Evolution in music is sometimes necessary for progression, especially in the Nigerian music industry. For Toyosi Agunbiade, popularly known as MUS, that evolution has been a natural but deliberate process. From his early days as a rapper in secondary school to finding his voice as a soul and afrobeats artist, he has developed a unique sound that blends smooth melodies with Yoruba influences.
Beyond music, MUS has also navigated an unconventional path—pursuing a career in medicine while building his fan base, the Musquitoes. In this conversation, he takes us through his journey, from his rap origins with the Young Fresh Ballers (YFB) to getting recognition from Show Dem Camp, juggling music with a demanding medical career, and what the Musquitoes can expect from him this year.
TUE: Let’s start from the beginning. What inspired you to make music, and how did you get involved with YFB (Young Fresh Ballers)?
MUS: Music started back in secondary school, around 2010 or 2011. You know how it is—rhyming with your guys, freestyling in the dining hall. I went to King’s College, and in boarding school, we would just be playing around with words, rhyming, and trying to sound cool.
Then I started writing more serious stuff because I used to listen to Lil Wayne a lot. At the time, I considered myself a rapper, always writing bars. My seat partner in school also made music, so we started working together. Eventually, another guy joined us, and that’s how we formed YFB.
TUE: At the time, was music something you were taking seriously, or was it just for fun?
MUS: Initially, it was just for fun—we were still in secondary school. But then we dropped a couple of songs and even performed at our prom. That event had Santi (then Ozzy B), Yemi Alade, and L.O.S. Seeing those guys made us realize that maybe we needed to take this seriously.
After that, we started performing at different shows, like jamb sessions and small events. I’d sneak out to attend these shows, and that’s when I started seeing music as something more than just a hobby. But eventually, everyone traveled for university, and things slowed down.
TUE: At what point did the group dissolve, and you decided to focus on being a solo artist?
MUS: I put out my first solo song in 2013 while I was in university. It wasn’t really a planned thing—I was just making music for fun and decided to release something on Twitter. Back then, there wasn’t a lot of marketing strategy, just posting a link and hoping people listened.
Even after everyone in YFB went their separate ways, we still stayed in touch and made music together sometimes. But the group officially dissolved between 2013 and 2014 as everyone focused on their own stuff.
TUE: Was the transition from being in a group to going solo difficult for you?
MUS: Not really. I don’t think anyone is ever truly a solo artist. Back then, we would all bring our written bars to the studio and record together. Now, even as a solo artist, I still have a team around me, so the process isn’t too different.
TUE: Yeah, so from that rap style to what you currently do—a blend of soul, Afrobeats, and Yoruba influences. Where did this style come from?
MUS: Initially, like I said, I was a rapper. I am a rapper.
If you ask me where I’m most comfortable, it’s rapping. But you know how our industry is—rapping wasn’t really getting me where I wanted to be. Everybody would say, “Oh, nice stuff,” and just move on.
It was Beats by Jayy at the time who told me, “Bro, you better start singing more.” But I couldn’t sing. So I started doing research. I’ve always liked Fuji music, so I started studying it more.
TUE: You mentioned Fuji. What are some of your biggest influences, both locally and globally, in terms of the style of music you’re making now?
MUS: The person who influenced my sound the most is Runtown. Funny enough, I wouldn’t say I’m his biggest fan, but when I listen to him—especially during the Mad Over You era—I felt like, “Sky, we have similar voice textures, so I can be comfortable here as well.”
Apart from Runtown, there’s J Hus, Mr. Eazi, YCee—YCee made me feel like I could sing. Burna Boy too, obviously—he’s so talented. Then Wizkid. Even if he didn’t influence my sound directly, he influenced my decision to want to make music.
On the rap side, Meek Mill, Young T & Bugsey—those are my musical influences.
TUE: Is your sound something you intentionally modeled after these artists, or is it more of a natural extension of who you are?
