Mannywellz recalls the first time music moved him to tears. As a teenager, he was listening to Așa’s “Eyé àdabá.” The song touched him deeply, marking the first time he felt such emotion through music. “I remember just lying down, listening to it as like a teenager, and just getting emotional,” he shared with Newsweek. For Emmanuel Ajomale, known as Mannywellz, feeling is central to his craft. Born in Nigeria and raised in Maryland, his music blends Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and prayer. His songs create bridges between his Yoruba roots and his experiences in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, forming a unique expression of belonging.
A Sound Shaped by Movement
Mannywellz grew up in a Yoruba family in Nigeria and later in Maryland. The transition created a unique blend in his music rather than a cultural divide. “I spent a good portion of my life in Nigeria,” he said, “and then I also spent a good portion of my life in the DMV, Maryland, to be specific.” Here, he connected with Nigerian, Caribbean, and other African cultures, while also drawing upon American R&B. “That just kind of bled into my music,” he said, describing a mix of diverse influences without losing their distinctiveness. His albums like Mirage, SoulFro, and Small Chops enrich this fusion, focusing more on emotional continuity than genre boundaries. Influences like King Sunny Ade, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, and Sade shape his music. “Those are like my Mount Rushmore,” he stated, citing their impact on his creative confidence.
The Discipline of an Appetizer
His EP Small Chops, inspired by the Nigerian appetizer selection, illustrates his meticulous approach. The project, under 15 minutes, showcases features from Lekan and Wale. Mannywellz handled much of the writing and production himself. “I wanted to just give people like an appetizer,” he said. “A very filling appetizer.” Each track was crafted with brevity and depth in mind. “If you feel something, I feel like I did my job.” He set firm boundaries, ensuring the project remained true to its concept, regardless of the featured talent.
Faith in the Studio
His music blends technical skill and spirituality. Some ideas arrive through prayer, others through practice. “Sometimes, like I’m creating out of divine inspiration,” he explained. This balance allows his songs to move seamlessly between different emotions. “God is my everything,” he stated, despite knowing such themes might be challenging to integrate. “I don’t shy away from it,” he affirmed, establishing faith as a core element of his work.
Social Advocacy
Mannywellz values immigration deeply. He speaks thoughtfully on the topic, relating it to his personal migration experience. “Immigration is a very important topic and issue to me,” he said. His advocacy goes beyond superficial branding. “If I’m the only one that has to speak up or can speak up, I don’t mind doing that.” He supports causes both vocally and materially, reflecting a commitment to social change inspired by figures like Jesus.
Future Prospects
Small Chops is a precursor to future projects. Mannywellz already has a title for his next project and hints at more personal stories to come. “I haven’t even touched 10% of what I could talk about in my records,” he revealed. His aim is to make listeners feel something special. With his next endeavors in view, Mannywellz looks to share more of his journey and creativity with the world.