Nigerian Singer Eri Ife Returns With ‘Rubicon’ EP, Shares Journey of Faith and Identity

New EP ‘Rubicon’ marks a personal milestone

Nigerian singer-songwriter Eri Ife has released his latest EP, ‘Rubicon’, a project he describes as a deeply personal exploration of faith and vulnerability. The artist, also known by the moniker ‘Esquire Wey Dey Run Choir’, continues to blend soul, alternative, and R&B influences with gospel storytelling.

In a recent interview, Eri Ife reflected on the tracks that carry the most weight for him. “I knew it was a special record when I wrote it, same as ‘Finding God’,” he said of the song “Found You”. “They’re yin and yang in how they make me feel. But when it comes to the most personally meaningful song for me off the LP, I’d say ‘Miles & Miles’. It’s so real to me.”

From rap alter ego to authentic self

Eri Ife’s path to ‘Rubicon’ involved a deliberate shedding of artistic personas. He began his career as a rapper under a different stage name, inspired by artists like BOB and J. Cole. “I used to be called C*******,” he recalled. “Things changed when I picked up the guitar and started to write and sing songs. I found myself writing more honestly and showing more vulnerability, so I decided it was time to use a name that was my name.”

That shift also brought his Christian faith to the forefront of his music. After years of making what he describes as secular music, he says a spiritual redirection reshaped his output around 2021. “The Eri Ife you see today is just a guy trying to follow his Father’s instructions,” he said.

Nigerian identity and legal training

Although raised in the United Kingdom, Eri Ife’s Nigerian heritage is unmistakable in his sound, from the production choices to lyrics that weave in Yoruba language. He cites early exposure to Lagbaja, Yinka Ayefele, and Asa as formative. “My heritage forms a critical part of my identity,” he explained. “I’m a Yoruba boy who had the privilege of growing up middle class. Being multilingual enables me to access a depth of expression that I might not find satisfactory using just English.”

Alongside music, Eri Ife is a practising entertainment lawyer, a dual path he admits was not easy to navigate. “I’m supremely grateful for my legal training though; it’s helped me to be able to provide legal support to creatives I care about,” he said, noting he has worked on deals for other artists over the past three to four years.

Contemporary inspirations

When asked about current Nigerian artists he admires, Eri Ife pointed to a wave of faith-driven and emotionally transparent musicians. He named AEO (anendlessocean) as a top influence, alongside Sinmidele, Sal Ly, Greatman Takit, and Sewa, whose album ‘Detox’ he praised for its vulnerability.