Wizard Chan: The Big Masquerade
Wizard Chan opens up about his journey from Okrika to stardom, the spiritual roots of his music, and the making of his transformative Time Traveler EP.
The thing about Wizard Chan is that he doesn’t chase trends; he bends them to his will. From the opening notes of his breakout hit, Earth Song, to the immersive depth of his latest project, Time Traveler EP, Wizard Chan stands apart as a true craftsman of sound and story. In Episode 15 of Afrobeats Intelligence, I sat down with the man behind the mystique to unravel his journey.
Born Fuayefika Maxwell in the riverine town of Okrika, Rivers State, Wizard Chan’s path to stardom is layered with grit, faith, and unrelenting passion. The youngest of five, he grew up surrounded by family, culture, and a deep connection to music. In our conversation, he shared how his time in the church choir wasn’t just about singing but about understanding the soul of sound—a skill he’s carried into his professional career.
Wizard Chan doesn’t just write songs; he crafts universes. The Time Traveler EP is a sonic odyssey, exploring the tension between nostalgia and futurism. Chan describes the project as a "time capsule," a way to connect past, present, and future emotions. Tracks like Big Masquerade and Journey don’t just play; they breathe, pulling listeners into a dreamscape where reggae, Afro-Teme, and introspective lyricism merge seamlessly.
We dug into the fascinating story behind Earth Song, the track that catapulted him into the mainstream in late 2022. Wizard Chan speaks of this song with reverence—it wasn’t just a hit; it was a calling card. But fame, as he candidly revealed, came with its own challenges. “I wasn’t ready for the noise,” he said. “Music for me has always been spiritual, but the industry isn’t.”
That spiritual connection to music was evident in how he talked about his process. Wizard Chan doesn’t see himself as just a singer or producer; he’s a conduit. Every lyric, every melody carries an intention, a message designed to resonate with the listener's soul. It's why his fanbase isn’t just broad—it’s fiercely loyal.
We also talked about the inevitable leaks and viral moments that come with modern fame. For someone as introspective as Wizard Chan, navigating the chaos of instant stardom is a dance he’s still learning. But his calm demeanor—anchored by his upbringing and faith—makes him uniquely equipped to weather the storm.
Listening to Wizard Chan on this episode is like stepping into his world: tranquil yet charged, humble yet ambitious. He’s not chasing superstardom in the traditional sense. For him, it’s about creating music that matters, music that heals.
The Time Traveler EP might just be Wizard Chan’s most ambitious project yet, but it’s clear that his journey is only beginning. As we wrapped up the conversation, he said something that stayed with me: “I want my music to outlive me. If my songs can be someone’s comfort or their hope, then I’ve done my job.”
Chan isn’t just a time traveler—he’s a timeless artist. Listen to the full conversation on Episode 15 of Afrobeats Intelligence, and step into the mind of one of Nigeria’s most compelling new voices.