We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yung St4k a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yung, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue music professionally was when I was around 11 or 12 years old, growing up in Lagos. I was with my older brother—who’s now my manager—while he was writing lyrics for an artist he was working with. He came up with this line: “A million dollars for a show, I swear to God, I want to blow.” The artist never ended up using it, but that line stuck with me heavy. It lit something in me that I couldn’t shake.

So I stole the line. And funny enough, it ended up becoming part of the chorus of the first song I ever released. That moment was the spark—not just because of the lyric, but because of how real and powerful it felt to create something from nothing. That was the first time I realized music could be more than just a hobby. It could be my voice, my purpose, my path.

From that day on, I kept writing, recording, and learning. I’d link up with my best friend Yadah, who had FL Studio, and we’d build something out of our little setups like it was a full-on studio. We didn’t know where it would all lead, but I knew I was locked in from that point forward. Music had me, and I haven’t looked back since

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Yung St4k (pronounced “Young Stak”), and I’m an Afrofusion artist born in Ibadan, Nigeria and raised in Lagos, now based in Halifax, Canada. I make music that blends Afro-rooted rhythms with global influences—creating something that feels grounded but still universal. My sound is emotional, reflective, and often carries themes of joy, struggle, and connection.

Since moving to Halifax, I’ve become part of the Million Vibes Collective, a community that’s helped me grow creatively and professionally. Through them, I’ve hit stages like Snaxx, Hopscotch, and BNXN Live, and have continued to connect with other dope artists in the city. That environment really helped me elevate—from local collabs to delivering performances.

What sets me apart is my authenticity. I’m not trying to be anyone else. I bring my full story—from the streets of Lagos to the stages in Halifax—into every track. My goal is to make music that feels—something people can vibe with but also see themselves in.

Right now, I’m proud of the growth—vocally, lyrically, and as a performer. From writing verses in my notebook as a kid to performing live and getting real love from people, it’s been a journey I’m grateful to God for. I’m focused on staying consistent, connecting deeper with my audience, and pushing Afro sounds into new spaces.

If you’re just tuning in—know this: I’ve got a lot more to say. And this is only the beginning.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing people connect with the emotions I pour into my music. There’s something powerful about watching a song you made in your room go on to resonate with someone halfway across the world. When people tell me a lyric hit them or helped them through something—that’s the real reward. It reminds me that this gift God gave me isn’t just for me—it’s to share, to uplift, to bring joy or comfort to others.

There’s also a unique kind of fulfillment that comes from self-expression—being able to say exactly how you feel through your art and having people genuinely receive and relate to it. That connection, that impact, even if it’s just on one person, is everything. And yeah, as much as we all say “do you,” there’s still something deeply affirming about being seen and accepted for who you are. That validation hits different when it’s tied to your truth.

To me, that’s what makes it all worth it—knowing that I’m using my voice to make people feel something and that, through music, I’m adding some kind of light to the world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

When I think about what I want to be known for in music, it really comes down to one thing—impact. I want to add value to people’s lives. I want my music to make people feel good, to bring them joy, comfort, or even just a sense of connection. The same way I feel when I hear certain artists that inspire me—if I can give someone else that feeling, even just once, then I know I’ve done something right.

Another major part of my mission is to use this gift to provide for my family. This is my passion, and if I can turn that passion into a means of supporting the people I love, then that’s a huge win for me. I want to be in a position where my music not only speaks to people but also opens doors—for myself and for the ones who’ve supported me from the start.

At the core of it all, though, is love. Love for the craft, love for the process, love for the mic. No matter what happens, I’m always going to be creating—because this is who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yung-st4k.supertape.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadsDBipXQQXQtFsp2ad-fSFF-SUfmgtWnpWWF-4w2ecPqzlioS-QiWYKrd_UA_aem_PjxXbaR_z4WB32KebRmbmw
• Instagram: Yungst4k
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yungst4k?si=k6t_WUA7uyUqkSx0

Image Credits

Meghan Tansey Whitton
Deji Majek
Olajuwon Cole
Sara Wai
Tolu