Cruise Beats: DJ Tobzy Ignites a New Musical Trend

DJ Tobzy, a 23-year-old music producer from Nigeria, is dynamically reshaping the soundscape of TikTok with his innovative genre, known as “cruise beats.” Originating from Onda State and currently based in the bustling Iju Ishaga neighborhood of Lagos, Tobzy’s artistry serves as both an escape and a survival strategy in a country grappling with profound social, economic, and political issues. He crystallizes the essence of his struggles with the grim phrase, “No job, no food,” encapsulating the precarious dilemma faced by many young Nigerians. Nonetheless, since 2021, he has harnessed his passion for music to carve out a niche for himself by cultivating a distinctly playful and experimental sound characterized by cheeky vocal snippets and eclectic rhythms, fusing elements of wéré, amapiano, and afrobeat in a way that resonates deeply with the humor and spirit of his generation.

TikTok has emerged as a pivotal platform for DJ Tobzy, offering him a canvas to unleash his creativity and connect with an audience thirsting for fresh and entertaining content. Recognizing that traditional promotional methods have become obsolete, he has skillfully adapted his production style to align with the fast-paced, viral nature of social media. Collaborations with fellow music pioneers, such as DJ YK Mule, have further enriched his skills, enabling him to master software like FL Studio to enhance his sonic palette. By partnering with his dancer friends and developing captivating choreographies, Tobzy expertly integrates humor and dance into his tracks, allowing him to craft catchy snippets that prompt users to engage with his music. A prime example of this strategy’s success is his remix of Shoday’s “Maradona,” which propelled him to wider recognition and demonstrated the infectious power of cruise beats.

As he recently debuted his “Cruise Beat Album” under the Nyege Nyege Tapes label, DJ Tobzy is ready to push the envelope even further with his upcoming mixtape, “Lagos City Unloaded.” This project represents a celebration of his sonic evolution, melding traditional afrobeat with diverse global influences. Despite facing challenges such as copyright issues that can stifle creativity, Tobzy’s determination to innovate remains unshaken. His unwavering ambition is for cruise beats to transcend borders and capture the hearts of listeners worldwide, signaling not only his personal aspirations but also the potential for a vibrant new wave of Nigerian music on the global stage. In his own words, “There is still so much to do; cruise beats are just getting started!”.

Summary

DJ Tobzy, a 23-year-old music producer from Nigeria, is revolutionizing the soundscape with his innovative “cruise beats,” a genre that blends wéré, amapiano, and afrobeat with playful vocal snippets and humor. Navigating the complexities of life in Nigeria, where economic and social challenges are prevalent, Tobzy has utilized TikTok to carve out a niche for himself since 2021, relying on the platform to gain recognition and promote his music through engaging dance routines. His collaboration with fellow artist DJ YK Mule, along with the release of his acclaimed “CRUISE BEAT ALBUM” on the Nyege Nyege Tapes label, has garnered international attention. As he continues to experiment with sounds, he envisions cruise beats reaching a global audience, declaring that this nascent genre is only just beginning to unfold.