Thutmose Is Crafting A New Narrative With Heaven On Earth

Art imitates life, and as the world (and our lives) rapidly changes, the artists emerging in all these shifts have captured it through their art. One such artist is Thutmose, (born Umar Ibrahim). In a musical climate where some artists may create fictional realities, Thutmose’s art sonically imitates the story of his own life. In his music we hear the two worlds he is caught between musically colliding. With the release of his new EP, Heaven on Earth, Thutmose delves deeper into the duality of his experience as a first-generation immigrant, blending the plight of his past with the eclectic sounds of contemporary music.

Thutmose’s Instagram bio reads, “BROOKLYN BABY, NAIJA BAD BOY,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of his identity. It’s a bold declaration of his dual roots—proudly representing both his Brooklyn upbringing and his Nigerian heritage. This amalgam of cultures is a running theme within  his music, embodying the raw, gritty energy of New York with the colorful spirit of Nigeria.

Born in Nigeria, Thutmose’s  childhood was abruptly interrupted by the tragic Lagos Armoury Explosion. The Lagos Armoury Explosion happened in 2002, where a “huge weapons store exploded” which displaced thousands of Lagosians. This devastating event forced his family to move to Brooklyn. The shift from Lagos to a new reality in East New York. The stories and significance of these two places, in two different continents, almost different worlds – Thutmose’s music threads these two places together.

After learning his story, it is clear that Heaven On Earth is so much more than just an EP—it’s a powerful and heartfelt reconnection with Thutmose’s origins.  The songs on Heaven On Earth also explore universal themes that feel relatable. “Champagne on Ice,” dives into being seduced by a woman with a “fine body”— a motif that has become a staple in the music of Nigerian superstars like Davido, Burna Boy, and WizKid. These well-known artists have long celebrated the chemistry between romance, desire, and opulence in their music, mixing seductive lyrics with infectious rhythms. 

In “Lagos 2 Vegas”, he explores youthful hubris, and vulnerably speaks about the mistakes he made when he was “young, living wild and dumb.” That lyric immediately brings to mind similar tracks such as Khalid’s “Young, Dumb, and Broke” and Wiz Khalifa’s “Young, Wild, and Free.” He alludes to how he made mistakes with his young love. It breaks down societal barriers that do not give people permission to be vulnerable about ones yearning for love. In “No More Goodbyes” he says, “I don’t have anything, I don’t have anyone – where should I call home?” Thutmose expresses a deep sense of displacement after heartbreak. It’s an exploration of the complexity of home, suggesting that home isn’t just a physical place but also a sense of romantic security and connection. 

Tracks like “Ballon D’or” – with the heavy Amapiano and Afrobeats sounds – embodies this musical experience that speaks to the heart of his dual identity. He sings, “Nigerian boy, love my confidence, … streets of New York never forget who made you,” Thutmose is affirming both his Nigerian heritage and the strong influence of his upbringing in New York. Nigerian culture, known for its emphasis on resilience, self-confidence, and pride, is a key part of his identity. 

Thutmose’s music is a perfect example of how these genres aren’t just blending—they’re telling a bigger story. By incorporating elements of all three, Thutmose creates a sound that reflects the global Black experience, highlighting the beauty in diverse cultural expressions. 

This EP affirmed his identity as a Lagos-born and Brooklyn-raised artist. There’s a Xhosa proverb that states that you cannot grow if you have not acknowledged and embraced your roots. It is clear that he is evolving and growing as an artist through embracing his roots in two different places, and that experience brings a new conversation to Afrobeats as a genre. Often, famous Afrobeats artists were raised in Nigeria for all their lives. It is exciting to see what the Nigerian diaspora has in store for the genre.

As Thutmose gears up for what’s more to come in his career, one can only anticipate what more he has in store for his listeners. Heaven On Earth stands as a landmark in Thutmose’s career, marking a period of profound growth and creative exploration. It’s a project that doesn’t just invite listeners to hear his story but to feel it—to walk the tightrope of identity and experience the beauty that lies in the balance.