Suffering

When his fame, success, and recognition reached their peak, life suddenly took an unexpected turn. Young Jonn lost his biggest supporter and inspiration, his mother, in 2017.

The noise had completely subsided. He had lost a piece of himself and suddenly found it difficult to connect with his art. The beats sounded empty and were ineffective in filling the emptiness he felt within himself.

In his grief, he gained a clear perspective, feeling that merely producing wasn’t sufficient anymore. He now had his own narrative to share, and emotions he needed to express. It was then that he made the bold decision to step out from behind the console and become a vocal performer.

Evolution: From Creator to Performer

Without formal training, a vocal coach, or any professional guidance, he started his transformation from producer to performer through dedication and unwavering faith in himself. The area was uncharted territory and many raised doubts about the decision. However, every step in evolution brings doubt before it is acknowledged.

Singing wasn’t merely a change, but a means of staying alive. I had to learn a new sound and a new way of expressing myself from the very beginning. Others suggested sticking to manufacturing. I continued on. Creating something that was truly my own.” – Young Jonn, Swift Diaries Evolved. Created something that was truly mine.” – Young Jonn, Swift Diaries

He is currently dominating the charts with songs like Dada, Xtra Cool, Aquafina, and Big Big Things. The same star quality that earned him the nickname “The Wicked Producer” also propels him as one of Afropop’s most versatile artists.

The Importance of Swift Diaries

The Swift Diaries series honours people who refuse to conform, remain genuine, and pave their own unique ways. Young Jonn’s story aligns with those of Chef Eros, Timini Egbuson, and Tubo – pioneers who opted for reinvention instead of accepting limitations and going with predictability.

They are collectively known as The Swift Ones, embodying Martell’s conviction that audacity defines legacy.