Topping off a viral 2024 with the release of new mixtape A Jaguar’s Dreams, the Croydon-born, Belfast-raised rapper tells Dazed how he created his immersive R&B ‘dreamworld’
Slaying demons. Avenging my father. Unlocking the hidden beast inside of me and saving the village. Now, I haven’t done any of these things but, if I did, I would imagine something like Jordan Adetunji’s “KEHLANI” would be playing in the background. Its futuristic mix of hyperpop, rage and RnB conjures up high-octane, fantastical landscapes, and, indeed, it would seem that fiction blurred into reality when none other than Kehlani herself caught wind of the track and hopped on the remix in June last year.
The single also marks the advent of what 25-year-old Adetunji refers to as his “R&B and melodic era”, yet the latest development in a career that has spanned post-punk, trap afrobeats and more. It’s a blend that manifests his unique upbringing, being exposed to Belfast’s post-punk scene when he relocated there from Croydon at age 12, as well as afrobeats by way of his Nigerian heritage and the genre-defying digital production that pervades today’s internet generation.
One theme that has remained consistent throughout Adetunji’s releases, however, is his love of anime, which has become a sort of visual stimulus for the futuristic sounds that he produces. “Anime often creates these intricate, imaginative worlds, and that’s something I strive for in my music,” Adetunji tells Dazed. “I want to transport people into a dreamworld where they can feel fully immersed, just like you would watching an anime series.”
Below, Jordan Adetunji breaks down this new era in his artistry, his globetrotting musical influences, and his favourite anime series.
You’ve dabbled in a multitude of genres over the years, but the last few singles seem to double down on a very unique sound. How would you describe the era you’re in right now?
Jordan Adetunji: I’d describe this as my R&B and melodic era – a period where I’m diving deeper into creating emotionally resonant and experimental sounds, especially within R&B. I’m not afraid to take risks and push boundaries to create something different
“Kehlani” going viral seems like a bit of a turning point. What’s the story behind the track and how did it feel when it first started taking off?
Jordan Adetunji: “Kehlani” came together so naturally – it was one of those songs that felt like it wrote itself. I thought of Kehlani as the perfect muse for the track because she embodies confidence and authenticity, and those are traits I wanted the song to reflect. When it started to take off, it was surreal. Seeing people connect with it, share it, and make it their own was a crazy feeling.
What’s the story behind A Jaguar’s Dreams? Are you the jaguar?
Jordan Adetunji: Yes, I am the jaguar. This project is my dreamworld; a space where I can fully express myself. Jaguars are powerful, fearless and they conquer every space they step into, and that’s exactly how I feel about my music right now. This project delves into raw emotions and the duality of love and lust. It’s about navigating those battles while staying true to yourself.
Afrobeats, post-punk, and rap – packaged in hyperpop production – is not a cocktail we taste often. What do you think attracted you to these disparate sounds, and do you see any similarities between them?
Jordan Adetunji: I’ve always been drawn to experimentation – it’s what excites me most about making music. Each of these genres has its own energy and edge, but at their core, they share a raw, unfiltered emotional quality. It’s that fearlessness in expression that connects them for me and makes them work together so seamlessly.
My background, moving between Croydon and Belfast, exposed me to a mix of cultures and influences that continue to shape the way I approach music
– Jordan Adetunji
In some ways, these genres also seem to manifest your upbringing as someone of Nigerian heritage in Croydon and Belfast. Do you think your childhood experiences shape your music today?
Jordan Adetunji: Absolutely. My background, moving between Croydon and Belfast, exposed me to a mix of cultures and influences that continue to shape the way I approach music. Growing up, I was inspired by the music I saw on TV, especially artists like Busta Rhymes who brought incredible creativity and energy to their music videos. That blend of bold visuals and boundary-pushing sounds really stayed with me.
You’ve mentioned previously that many of your single covers are inspired by anime. Do you see any similarities between anime aesthetics and your music?
Jordan Adetunji: Definitely. Anime often creates these intricate, imaginative worlds, and that’s something I strive for in my music and visuals. I want to transport people into a dreamworld where they can feel fully immersed, just like you would watching an anime series.
There’s been a departure from these anime-inspired visuals in your recent singles, as well as the new mixtape cover. Was this a conscious decision?
Jordan Adetunji: Yes, it was a very deliberate choice. This is a new era for me as an artist, and I wanted to reflect that through the visuals. It’s about growth and showing people a different side of who I am, both musically and creatively.
Finally, what’s your favourite anime and why?
Jordan Adetunji: My favourite anime is Fullmetal Alchemist, the storyline hits every time with the two brothers – I always resort back to it.
[I also like] Vinland Saga, Blue Lock, My Hero Academia, Naruto and Demon Slayer. All these series feature characters who are all pursuing a goal. It feels relatable to anyone who is looking to either keep perfecting what they are doing. Gotta back yourself.
Jordan Adetunji’s sophomore mixtape A Jaguar‘s Dreams is out now.