MUS: I’d say it’s more of a persona, but sometimes I step out of that sound. I do other stuff too.
For example, when I recorded Who Dem Be, I had to make some sacrifices to hit those high notes—I was drinking warm water for a while, not talking loud, just to maintain my voice. But in general, my sound is where I’m most comfortable. It’s just who I am naturally.
I feel like when you hear a Mus song, you just know—”Yeah, this is Mus.”
TUE: Your EP Sounds from Mus vol 1 caught the attention of some of the guys in the industry, like Show Dem Camp. What was it like getting recognition from them?
MUS: For Ladipoe, it was before the EP. He had heard my stuff since. Don Jazzy as well—that was early in my career. But for Show Dem Camp, it was crazy It was during COVID, and when I woke up, I didn’t think I’d end the day listening to my music on Instagram Live. I couldn’t even sleep that night—I just kept watching the live video.
Basically, someone close to them had heard my EP, texted me, and said, “I sent your stuff to these guys, and they liked it. They want you to join their live.” Everything happened in 15 minutes. I was like, “Huh?” They said, “Yeah, join the live.” I requested to join, and that was it. They played four of my tracks from the EP on their live. It was an amazing experience. It made me feel like I was doing something right. We even worked on a couple of things after that.
TUE: How did that feedback help you?
MUS: It helped a lot. At the time, I hadn’t received much feedback from people I admired. I still go back to that moment sometimes just to remind myself. It’s crazy because these are people I listen to—I never imagined they’d get to know me. it’s crazy. We’ve met in person too. I performed at The Cavemen concert, and I heard someone say, “Oh, Mus, Mus.” I didn’t even know Tec knew me in real life.
TUE: You were in Russia for a bit, right? How long were you there?
MUS: About seven and a half years.
TUE: How did living in Russia influence your music?
MUS: It helped me develop my craft. I could do things I wouldn’t have been able to in Nigeria. I like making music alone—it’s how I function best. I’ve been to many songwriting camps, but they don’t work for me. I like being in isolation. In Russia, I could take walks at night, listen to music, and try new things without distractions.
TUE: Medicine and music—how did that happen? How were you able to balance both?
MUS: Honestly, I don’t even know how to answer that question. It’s something I still struggle with. Both are demanding. We had to schedule this interview a week ago to fit it into my roster. I only have two or three free days a week. Tomorrow, I’ll probably be on a 24-hour shift. Sometimes, I’m at work trying to make music. It’s really draining and confusing, but we thank God.
TUE: Any advantages to doing both?
MUS: From an artist’s perspective, it’s interesting to people. They’re always curious about how I do both, which can draw attention to my music. But I try to keep them separate. When I’m at work, I don’t bring up my music. One time, during rounds, a patient’s relative recognized me and whispered, “That’s Mus.” I had to pretend I didn’t hear her because I didn’t want my boss to notice. It’s a confusing space to be in, but I’m doing my best.
TUE: What’s your biggest song so far? And which one do you like the most?
MUS: In terms of numbers, “Swe” is my biggest song. But my personal favorites are “Encore Freestyle” and “Wa.” Wa was crazy because I actually wrote it in my sleep.
TUE: You have a core fan base you call “Musquitoes.” How do you maintain that connection?
MUS: They’re my people. I try to keep in touch with them beyond just music. I even post on Instagram asking what they think I should drop next. They’ve helped me pick my next release before. From that group, more people get pulled in, and it just grows.
TUE: What should the Musquitoes expect this year?
MUS: Everything! Singles, projects, videos, pictures—I’m doing it all. I want to put in more effort and manage my time better. I also plan to have a concert, so people should expect more performances.
TUE: If you had to describe your music in three words, what would they be?
MUS: Can’t Stop Listening. I know it’s a bit cheesy but whatever (laughs)
TUE: Any final thoughts for your fans?
MUS: I just want to say thank you to everyone that listens to my music and supports me in any way. Shoutout to the Musquitoes—we’re going higher soon.
