Emerging from the grind of East Lagoon, Nigerian artist Pistol TMW channels raw emotion and street-born rhythm into his latest track. In this interview, he unpacks “East Lagoon”—his sound, struggle, and sonic evolution.
- What’s this tune mean to you – how does it tie into where you’ve been and who you’re becoming in your music path?
“East Lagoon” changed things for me. Not simply another track – but proof I’m set to unleash my fire on a wider scale. This one holds my drive, every uphill fight, plus the truth that rising happens even if no one sees you coming. To me, it’s what change sounds like – shifting from my roots to my path ahead, as Pistol TMW, Nigeria’s sonic force.
2. You mentioned this tune means a lot – not just to you but to East Lagoon too. So how’d your hometown shape the vibe and tale of this track?
East Lagoon built me – its vibe, its chaos, its grind, the local lingo, how you gotta stay sharp each day. That’s what lives in the rhythm and my tone. The music holds that gritty Ghana-meets-Nigeria street blend, Lagos energy crashing into Accra right here. My goal? Let folks sense the pulse of the block – our speech, our hopes, how we step.
3. Your sound mixes AfroPop with a fresh twist – you once mentioned it’s so different it might need its own category. So, how’d you explain the distinct feel behind “East Lagoon”?
My vibe goes by Street Energy – think AfroPop fused with Pidgin rap, layered over real, uncut life noise. Not polished, just honest – kind of spiritual yet fierce, gritty but lyrical. “East Lagoon” swings hard, though it still reaches deep inside you. I’m pushing a fresh wave from the ground up, blending Afro drill with rap vibes and ancient African chant tones.
- You talk about kickin’ off with Rap Fame, then landing on big spots like Spotify and Apple Music – how’s that shift feel for you as a solo artist?
It’s about moving forward while showing what’s possible. I began using only my phone and my voice – no fancy studio, no cash flow, nothing except trust in myself. Spotting my name today on Spotify or Apple Music proves the hustle wasn’t imaginary. That signal hits home for creators like me: starting doesn’t require approval – just belief, steady effort, plus a solid direction. Each new platform I land on? Feels like smashing through another barrier.
5. You’ve called the track “aggressive melodies mixed with pidgin rap” – what vibe should folks get while listening? What’s the takeaway?
I want that fearless vibe to hit hard. “East Lagoon” speaks to those who’ve faced mockery, uncertainty, or being overlooked. It’s a proof your words carry weight – especially when nobody notices your spark just yet. Sharp rhythms echo that personal battle, the clash between hesitation and purpose. Once they listen, I hope they stand tall, owning every part of their grind.
6. What’s coming up for Pistol TMW after “East Lagoon”? Are music videos on the way, gigs in the works, or perhaps a full album around the corner?
Yeah, for sure. The “East Lagoon” clip? That’s one piece of the bigger picture – I’m aiming to capture the raw vibe of the streets that sparked it. Then comes the next step: shaping a project that matches this fresh sound – the whole Street Energy Pack thing. Not just tracks, more like a mindset, a look, a way of moving. I’m getting ready to hit the stage real soon, hooking up with people who actually get the feeling. This here? Just the start – Pistol TMW’s about to power up completely.
https://x.com/pistoltmw
