Llona: How To Make ‘Homeless’ Music
A deeply moving conversation with Llona whose "homeless music" heals & comforts, as he opens up about his journey from isolation to creating an album that resonates deeply with Afrobeats listeners.
Some interviews hit different. They pierce through the usual artist chatter and leave you raw, staring at the human behind the music in a way that changes you. That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Llona. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing countless Afrobeats artists, but my conversation with Llona stands out as one of those rare moments where the connection went beyond the music and cut deep into the soul.
Llona, formerly known as 2Classic, is no ordinary artist. He’s a sonic healer—his music is like a mushy hug on a sour day, embracing you when life is most bitter. When we recorded this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and I’m not ashamed to admit I was one of them. His story of transformation from a rapper hustling on the streets of Kano to a singer-songwriter penning deeply meditative songs on the mountains of Abuja is not just inspiring; it’s spiritual.
Llona’s latest album, Homeless, is proof that vulnerability can be strength. While the Afrobeats landscape is crowded with flashy singles and albums struggling to stick with audiences, Llona’s Homeless has found a home in listeners' hearts. And that’s no small feat. Afrobeats fans are spoiled for choice these days, but somehow, Llona’s music breaks through the noise. His sound—what he calls “homeless music”—doesn’t rely on trends or fast beats. It’s built on emotion, solitude, and the kind of peace you only find when the world has stripped you of everything.
During our interview, Llona opened up about the pain and isolation that shaped his album. He spoke about being pulled away from his family, his friends, and everything familiar, only to find solace in his music. He didn’t have a mentor to guide him—his only companion was the blank page, the mountains, and the melodies that flowed out of his soul. His music isn’t just about rhythm; it’s about healing. And listening to him explain this, it connected with me on a deeply personal level. It’s rare to hear an artist speak so openly about the weight of solitude and the beauty that can come from it.
I’m excited to present Llona to you, not just as a singer-songwriter or rapper but as a voice that carries healing in every note. The Afrobeats scene often celebrates hype, but artists like Llona remind us why we fell in love with music in the first place. It’s not just about the beats—it’s about the stories, the emotions, and the humanity behind them. Llona’s Homeless album isn’t just sticking with audiences because it’s different; it’s sticking because it’s real, raw, and speaks to something deeper in all of us.
So, go ahead and tune in to this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. I promise, by the end of it, you’ll understand why there wasn’t a dry eye in the room—and why Llona’s music is destined to stick around.