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GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY winner Mr Eazi is back with Maison Rouge, a seven-track EP named after the Cotonou house where he recorded it. The project dives into love, growth, and finding his way back to the Banku Music sound that built his career — pulling from the past without getting stuck there. It’s got that early warmth, but with a sharper, more reflective edge.
Tracks like Violence, Casanova, and Make E No Tey carry the same ease that made Skin Tight and Leg Over global favourites, but the writing cuts deeper now. The EP came together in a low-key setting: late nights, friends around, good food, and no industry noise, just creating for the sake of it.
Outside the studio, Eazi continues to run emPawa Africa, mentoring a new generation of artists to build careers that truly belong to them. Maison Rouge is built on craft, patience, and intention.
In this 18 Questions feature, Mr Eazi talks balance, creativity, ownership, and what he’s building beyond the music, plus how quiet stretches in places like Japan help him reset, and why returning to Banku wasn’t nostalgia, it was necessary
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I’m actually a happy person. People see the confidence on stage or in interviews, but naturally, I like my quiet time. I’m happiest when it’s just me and my wife, some good food and wine, and my thoughts.
What song instantly puts you in a good mood?
“Its My Life” by Dr Alban. The groove and message always remind me that I’m in control and the vibe must continue
If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
Back to the countryside in Japan. I visited last year and that place was like my reset button. That’s peace.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about music or business?
Don’t chase hits, build systems. That advice changed how I see everything, from music to emPawa to investing. The goal is to build something that lasts.
Who was the first artist that made you want to make music?
Wyclef Jean. Hearing how he mixed culture, storytelling, and melody made me realize I could tell my own story too, in my own way.
What’s one thing you always take with you when you travel?
My phone! I write ideas, lyrics, random thoughts. Even if I don’t record for weeks, I’m always documenting something.
If your life right now had a soundtrack, what song would be playing?
“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” by Bob Marley. No matter how crazy life gets, I always believe everything is working out for good. Thank you God for keeping everything running smoothly
Describe yourself in three words.
Curious. Grounded. Disruptive.
When do you feel most creative, morning, afternoon, or late at night and why?
Sometimes it’s late at night. That’s when my mind is quiet and I can hear myself clearly. No calls, no distractions, just vibes.
What’s your go-to comfort food after a long studio session?
Ah i stopped eating late nights but if i had to, give me some juicy tacos or wings
Maison Rouge feels like both a homecoming and a new chapter. What made you want to return to your Banku Music roots now?
After years of experimenting, traveling, and doing business, I just naturally reconnected with the core of why I started. That feeling of freedom and honesty in the music. Maison Rouge became that space for me to come back home to Banku but with new experiences to share.
You named the EP after the house where it was made. What did that place represent to you creatively?
Maison Rouge was like a safe zone. Everyone who came there brought good energy. No ego, no industry pressure, just friends making music and eating together.
‘Skin Tight’ turns ten this year. When you listen to it now, what memories or emotions come back to you?
It takes me back to when everything was new. No big team, no label, just vibes. That song changed my life and showed me that African music could travel the world without losing its essence.
There’s a real intimacy running through this project. Did you set out to make something that personal, or did it just happen naturally?
It happened naturally. I didn’t overthink it. Every song came from real emotions and conversations. It’s me talking about love, growth, and reflection, things I was genuinely going through.
You worked with P.Priime, E.Kelly, and Kel-P on this record. What made those collaborations feel right for this chapter?
They all bring different textures. E.Kelly is family, he understands my foundation. P.Priime and Kel-P bring that new fire and rhythm. Together, it felt like bridging the past and the present
Your sound always feels so effortless and warm, but what’s something behind the scenes that actually takes a lot of work to get right?
The simplicity. People think it’s easy because it sounds relaxed, but getting that balance where every element has space and emotion takes a lot of patience. We might spend hours moving one percussion hit just to get the groove right.
Through emPawa you’ve helped shape the careers of artists like Joeboy and Fave. What’s something you’ve learned from mentoring others?
That every artist’s journey is unique. You can’t clone success. My job is to help them find their voice and give them the tools to build something lasting, not just a moment.
When you look ahead, what excites you most about the future of African music and your place in it?
I’m excited about ownership. Africans owning our stories, our masters, our platforms. We’re not just exporting culture anymore, we’re building an ecosystem. And I’m proud to be one of the people helping design that system from the ground up.
‘Maison Rouge’ EP is out now, stream here.
