Musicians often exhibit a remarkable ability to transform their unique experiences into captivating songs, a talent that Nigerian-born, Delhi-based rapper Yung Sammy has effectively showcased. Yung Sammy, real name Samuel Lloyds, humorously shares, “I have always been asked, ‘Bhai, aapko Hindi kaisi aati hai (Brother, how do you know Hindi?)’ I thought, ek din mujhe is vibe ke upar ek track banana padega (I have to create a track about this vibe).” This epitomizes the essence of his latest single ‘Intro,’ released under the Desi Trill label, which embodies his personal and professional journey in India.
Born in Nigeria, Sammy has spent over 15 years in India, absorbing the culture and perfecting the language. His new track ‘Intro’ is a testament to his multilingual abilities, featuring lyrics in Hindi, Punjabi, English, Gujjari, and notably, Haryanvi—a first for him. “I wanted to introduce myself through this track, marking a new phase in my musical journey. The song demonstrates not just my linguistic versatility but also my growth as an artist willing to experiment with different dialects and styles,” explains Sammy.
Sammy’s acquisition of Hindi was not instantaneous but a gradual process driven by his love for Indian culture. “Learning Hindi felt very natural to me. I faced initial challenges with Hindi maatra, but communicating with friends and persistent practice helped me speak it fluently,” he shares. His linguistic journey was further fueled by his exposure to Hindi rap, particularly Honey Singh’s ‘Brown Rang,’ which inspired him to delve deeper into the genre. “The first Hindi rap I heard was Honey Singh’s ‘Brown Rang.’ It was like discovering a new world. I was thrilled to realize that not only did I understand the language, but I could also create rhythms and rhymes in it. It was a turning point that got me writing my music,” he recalls.
Ironically, Sammy’s journey into the world of rap began quite differently. Growing up as the son of a pastor, his initial musical experiences were rooted in church music. “I come from a religious background, and my family’s music was more about worship than about hip-hop,” Sammy discloses. His conservative upbringing made it challenging to confess his interest in rap to his family initially. However, their support became unwavering over time. “My parents were initially apprehensive, but now, they fully support my musical ambitions.
. Dispelling the stereotype that all rappers indulge in vices like alcohol, I’ve found acceptance and respect,” he says.
Before reintroducing himself with ‘Intro,’ Sammy had already begun to explore the world of rap and hip-hop through various tracks that highlighted his evolving style. Rather than being disheartened by setbacks, such as being dropped from the MTV Hustles show, he turned adversity into an opportunity. He created ‘4×4,’ a track that not only gained significant attention but also led to a deal with the Desi Trill label, eventually bringing him to the attention of Universal Music Group in the US. “Challenges have been part of my journey, but the support from the Indian audience has been overwhelming. I choose to focus on the positivity and use negative comments only as a stepping stone,” Sammy reveals.
Despite a lifelong passion for music, Sammy initially had different career aspirations. He dreamt of becoming a marine engineer like his father or pursuing a career in international relations as a diplomat or ambassador. Yet, fate steered him toward a globally-reaching music career. “Although I aspired to a different profession, my journey in music has allowed me to experience worldwide travels and interactions, much like what I hoped to achieve as a diplomat,” he reflects.
Sammy’s multicultural background grants him a distinctive edge in the music industry, setting him apart from peers in India, Nigeria, and beyond. “My multicultural heritage is a major asset; it provides a unique flavor to my music and broadens my audience appeal,” he emphasizes. While he acknowledges the competitive nature of the industry, he aims to be recognized for his talent and originality. “I want my music to resonate so strongly that my voice becomes instantly recognizable, regardless of whether people know my face,” he asserts.
Expanding his horizons, Sammy is not confining himself to hip-hop. His upcoming projects include commercial tracks such as ‘Tension mat le,’ a Bollywood-style song that marks a significant departure from his typical genre. “I’m venturing into different musical realms, including pop. It’s about remaining true to myself while exploring sounds that still resonate with my identity,” he elaborates. His forthcoming EP promises to be a mix of hip-hop, pop, and other surprises, aligning with his vision of pushing musical boundaries.
Yung Sammy’s journey is a rich tapestry of cultural assimilation, linguistic prowess, and musical experimentation, marking him as a unique and impactful presence in the global music landscape. With his distinctive background and innovative approach, he continues to bridge cultural divides and captivate audiences worldwide.
