Some songs are made simply to entertain, while others carry stories that reveal something more personal about the people behind them. For Nigerian artists Rabbai and XnoteOrious, their latest collaboration, “Jane Doe,” brings both sides together, pairing infectious Afrobeats rhythms with contemporary R&B influences to explore a subject that goes beyond the surface.
Known individually as Ibe Olisaemeka Henry (Rabbai) and Mmesoma Ugochukwu Echefu (XnoteOrious), the two artists first connected during their university days. What began as a friendship between coursemates gradually developed into a creative partnership built on mutual understanding and complementary musical perspectives. “Jane Doe” is their third collaboration, reflecting a working relationship that has become increasingly natural, with each artist bringing a distinct approach to the process.
At the heart of the single is a deeply personal story. Drawing from his own experience with addiction, Rabbai uses the song to explore the complicated relationship between desire, attachment and the struggle to regain control. Rather than presenting the subject in simple terms, “Jane Doe” captures the conflicting emotions that can accompany addiction, moving between acceptance and denial. For Rabbai, writing the record was also a cathartic experience, giving him an opportunity to confront feelings he had previously avoided and recognise that a struggle does not have to define the person experiencing it.
XnoteOrious, who handles the production, helps translate those emotions into a sound that remains engaging without losing the weight of the subject. The Afrobeats foundation brings movement and energy, while the contemporary R&B elements create space for the song’s more reflective moments. The result is a collaboration designed to connect on different levels: something listeners can enjoy casually, but also revisit for the story beneath its rhythm.
Beyond “Jane Doe,” both artists share a strong sense of responsibility towards the culture and the generation of Nigerian musicians continuing to shape its future. Their creative outlook is rooted in adding their individual voices to a much larger musical movement, while building something of their own through Same House Records, which Rabbai describes as more than a label.
In this conversation, Rabbai and XnoteOrious open up about their musical beginnings, the friendship behind their collaboration, the personal experiences that inspired “Jane Doe,” and the creative process that brings their different sounds together. They also discuss the importance of honesty in songwriting, the evolving Nigerian music scene and what lies ahead for their individual careers and shared vision.
To start, could you both introduce yourselves and tell us how your individual journeys into music began?
Rabbai: My name is Ibe Olisaemeka Henry, better known as Rabbai. My journey started the way a lot of musical journeys do — back in secondary school, freestyling at the back of classrooms during lunch breaks.
I can’t lie, those moments really birthed my love for rhythm. We had pens, sticks, and wooden desks making the beats. You had no choice but to groove. What started as something we did for fun eventually became something I took seriously during my university days. That’s when I really began developing my artistry and finding my sound.
XnoteOrious: I’m Mmesoma Ugochukwu Echefu, professionally known as XnoteOrious. I’m an artist and producer, and for me, music has always been about creating something people can connect with. Being involved in both the production and the artistry allows me to express ideas from different angles.
You each have your own musical identity, but seem to share a natural creative connection. How did you first meet, and what brought you together as collaborators?
Rabbai: Yeah, the chemistry is actually surreal, both musically and personally. X na werey, so we just had to click!
We met during our university days. We were coursemates, so technically, we met in school, but I’d say we really connected in the school of life. There’s a difference between knowing somebody and genuinely understanding them. That connection eventually translated into the music, and everything just happened naturally.
“Jane Doe” marks your third collaboration. How has your creative relationship developed since your first time working together?
XnoteOrious: I think we’ve reached a point where we really understand each other’s sound and what we both bring to a record. With every collaboration, the process becomes more natural. There’s less overthinking and more creating.
We have different approaches to music, but they complement each other. That understanding gives us the freedom to experiment, and I think you can hear that growth in Jane Doe.
The song explores addiction, desire, and the emotional conflict that can come when something you love becomes difficult to escape. What inspired you to tell this particular story?
Rabbai: I’ll be completely honest about this one. At the time, I was struggling with a long-standing addiction, so the emotions behind the record were very real.
Creating Jane Doe was actually a cathartic experience for me. It forced me to confront certain things about myself that I’d spent a long time avoiding.
One realization that stayed with me was that the addiction wasn’t who I was. It was something I’d neglected and allowed to find shelter within me. Writing the song helped me recognize that distinction, and that was a powerful moment for me personally.
You describe “Jane Doe” as being inspired by real experiences. How did those personal experiences influence the lyrics and overall direction of the song?
Rabbai: With almost every addiction, there’s a love-hate relationship. You’re drawn to something while simultaneously recognizing the damage it might be causing.
I wanted the song to capture that contradiction, so I approached it from different emotional perspectives. One part represents acceptance, while another represents denial. Sometimes those feelings even switch places.
That’s the reality of that kind of struggle. It’s rarely straightforward. One moment you think you have everything figured out, and the next you’re questioning yourself again. I wanted the writing to reflect that internal battle.
The single blends infectious Afrobeats rhythms with smooth contemporary R&B. How did you approach finding the right balance between these two sounds?
XnoteOrious: From the production side, I wanted the sound to reflect the emotions behind the record without making it feel too heavy. The Afrobeats elements bring rhythm and movement, while the R&B influence gives the song room to breathe emotionally.
The goal was to create something you could genuinely vibe to, but when you pay attention to the lyrics, there’s a much deeper story unfolding.
When working together in the studio, how do you divide creative responsibilities, and how do your different musical perspectives shape the final result?
Rabbai: The way we usually create, X does all the magic, and I just find another pathway to the destination.
We have distinct sounds, but there’s a familiar baseline connecting everything. I think that’s what makes the collaboration interesting.
Our approach is simple: let people cruise through the music, but give them something to think about when they really pay attention. There’s always another layer to discover.
What do you hope listeners take away from “Jane Doe,” especially those who may connect with the emotions and experiences explored in the song?
Rabbai: More than anything, I hope the song gives somebody the same outlet it gave me.
One thing I’ve come to understand is that addiction can make you feel like you’ve lost control, and acknowledging that struggle is an important first step toward reclaiming it.
You have to be able to recognize something for what it truly is before you can begin addressing it. For me, awareness was a turning point.
If somebody listens to Jane Doe and feels understood, or even finds the courage to confront something they’ve been avoiding, then the song has already done something meaningful.
Being part of the new wave of Nigerian artists, how do you see your music contributing to the growth and wider recognition of Afrobeats and contemporary Nigerian R&B?
Rabbai: For me, it’s always been, and will forever be, about the CULTURE.
The greats before us laid the foundation, and now it’s our responsibility to build on what they’ve created. I see myself as part of a generation that’s continuing that journey, creating new pathways while staying connected to where we come from.
It’s not necessarily about reinventing everything. Sometimes it’s about adding your own voice to something much bigger than yourself and making sure the culture continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, what can listeners expect from both of you, and are there plans for more collaborations or individual releases following “Jane Doe”?
Rabbai: I’ve never really been much of a talker, so I won’t say too much.
All I can say is, no worry, GBEDU dey fridge. We just gats microwave am serve!
There’s definitely more music coming, and we’re excited about what we’re building.
And one thing I can tell you is that Same House Records is more than just a label to us. It’s a movement. We’re building something bigger than ourselves, and everybody who connects with the vision is welcome to be part of it.
XnoteOrious: Jane Doe is another chapter in what we’re building, not the final destination. We’re constantly creating and developing our sounds, both individually and together. There’s a lot more to come, but for now, we want everyone to experience Jane Doe.
Rabbai: Different sounds, same house.
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