With his breakout single ‘Funke‘ topping the Music Week Club Chart Black Music Top 20 and the recent release of dynamic duet ‘Body and Soul’ featuring Maddox Jones, Afrobeats sensation Great Adamz’s unmistakable authenticity and modern, club-ready sound is hitting the big time.
We got the lowdown from the rising star on the inspiration behind ‘Funke,’ the challenges of carving out success as an independent artist, and the ever-growing dreams fueling his next chapter.
Hi Great, thanks for joining us! How did you feel when you learnt your hit single, ‘Funke,’ reached No.1 on the Music Week Club Chart Black Music Top 20?
Hi! Thanks for having me — it’s a real pleasure to be here.
Honestly, when I found out that ‘Funke’ had reached No. 1 on the Music Week Club Chart Black Music Top 20, it was a surreal moment. You put so much of yourself into a track — the emotion, the energy, the late nights — and to see it resonate with so many people, especially within the club scene, is incredibly rewarding. It felt like all the hard work paid off, and it was a beautiful reminder of how music connects us. I was proud, grateful, and honestly just wanted to get back in the studio and keep creating!
You’ve said before that Funke blends your roots with a modern sound. Can you tell us a little about how your background and influences shaped the track?
Well so I am Nigerian by birth and grew up on high life and afrobeats music Funke is a blend of African Melodies and high tempo drum stumps. Funke is also a traditional name from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. So it’s a perfect blend of my Nigerian roots
The song has gone viral with dance challenges across social media. Do you ever watch those videos, and do you have a favorite one that stands out?
Absolutely — I definitely watch the videos! It’s one of the most exciting parts of this whole journey. Seeing people from all over the world putting their own spin on the ‘Funke’ dance challenge is wild. Everyone brings such unique energy, and some of the creativity is next-level — from dance crews to families, even toddlers getting in on it!
One that really stood out to me was a group of dancers in Lagos who turned a street corner into a full-on dance stage. The coordination, the vibe, the crowd around them hyping it up — it gave me goosebumps. That’s when it hit me just how far the song had reached, not just as music, but as a movement. Moments like that remind me why I do this.
As an independent artist breaking through to the charts, what has been the biggest challenge, and what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Well I haven’t done this by myself, I am currently signed to Radikal record and and they have really pushed and supported me. Yes, I know I am not signed to one of the big boys like song but I have a real strong core fan base and this is for me this most important part of being an independent artist.
I always advise artists to focus on creating a core fan base they will be your backbone and support you through very, very difficult times
You’ve collaborated with several esteemed artists in the Afrobeats scene. What do you think makes a collaboration truly successful, and how do you decide who to work with?
For me, a truly successful collaboration comes down to chemistry, respect, and shared vision. It’s not just about putting two names on a track — it’s about creating something that’s bigger than either artist could do alone. You can hear when there’s a genuine vibe between collaborators. The energy becomes contagious.
How do you prepare for performing live, and what do you want the audience to feel when they leave your show?
Performing live is one of my favorite parts of being an artist — it’s where everything comes to life. But to give a great show, the preparation starts long before I hit the stage.
How I prepare:
Rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals – I treat rehearsals like the real thing. Whether it’s with dancers, my band, or just working through transitions and setlists, I make sure the flow is tight and the energy stays high from start to finish.
Vocal warm-ups & conditioning – I take care of my voice like an athlete does their body. Warm-ups, hydration, rest — it’s all part of the routine.
If you had to create a “starter pack” playlist for someone who’s just discovering your music, which three songs would you include and why?
Well this is a great question
1.I will start them with a romantic vibe
Fantastic
2. Then we will move to a more party anthem
KURON Be
And finally
3 Funke”
Why:
This is the anthem — the breakout track that put me on the map. ‘Funke’ is high-energy, rhythm-driven, and embodies the Afrobeat vibes that define my sound. It’s bold, catchy, and made to move people — the perfect first impression.
Now that you’ve had such a huge moment with Funke, what’s the next big dream or goal you’d like to achieve in your career?
I want to take this sound – this blend of Afrobeats, soul, and storytelling – and bring it to stages and playlists all over the world. I’m talking world tours, main stage festival slots, and performing in cities where I never imagined my music would reach.