Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Sam Kingpin has released his new single, “Storyteller,” a socially conscious Afro-fusion record inspired by the everyday realities facing ordinary Nigerians.
The song touches on economic hardship, rising living costs, broken promises, and the challenges of trying to survive in an increasingly difficult environment. Rather than presenting a direct political attack, Sam Kingpin uses the record to tell a wider story about Nigeria through the experiences of the people living in it.
“Storyteller” was originally written and produced by Sam Kingpin in 2016 after a late-night studio session took an unexpected turn. While scrolling through Instagram, the artiste came across a series of news stories that made him pause and question the relationship between political leadership and the people they represent.
“Why don’t our leaders seem to care about the people they represent? That question became the foundation of the song,” he explains.
The record developed into an indirect message to politicians who return during election cycles with campaigns, promises and carefully chosen words, while many of the same challenges continue to affect ordinary citizens.
Instead of placing the spotlight solely on politicians, however, “Storyteller” centres the common man. The song captures the frustration, resilience and hope of people navigating the realities of everyday life. Ten years after the original recording, Sam Kingpin revisited the song in 2026, reproducing it for a new release. The decision to bring the track back a decade later gives “Storyteller” an interesting perspective. What was written as a reflection of Nigeria in 2016 continues to speak to circumstances that remain familiar, turning the song into more than an archival record of its time.
For Sam Kingpin, the message ultimately comes back to Nigeria and its people, their ability to endure difficult circumstances and the hope that the country’s story can eventually change. Born Olaniran Samuel Olawale, Sam Kingpin is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer and creative artist whose music draws heavily from African rhythms, everyday experiences and storytelling.
Emerging from Lagos, he has developed a sound that moves across Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, Afropop and soul, while incorporating elements of Fuji and other African musical traditions. Sam Kingpin began recording music as a teenager after initially exploring visual art. His musical influences include African legends such as King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey, alongside Bob Marley and Fela Kuti.
His journey into music production grew through his involvement in Lagos’ music community. A connection with producer KBass sparked a deeper interest in production, eventually leading him to apprentice under producer Lahlah, where he gained experience in recording, songwriting and the wider Nigerian music industry.
With “Storyteller,” Sam Kingpin revisits a song born from questions about society and leadership while placing the experiences of ordinary Nigerians at the centre of the conversation.
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