Whenever you hear the legendary producer tag “Yo Rexxie Pon This One,” you already know something heavy is about to drop. But what many fans don’t know is how this young Nigerian boy with nothing but passion and curiosity ended up creating one of the most influential street sounds in Africa.
How did Rexxie get his start in music?
Rexxie started music by teaching himself production as a teenager, experimenting with beat-making software, and producing for upcoming artists while still in school. His early collaborations and consistency laid the foundation for the Zanku sound that later made him famous.
Now, let’s break down the full story of how this self-made producer rose from obscurity to global recognition.
The early spark: where the journey truly began
Rexxie’s love for music didn’t start in a professional studio — it started in his environment. Growing up in Nigeria, he was surrounded by rhythm, culture, street vibes, and the energy of daily life. These experiences shaped his ears long before he touched a laptop.
As a child, he spent hours listening to beats, drum patterns, and melodies. He wasn’t just hearing music; he was studying it unknowingly.
The first encounter with music production
Like many young creatives, Rexxie stumbled into production by curiosity. A friend introduced him to basic beat-making software, and that moment changed everything. He became obsessed. Instead of using his computer for games or movies, he spent his nights learning how to:
- Place kicks and snares
- Arrange drum lines
- Build percussion loops
- Mix simple melodies
- Experiment with electronic and Afrobeats elements
Rexxie didn’t attend a formal music school; he trained himself through practice, trial, error, and relentless curiosity.
Producing for upcoming artists
In his early days, nobody knew who he was — and that was fine with him. He started producing for underground artists, campus rappers, and small-time singers who needed beats. These early collaborations sharpened his sound and taught him the realities of the Nigerian music industry.
Most of these early gigs didn’t pay well. Sometimes they didn’t pay at all. But he kept producing because he believed strongly in his gift.
How Rexxie developed his signature sound
Rexxie’s breakthrough didn’t come from copying popular producers; it came from creating something fresh. Over time, he built a signature sound that combined:
- Heavy percussions
- Fast-tempo drums
- Street vocal chants
- Bounce-driven rhythms
- Simple but addictive melodies
This became the foundation of a new wave that later defined Nigerian street music.
The turning point: meeting Zlatan
Every great producer meets an artist whose chemistry unlocks destiny — and for Rexxie, that person was Zlatan. When Rexxie started working with him, everything aligned. The energy, the dance, the attitude, the raw street influence — all of it blended into a powerful sonic movement.
This partnership led to the creation of the Zanku sound, which would soon take over Africa.
Producing “Able God” — the major explosion
Rexxie gained national attention when he produced “Able God,” a song that went viral across Nigeria. This track became an anthem in clubs, streets, churches, and campuses. It showed the nation that Rexxie wasn’t just another upcoming producer — he was a game-changer.
After this hit, everything changed. Bigger artists started noticing him. His name began circulating in industry circles. DJs couldn’t stop dropping his beats.
The rise of the Zanku sound
After “Able God,” Rexxie produced several hits that solidified his new genre. Songs like “Jogor,” “Zanku,” “Kpuu Kpaa,” and “Able God” sequels dominated airwaves. The Zanku movement became more than a dance — it became a cultural phenomenon.
At this point, Rexxie was no longer just an upcoming producer; he was shaping the identity of Street-Pop in Nigeria.
Naira Marley, the Marlian movement, and global visibility
When Rexxie started working with Naira Marley, another explosive chapter opened. Together, they created hits like “Soapy,” “Tesumole,” “Mafo,” and more. These songs weren’t just popular — they became cultural moments.
Suddenly, Nigeria, Africa, and even the diaspora were moving to Rexxie’s beats. His sound crossed borders and became a major part of Afrobeats’ global rise.
Struggles and sacrifices Rexxie faced
The journey wasn’t smooth. Rexxie had to navigate:
- Unpaid early gigs
- People not believing in his sound initially
- Pressure from artists and the industry
- Balancing creativity with commercial demand
- The struggle of building a brand from scratch
But each challenge strengthened his craft.
Rexxie’s breakthrough into mainstream recognition
With consistent hits, collaborations, and an authentic musical identity, Rexxie transitioned from street producer to mainstream powerhouse. His works began winning awards, topping charts, and influencing young producers coming behind him.
From dance trends to club bangers, Rexxie became the heart of modern Nigerian street music.
How self-learning shaped his success
One thing that stands out in Rexxie’s story is that he built his skills outside the formal system. He didn’t rely on expensive studios or big mentors — he relied on:
- YouTube tutorials
- Practice sessions
- Experimentation
- Listening to different genres
- Collaborating with upcoming artists
This DIY approach is what made his sound unique.
One external link
If you want to explore Rexxie’s early credits and discography, you can check his profile on Genius.
Final verdict
Rexxie started music as a self-taught teenage producer who built his sound through curiosity, consistency, and collaboration with upcoming artists. From experimenting on his laptop to influencing a whole continent, his journey is a true story of passion meeting purpose.
Today, Rexxie stands as one of the most important producers in African music — proof that greatness can come from the streets, from curiosity, and from believing in your own sound long before anyone else recognizes it.
