"Electric": A Conversation with R.O.Z

Interview by Imani Dominique Busby

Photography by VISUALDARREL (@visualdarrel)

Coming off of an exciting performance at Scotiabank Arena, we sat down with R.O.Z to reflect on his journey through music, culture, and community. From his early days singing on Toronto’s TTC to collaborating with global icons like Davido, R.O.Z shares how his Ghanaian roots, hip-hop influences, and belief in the elevation of diasporas music has shaped his sound and storytelling. As he prepares to release his next album, The Emblem, R.O.Z shares his thoughts on legacy, growth, and pushing Afro culture forward, one milestone at a time.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your introduction to making music.

Yeah. I was very passionate coming up. I grew up in the church. Actually, just recently, my granny passed away. When we were growing up, she made us sing on the TTC, sing in the choir, and travel like that. So music has always been in us. And growing up, with my dad and mom being in the Ghanaian culture, we’d always hear old-school music, highlife music. 

Years later, growing up in Metro Housing, I caught the hip-hop bug and kept it going. It’s funny how Afrobeats and all that stuff came back around years later.

Which artists did you listen to growing up, and have they influenced your music today?

Actually, the artist who passed away on the day of the show on the 26th,  Daddy Lumba, he was a huge influence growing up. The first time I was really conscious and heard music, it was his music playing. And of course, Michael Jackson. Then, once I got into rap, Jay-Z. And of course, Drake is the GOAT. I mean, I listen to all different types of music, but those are the main artists who stuck with me growing up.

You've lived between Ghana and Canada and toured worldwide. How have those cultural experiences or even your roots and background played into your music and storytelling?

Everything. I’m Ghanaian, so naturally, the culture is embedded in us. But I’d say Davido was one of the people who really influenced me. People won’t always admit it, but for diasporans, he was one of the artists who gave us the belief. Not just to rep our culture, but to be loud and proud about it. That belief translated from the culture into the music. Once we had the confidence, it just manifested naturally.

That’s really incredible. I feel like even the show in Toronto itself was a testament to what you’re saying. He didn’t have to bring out that many people, share the stage, and celebrate the culture. From where I was, everyone knew all the songs from every artist. It was beautiful to see the culture of the music celebrated beyond just the individual.

And he’s good for that. He’s been doing that. I’ve been on tour with him for years. He’s always been that way. A place like Scotiabank? Davido is the perfect person to put others on and support the Afro community, especially in Canada. He’s a pioneer when it comes to touring, since 2012. Big shout out to Davido for that.

You've recently released Electric to mark the 15-year anniversary of EMB. Can you walk us through the moment the track came to life? What inspired the sound, the message, and the story behind it?

Honestly, it started with Joe Gez. I first heard the record as a reference, a quick demo from Joe. I asked, “Can I get the stems and rework it, try my thing on it, and see if you like it?” And they really liked it. But the energy came from Joe. He made the beat, stemmed it, did the chants in the background. That’s not AI. Once I heard it, I thought, “We can actually turn this into a single, not just a dance track.” So I took the opportunity. Joe told me to try something with it, and it came to life that way.

How does it feel coming up on 15 years? Do you have a vision for what the next 15 will look like?

Looking back 15 years ago, we had nothing. To be here now, there’s still work to do, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. Looking forward, I know if I put in another 15 years, I’ll make real moves and build something lasting. We started with nothing, and now we’re at places like Scotiabank Arena. So 15 years from now? Who knows. But I want to get more into business, create more opportunities, earn more accolades and money, and be someone who facilitates growth for others.

That's incredible. Congratulations again. Looking back, what gave you the early conviction to invest in Afrobeats and music from the diaspora?

Honestly, Davido. He’s a friend, I’ve known him since 2012. I grew up listening to highlife and hiplife music every day. But I never thought I’d try it myself. That genre felt reserved for the legends.

When Davido dropped his first single, Dami Duro, I felt something different. I met him around then, and I remember thinking, “This is Afro music, but it has a hip-hop flavor. Something I might be able to do.” I wasn’t confident yet, but it felt achievable. Not because it was easy, but because it fit with the hip-hop I was doing.

He evolved with the sound. Watching him, learning from him, asking questions, that gave me the confidence to say, “This song is dope.” Even the ones he didn’t love, he wouldn’t say it outright, but he’d be like, “Next song.” 

Davido shaped this for everyone, not just me. I was lucky enough to be close to him and see how he moves. 

He brought motivation to the whole culture. Born in America, raised with a global perspective, his essence pours out into everything he does. People feel it. People like me, people coming up, people inspired by music.

With your upcoming album, are there any themes or stories you’re excited to explore? Are there sounds or ideas you haven’t touched before?

Yes. I’m dropping an album this October called The Emblem. It’s a 15th anniversary project. There’s a lot I’ve never spoken about until now. The album reflects the past and where I’m at today. I’ve never been here before.

The project blends R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. I talk about the growth, the ups and downs, and I celebrate the crew, just the fact that we’re still here. This album is really about the journey. The other tracks are fun, but this one captures the 15-year essence.

Is there a dream collaborator you’d love to work with?

Rest in peace to Daddy Lumba, he would have been one for sure. I’ve worked with Davido, but doing more songs with the King of Afrobeats would be amazing. Then there’s Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye, the greats.

But honestly, I’m a collaborative artist. A lot of the people I’m working with now are artists I truly admire. I listen to their music every day. I’m lucky to have built a team of artists I’m already a fan of.

That’s the goal, being proud of the people around you, supporting them, and building with them.

Exactly. Like Joe, he’s so talented. He made a hit out of that track. Every artist I work with, I’m genuinely a fan.

What do you hope your listeners take away from your music?

For the album, it’s about growth. A lot of people see what I’m doing now and don’t realize we’ve been grinding for years with nothing. I want to speak on that journey. Even the production speaks to that. You’ll hear it and say, “Okay, these EMB guys are serious.”

But overall, it’s not about one specific message. It’s about emotion. Whatever the song is meant to convey, we want you to feel it. Everyone feels the same emotions in different ways. As long as people connect with the music and feel something, that’s what matters. It has to be quality music first. The feeling and the message will follow.

Is there one song in your catalog that you’re most proud of? If someone could only hear one, what would it be?

Honestly, the next one. Whatever I’m working on at the moment is always my favourite. I’ve got a lot of songs that haven’t come out yet that I’m proud of. Electric is definitely one of them, especially for my Afro catalog. But I think my best song is still coming. I’ll let the people decide.

Are there any upcoming videos or shows people should watch out for?

We’ve got a show coming up in Winnipeg that I’m really excited about. It’s our 15th anniversary show and I’ll be announcing it very soon. It’s called “R.O.Z & Friends”. I’ll have some artists come through and support. It’s going to have a real celebratory vibe. I’m doing it in Winnipeg because that’s where we started. I’m from Toronto, but EMB started in Winnipeg.

Wow. It’s like a homecoming.

Yeah, exactly. So it should be fun.

Do you have any final thoughts or anything else you'd like to share?

We’re just pushing the culture forward as much as we can. This weekend was historic.

We’re also pushing for more Afro representation. Right now, there aren’t many major platforms, no awards, no big pinnacles to reach for. But we’re trying to change that. What happened this weekend was amazing, and I’m doing my part here in Canada for Afro.

Thank's amazing, thank you for speaking with me.

Thank you.

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