Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yakubu Izuagbe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yakubu, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I first decided to pursue a creative path professionally as a music producer during my late teens. While my peers were mostly listening to hip hop, I was exposed to a wide variety of music from Duran Duran to Fela Kuti to Phil Collins. To that point, my life had always been blended with cultural diversity. My father was invited on a full scholarship to Oregon State University from Benin City, Nigeria and from there his research took us all over the world from the landscapes of Edinburgh, Scotland to the bustling city of London and various states in the U.S. like Florida, Texas, and California. My upbringing was a patchwork of experiences that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t imagine at the time.
Although we moved around a lot, we always stayed rooted in our African heritage and Nigerian culture. Likewise, I had always been drawn to music, playing various instruments and experimenting with sounds from a young age. When I started using production software and realized I could create entire tracks on my own, the excitement was undeniable. I was captivated by the process of turning ideas into music that could move people emotionally. This realization that I could shape the soundscapes that form the backdrop of people’s lives is what made me commit to music production as a professional career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I remember being around 5 years old when my father explained what a vinyl album was and how to operate a turntable. One day when he came home from work, he found me attempting to play the albums on our record player. As a child, I didn’t understand how delicate vinyl was so there was a lot of scratching going on! I didn’t know then, but this was a foreshadowing of times to come. The blend of music and cultures as we moved around quite a bit laid the foundation for my musical exploration.

By 2001, I was able to develop my passion into a professional career, which has been marked by a series of notable collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry, from T-Pain to Katy Perry, which took me all over the world and in rooms I used to dream about.

Then in 2014, I started DJing in L.A. as a way to further explore my relationship with music. At the time I was going by the name Rebel. I’ve always challenged the status quo. For me, being a rebel was not about rebellion for its own sake, but because I’ve always challenged the narratives put before us. I quickly built relationships with the top clubs in Hollywood. This led to residencies at top clubs such as Supper Club, Project, Henry’s, Nightingale and many more.

I’ve now rebranded as Year 4000 as I embrace the one constant in life: change. I’m currently working on an EP and creating my own event named Casa Noir which will eventually evolve into a global tour. I’m ready to conquer the world, again. Why not? Life is not about the destination, it’s about the journey. When you embrace change instead of clinging to the past, you get a chance at shaping the future.

As Year 4000, I’m a DJ and music producer with a passion for creating infectious beats that make people move. My work revolves around blending house music with the vibrant rhythms of afrobeat, resulting in a unique and electrifying sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. I specialize in crafting tracks that combine deep, pulsating beats with rich and energetic percussion. This fusion creates a dynamic and immersive experience, whether it’s in a club, at a festival, or through your headphones. My sets are known for their seamless transitions, high energy, and the ability to keep the dance floor packed from start to finish.

What sets me apart from others is my dedication to authenticity and my deep respect for the cultural roots of the music I create. By staying true to the essence of afrobeat while infusing it with modern house elements, I strive to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. My ability to merge these genres seamlessly and authentically has earned me a loyal following and recognition within the music industry.

So far one of my proudest moments have been receiving a 6x Platinum Plaque for music I produced. I remember listening to producers such as Kanye West, Pharrell and Timbaland on the radio and finding myself inspired. I knew I could do it. Eventually hearing music that I produced on the radio was an eye opener and defining moment. When I first met my mentor, I was in awe of the many accolades adorning his wall. It was a powerful motivator and now I’m proud to say I have my own. I went from producing for local talent to collaborating with songwriters and artists I’ve idolized for years.

Having already achieved significant milestones in the music industry, I’m most excited for what’s to come. I’m combining all of the experiences and influences I’ve picked up on my journey and creating new brands that work in tandem as a support system. One of these new endeavors is an event named Casa Noir and will be debuting in Atlanta in July 2024. It will feature myself and guest DJ’s from many different backgrounds. Casa Noir will be a platform to expand the afro and international sound, giving attendees the best of all worlds with a high energy mixture of afrobeats, amapiano, house and R&B/soul. This will allow us to push the boundaries even further as the goal is to eventually tour the world. There’s so much left for me to express through my music, the creation of this event will provide a vehicle to not only showcase my new sounds but the music of many other African and global artists. My other new creation is an immersive visual arts and music based show called Uncurated. As the name suggests, anything goes. The main goal of Uncurated is to create experiences that not only showcase music but art of all kinds from abstract art to sculptural installations while connecting deeply with people across the globe.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs are a compelling innovation in the digital realm, providing creators with new ways to monetize and authenticate their work, from art and music to videos. They enable provenance and digital ownership, which helps combat piracy and ensures creators are recognized and compensated for their work. They offer an evolutionary approach to the buying, selling, and ownership of digital content, promising a dynamic future.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Ultimately, my goal is to bring joy and unity through music, celebrating diversity and the universal language of rhythm and dance. Every track I produce and every set I perform is a testament to my passion for music and my commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for my audience.

My goal is to leave a lasting legacy of always pushing the boundaries of creativity. I strive to deliver music that resonates with people, making them feel something profound and memorable. Being on the cutting edge of creativity is not just a personal aspiration but a commitment to my audience. I want my music to be remembered as something that continually evolved, challenged norms, and brought joy to listeners.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/year4000_
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/year4000_
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/year4000