One of Nigeria’s most promising musical innovators, Olubunmi Lawrence Bakare, professionally known as KarlyTeros, has vowed to keep pushing creative boundaries and reshaping the sound of contemporary African music.
The Lagos-based producer and sound engineer reflected on his journey from DJ decks to the studio booth — a transformation that has positioned him as one of the fastest-rising forces in Nigeria’s evolving soundscape.
‘I want to keep raising the bar for myself’, KarlyTeros said. ‘Every sound I create must be better, deeper, and more intentional than the last. For me, growth is the real success’.
Known for his emotionally charged and rhythmically layered fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and Hip-Hop, KarlyTeros has developed a sound that bridges cultures and generations. His productions are instantly recognisable for their soulful depth, deliberate layering, and immersive sonic texture.
‘My goal has always been to make music that speaks to emotions — not just beats that move your body, but sounds that connect with your soul’, he explained.
KarlyTeros began his journey in 2013 as a DJ, performing across various platforms before transitioning into full-time music production. That bold move, he said, came from a deep desire to create rather than just mix.
‘As a DJ, I was interpreting other people’s work’, he recalled. ‘But as a producer, I wanted to build something from scratch — something that could outlive me’.
His breakout moment came through ‘Walking Dead’ by Ayox featuring Zlatan Ibile, a powerful track praised for its emotional weight and technical brilliance. The song’s success, he noted, reaffirmed his belief in the power of vulnerability through music.
‘That song changed everything’, he said. ‘It showed me that pain and purpose can live in the same sound. The message connected with people in ways I never expected’.
He later produced “AYO” by Ayox featuring Dr. Yinka Ayefele, where he fused traditional Yoruba influences with modern melodies — proof of his ability to merge heritage and contemporary sound without losing authenticity.
“I love blending culture with innovation,” KarlyTeros added. “Our roots are powerful, but the world deserves to hear them in a new form.”
Other notable productions like “Pray for Me” (Ayox ft. Otega), “Need You to Stay” (Ayox), and “My Life” (Ayox ft. Balloranking) further showcased his mastery of emotional storytelling through music.
Critics and industry peers describe his productions as sonically rich and technically refined, a testament to his obsession with sound design and detail.
“I spend hours on transitions and percussion,” he admitted. “Every kick, snare, and chord must serve a purpose. Sound is a language — I don’t like noise, I like meaning.”
Drawing inspiration from global greats like Avicii, Sarz, Don Jazzy, and Pheelz, KarlyTeros still insists that his identity remains firmly Afrocentric.
‘Those are legends, and I respect their artistry’, he said. ‘But my sound will always have an African heartbeat. I’m proud of where I come from, and I want the world to hear it’.
Beyond hit-making, KarlyTeros is also investing in mentoring and discovering young talents — a mission he describes as personal.
‘The next generation needs guidance, not just fame’, he emphasised. ‘I don’t want to be the only one rising; I want to see a wave of creatives who understand sound and purpose’.
As his collaborations expand and his vision sharpens, it’s clear that KarlyTeros isn’t just producing music — he’s curating emotion, culture, and future sound.
‘I’m still evolving’, he concluded. ‘This is just the beginning. My dream is to make Africa’s sound global — not by imitation, but by innovation’.
