Box in at your own peril. 

Since his debut at the turn of this decade, the Belfast-hailing artist has bridged the lilting sounds of alt R&B with the grit and anarchic spirit of punk and rap. 

Each project released in the span of a few years has showcased the intrepid instincts of their maker. Debut mixtape ‘’, released in 2023, was a mesh of rock, RnB and UK rap informed by internet-ready Gen Z colloquials. But it was the bonafide smash hit ‘ that took Adetejuni from a local success story to a transatlantic star, a frenetic primer to last year’s project, ‘A Jaguar’s Dream’.

New single ‘Distraction’ – a cool, cavernous number evoking ‘Trilogy’-era The Weeknd – ushers in forthcoming collection ‘The World Of Zen’. The immersive audio-visual project introduces the titular protagonist and alter-ego, Zen. This is Jordan Adetunji bridging past and future, tradition and innovation, and heightened melodrama with moments of bracing sincerity. This is Jordan Adetunji assuming form.

For CLASH’S PLTFRM series, Jordan Adetunji maps out his career up till now, opening up on his origin story and the limitless potential of his new era.

You’ve described yourself as being at a place of peace while also feeling ready to “attack everything”. How do those two mindsets coexist, and what has it taken to reach that balance?

I think peace and ambition can exist at the same time. I’m not chasing things from a place of proving myself anymore. I’m grateful for where I’m at, but I’m still hungry. That peace just gives me more clarity to attack everything without feeling desperate.

Growing up between Nigerian influences, Belfast culture, rock music, UK rap and Afrobeats, was there ever pressure to choose one lane, or has genre-blending always felt like the most honest expression of who you are?

I never really saw myself fitting into one lane. Growing up I was listening to everything, from Nigerian music at home to rock, rap and R&B. Blending those worlds feels more honest than trying to pick one identity.

You often talk about wanting to combine all of your influences rather than separating them. What excites you most about breaking down genre boundaries in 2026?

Music feels a lot more open now. People aren’t as interested in getting their music from one source anymore, they’re interested in how something makes them feel. That’s exciting because I can make exactly what I hear in my head without worrying what genre people call it.

‘The World Of Zen’ introduces an alter ego, but Zen feels less like a character and more like a state of mind. Who is Zen, and what parts of yourself were you able to access through that lens?

Zen is the version of me that’s completely fearless creatively. It’s not really another person, it’s just me with no hesitation. That world gave me permission to push ideas further and trust my instincts.

The single ‘Climbing Up’ feels deeply personal. You speak about proving doubters wrong and continuing despite setbacks. Was there a specific moment in your career that inspired the song?

There wasn’t one moment, it was years of hearing “no,” feeling overlooked and wondering if things were ever going to change. Once things finally started happening, I realised all those moments became fuel for the song.

You’ve said that ‘Climbing Up’ is about standing back up when the world doesn’t slow down for your pain. How has your relationship with resilience changed since your breakthrough?

I’ve realised resilience isn’t about pretending you’re okay. It’s about accepting that life keeps moving and deciding you’re going to move with it. That’s something I’ve learned over the last few years.

The success of ‘KEHLANI’ was meteoric, but you’ve spoken about being shocked by how quickly everything happened. Looking back now, what did that moment teach you about fame versus fulfillment?

It taught me that success happens a lot faster than personal growth sometimes. Everyone sees the moment, but they don’t see you trying to process it. Fame is exciting but true fulfilment comes from still loving the music after all the noise dies down.

After a song reaches the scale that ‘KEHLANI’ did, how do you stop yourself from chasing another viral moment and stay focused on artistry?

I try not to think about numbers when I’m creating. If you chase a viral moment, you’re already behind. I’d rather make music I’m proud of because I think that’s what lasts.

Belfast isn’t the first city people associate with global pop culture movements. How has growing up there shaped your perspective as an artist navigating an international audience?

Growing up in Belfast gave me a different perspective. It made me realise great music can come from anywhere. I never felt like I had to sound like everyone else to be heard.

Throughout ‘The World Of Zen’, there’s a recurring theme of self-reflection and emotional honesty. Do you find it easier to reveal those truths in music than in everyday life?

Definitely through music. Songs let me say things I probably wouldn’t say in conversation. It’s almost like therapy sometimes.

Songs like ‘Betray Me’ and ‘Liquor Talking’ draw from sounds rooted in the past while still feeling contemporary. What do you think today’s generation can learn from the emotional directness of classic R&B and new jack swing?

Those records weren’t afraid to be emotional. Whether it was heartbreak, love or confidence – they committed to the feeling. I think that’s something people still connect with today.

You cite artists as varied as Jimi Hendrix, Burna Boy, Joy Division, Prince and Usher as influences. Is there a common thread that connects all the music that inspires you?

Authenticity. Whether it’s Prince, Hendrix, The Weeknd or Drake , they all created their own world. They don’t stick to one standard that we are told music or a certain sound should be “done like this” and that’s what inspires me most.

Collaboration has played a significant role in your recent work, whether that’s Nija, Take A Daytrip, Bryson Tiller or Lil Baby. What do you look for in a creative collaborator beyond talent?

Energy. I want to work with people who genuinely love creating and aren’t afraid to experiment. Talent gets you in the room, but chemistry makes the record.

Your music often balances ambition with vulnerability. Do you think audiences today are more drawn to artists who are willing to show both sides of themselves?

I think people can tell when someone’s real. Confidence is important, but vulnerability is what people actually connect with because everyone goes through something.

How do you personally define success now compared to when you first started making music?

When I started, success was just getting people to hear my music. Now it’s about building something that lasts and making work that still means something years from now.

What parts of your younger self are you trying to hold onto as your world gets bigger?

Curiosity. I never want to lose that feeling of experimenting and making music because it’s exciting. That’s the part of myself I protect the most.

The title ‘The World Of Zen’ suggests you’re building something larger than an album—a universe of ideas, influences and perspectives. What do you hope people discover when they step into that world?

I hope people leave feeling like they know me better, but also feeling inspired to embrace every side of themselves. ‘The World of Zen’ is about not putting yourself in a box.

Looking ahead, what would you like Jordan Adetunji’s legacy to be: a hitmaker, a genre innovator, a cultural bridge-builder—or something else entirely?

I’d rather be remembered as someone who expanded what people thought was possible. If people say I helped blur the lines between genres and inspired artists to take risks, that’s enough for me.

Who is on your own Next Wave playlist? Any artists or recommendations you want to put us onto?

I’ve been listening to a lot of people doing their own thing. I always tell people to check out artists before everyone catches on because that’s where the excitement is.

Talk to us about the collaborations on the new album. How has your time been in the USA working with collaborators?

Being in the States has been amazing because you’re surrounded by so many different creatives. Every session feels different, and it’s pushed me to think bigger and experiment more than ever.

Can you talk to us about how Kehlani herself picked up on the track and how the actual remix with her came together. Do you have any more plans for collaborations in the future?

Seeing Kehlani acknowledge the song was surreal because it started as something really natural. Having her jump on the remix felt full circle. She was super genuine throughout the whole process, and it all happened really organically. I’m definitely open to more collaborations if they happen naturally like that.

Tell us about some of your favourite items in your wardrobe at the moment. What do you look for in the perfect fit?

I’m really into pieces with personality. I like clothes that feel a bit timeless but still different. The perfect fit is something that’s comfortable, has a strong silhouette, and feels like an extension of who I am rather than just following trends.