Rising Star Qing Madi Opens Up About Self-Love and Her New Album ‘I Am The Blueprint’

Today, we’re joined by one of the most exciting new voices in the African music scene, Qing Madi. Fresh off her captivating performance of “Favorite Psycho” at the COLORS Show, the 18-year-old afrobeats artist has just dropped her highly anticipated debut album, I Am The Blueprint.

Since bursting onto the Lagos alté scene in 2024, Qing Madi has captured attention with her smooth, distinct vocals and her genre-blending sound that fuses afrobeats, alt-R&B, afro-pop, and soul. Her debut EP has already amassed over 400 million streams, cementing her place as one of the genre’s most exciting newcomers.

In her own words, this album is a reflection of her journey of self-love and discovery, as she shares stories from a place of peace and authenticity. We’re so excited to chat with her today about the making of I Am The Blueprint, her rise in the alté scene, and what fans can expect from this new chapter in her career. Welcome, Qing Madi!

You’ve made such a big impact on the Lagos Alté scene in a short amount of time. How does it feel to see the recognition you’re receiving for your work?

It’s honestly surreal. To see people connect with my music, especially in such a unique and evolving space like the Lagos Alté scene, means everything to me. I’ve always wanted to make music that resonates, and the fact that it’s being recognized on such a big scale is both humbling and motivating. It pushes me to keep evolving, to keep experimenting, and to stay true to my sound.

Your album, I Am The Blueprint, has just dropped. Can you tell us about the creative journey behind this album? What were the key influences or experiences that shaped it?

This album is deeply personal. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve experienced so far—growth, love, self-discovery, and the highs and lows of this journey. I wanted I Am The Blueprint to feel authentic, like a story that listeners can step into and experience with me. My influences range from my Nigerian roots and the alté sound to global artists like Kendrick Lamar, Brandy, and Billie Eilish, who inspire me with their depth and artistry. Every song on the album represents a different part of who I am and where I’m heading.

With I Am The Blueprint being your first full album, how did you approach the process differently than with your debut EP? Were there any new creative risks you took this time around that you hadn’t explored before?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I took risks that I hadn’t explored before, but rather, I Am The Blueprint is a more intentional project—one that dives deeper into who I am as an artist and as a person. With my debut EP, it was more of an introduction—a glimpse into my sound and artistry. But with this album, I wanted to be more deliberate in my storytelling, in the emotions I put into the music, and in the overall sound.

I explored different genres and sonic textures, blending afrobeats, alt-R&B, afro-pop, and soul in a way that feels uniquely to me. ‘I Am the Blueprint’ was created with a purpose, ensuring that every song carries weight and meaning. Lyrically, it’s more personal, more reflective. I talk about self-discovery, love, growth, and the journey of becoming.

So, while I wouldn’t call it taking risks, I would say this album represents a more evolved, more confident version of Qing Madi—one that isn’t afraid to embrace every part of herself and her artistry.”

On I Am The Blueprint, you mentioned that you “found love with yourself.” How did that process of self-love and peace influence the sound and lyrics of the album?

Self-love is a journey, and I think this album captures that perfectly. There were moments of growth, confidence, and vulnerability all wrapped into the music. Sonically, I let myself be free—some songs feel soft and intimate, and others are bold and energetic. The lyrics reflect that process too, touching on self-acceptance, learning to let go, and embracing my own path without fear. I wanted the album to feel like a conversation—not just with my listeners, but with myself.

With your sound blending afrobeats, alt-R&B, afro-pop, and soul, how do you define your music and the space you occupy in the current music scene?

I’d say my music is fluid. It’s a fusion of everything that has influenced me—afrobeats, alt-R&B, soul, pop, and even rap. I don’t like to box myself in, and I think that’s what makes my sound unique. I see myself as part of a new wave of African artists who are redefining what it means to make music from this side of the world. The Lagos Alté scene has given me space to experiment and evolve, and globally, I see my music reaching even further.

Your COLORS performance of Favorite Psycho really captured my attention. Can you walk us through how you approached that performance and what it was like sharing that moment with such a wide audience?

That was such a special moment for me. COLORS is known for giving artists a platform to be fully themselves, and I wanted my performance to reflect that. I kept the energy raw and intimate—just me, the music, and the emotions behind the song. Seeing how people responded, not just in Nigeria but globally, was incredible. And then having someone like Chris Brown like my COLORS post? That felt surreal. It was a reminder that music truly transcends boundaries.

The Lagos alté scene is known for its vibrant diversity and experimental approach to music. How do you see yourself contributing to the evolution of this genre and the larger global music conversation?

The alté scene is all about freedom—freedom to be different, to break the rules, and to create without limits. I see myself contributing by bringing my own unique blend of sounds and stories. I want to keep pushing boundaries, not just within the alté space but in the larger global music scene. African artists are having such a big moment right now, and I want to be part of that shift—showing the world that our sound is limitless.

Looking ahead, do you see yourself exploring any new sounds or collaborations in the future? What can fans expect from you after I Am The Blueprint?

Absolutely. I’m always growing, always evolving. I want to explore deeper into live instrumentation, alternative sounds, and even more international collaborations. There are so many artists I admire, and I’d love to work with people who inspire me, whether they’re from Nigeria, the U.S., or anywhere in the world. After I Am The Blueprint, fans can expect more music, more performances, and hopefully a tour. This is just the beginning!

As someone who’s still quite young in the industry, how do you stay grounded and navigate the pressures of fame and expectations while staying true to yourself?

I remind myself why I started—my love for music, my passion for storytelling, and my faith in Jesus Christ. Fame and expectations can be overwhelming, but I don’t let them define me. I surround myself with people who genuinely care about me, who keep me focused, and who remind me to stay true to myself. My faith in God also plays a huge role—it keeps me centered and reminds me that everything I’m experiencing is part of a bigger plan. At the end of the day, I just want to make music that feels real to me, and as long as I’m doing that, I know I’m on the right path.

Follow Qing Madi on Instagram, and TikTok to stay up-to-date with her latest tracks, performances, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content! Don’t forget to stream her music on Spotify and dive into her unique blend of afrobeats, alt-R&B, and soul.