Anthony Ketuojor Ikediuba, known as Ketu, is a Nigerian artist, designer, and singer/songwriter. He moved to Texas in 2001, where he explored his creativity during his childhood. Later, he studied art and design at Westwood College and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California. In LA, he became known for designing motion graphics, cover art, and logos for artists such as Khalid, Lil Nas X, Symphani Soto, Ciscero, and others.
Despite music being his main focus, Ketu is a multifaceted individual. He enjoys activities like chess, basketball, weightlifting, and reading to keep his mind sharp. He intentionally sets aside time for non-musical pursuits to gain new experiences. Ketu's portfolio includes work for children's books, Netflix, Facebook, ACLU, Universal Music Group, and The NFL.
In his artistic expression, Ketu draws inspiration from various musicians including Coldplay, Justin Nozuka, Matt Corby, Daniel Caesar, Andy Bey, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lianne La Havas, The Script, Lifehouse, and Terry Callier. He is driven to create music that reflects authenticity and the relationships he has cultivated, fostering a sense of vulnerability in his work. Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing or performing music? Tell us about it!
Yes there was a person or persons that were the catalyst. A few people ranging from close friends to Uber riders. They would compliment my singing and just kept impressing on me that I should go for it. After hearing this all I tried it out like early 2019 but it was not good haha but who ever really is when they first start? For me though, I quit at that time. Later on in that year I had ran into someone I used to be really close with and that interaction made me realize that I needed to be myself and as vulnerable as possible in my music. That was the push to help me find my place.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the CRAZIEST thing that has ever happened to you in your music career?
Getting the opportunity to perform at SXSW is up there for me while only being a little over 2 years into performing! An absolute dream. Incredibly grateful to God and my team for the opportunity.
What has been the high point of your music path?
Meeting people who resonate with the music and how much it’s touched them. You never really know how things can impact people until you’re out in the world I guess. I spend so much time in my own bubble ruminating etc so to see the fruit of my art in person is an incredible feeling.
So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?
It varies for me. Im also an illustrator so a lot of things come visually to me. Other times it starts with a melody that comes to me or with words I have written down that I explicitly want to say to starting on the piano or guitar finding the chords needed.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?
I would say the biggest challenge facing indie artists today is the financial part. We all want to be able to live off our art and just be able to continue creating
If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?
Wow if I could share the stage with one other artist or band it would have to be Sade if I’m honest. I’ll just always be a huge fan. She’s like the queen of Nigeria to me haha
Pick one song that was your greatest challenge to write. Tell us about it!
The song that was my greatest challenge to write isn’t actually out yet. When it is I’ll talk about for sure!
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough..then tell us more!!
Cinematic, vulnerable, human
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else? Tell us why.
My favorite part of being an artist is having an avenue where I can express myself without judgement. And also just being able to share it with others. Even though it’s very personal to me other people can still be able to relate to it.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?: If I’m not doing music I’m probably working on a children’s book as an illustrator or maybe a book cover. I also love to read fiction. From comics, manga, to novels. I play chess as well and bake when I can.
What's coming up in the future for you?
Next for me is starting the release of my next EP. I lived a lot of life to finish it so I’m excited for when it’s finally out into the world. Learn more at https://guinrecords.com/artist/ketu https://www.youtube.com/@ketumusic