American R&B Singer, Songwriter and Grammy-winning artist Eric Bellinger arrived Nigeria to a royal welcome and gearing up to release his highly anticipated album It All Makes Sense. As Afrobeats continues to take the world by storm, Bellinger reflects on his creative journey and the power of collaboration with some of Nigeria’s finest talents.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Bellinger opened up about his first visit to Nigeria and the incredible experience of being welcomed “like royalty.“
“It was just incredible,” he said, reflecting on his arrival. “I was excited to see so much going on, especially since it was late at night, and when I realised the celebration was just for the fact that we had touched down, I felt so much love. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Bellinger, known for his hit songs and songwriting credits for stars like Usher and Chris Brown, is in Nigeria for the highly anticipated Mega Star Man of the Decade Awards. He shared, “I’m just so grateful to be here, performing in Nigeria. It feels full circle to see how far my music has come and the love I’m receiving from the fans here. This experience is beyond what I imagined.”
Alongside the event, he’s set to release his new album, It All Makes Sense a project he’s incredibly excited about. “We’ve had a lot of mental prep and coordination, from visas to rehearsals, and now with the album dropping the same night as the award show, it’s a full-circle moment for me,” he shared.
He also touched on the influence of Nigerian artists on his music. “I’m living my dream right now,” Bellinger said. “The album features collaborations with artists like Tiwa Savage, Oxlade, Rotimi and Ricardo Banks. This is more than just an album it’s a celebration of the African sound. When I came here to make music, it was all about connecting with the culture. This experience has been life-changing.”
As Afrobeats continues to make waves globally, Bellinger shared how the genre’s joyful rhythms have inspired his own music. “Afrobeat and amapiano are like a joyful edge to R&B. They allow me to still feel the soul of R&B while dancing and singing to melodies that make you feel good,” he explained.
Known not just as a performer but as a father and husband, Bellinger balances his personal and professional life with a packed schedule.
“Being a hands-on dad to my two sons and making time for my family keeps me grounded,” he said. “I love to stay active, whether it’s performing, working with my label, or making time for my wife. It’s all about managing my time and staying present.”
“What keeps me grounded is knowing there’s always more to do,” he said. “Working with people like Beyoncé has shown me the importance of constantly pushing forward. There are serious levels to this, but you’ve got to keep working.”
Looking ahead, Bellinger’s plans include a grand album release party in Lagos and even more collaborations with Nigerian artists. “You’ll definitely see me in Lagos soon,” he confirmed. “I’m bringing that energy and style with me ready to set the city on fire.”
“Fans can expect his new deluxe album, It All Makes Sense 100, to drop at midnight tonight, featuring 20 feel-good tracks. It’s all about love and positivity. Press play, and let the good vibes take over,” Bellinger said.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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