Popular Afrobeat star and songwriter, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, better known as Kizz Daniel, has opened up about the close relationship he had with his late father.
In a recent podcast interview, the music star revealed that the loss of his father had a lasting impact on him and directly inspired his emotional new song, Al-Jannah.
During the interview, Kizz Daniel described his father as his “best friend” and reflected on how deeply his passing affected him. He said the death of his father in 2015 changed his perspective on life, relationships, and how he expresses emotions through music.
‘My dad was my best friend’
“When my dad was alive, he was my best friend,” the singer stated, his voice filled with emotion. According to Kizz Daniel, the bond he shared with his father went beyond the usual father-son relationship. It was a deep friendship that shaped much of who he is today.
His father, a lecturer and disciplinarian, passed away on May 9, 2015, just a few days after the singer celebrated his 21st birthday. That loss, Kizz Daniel said, was one of the hardest moments of his life.
The meaning behind ‘Al-Jannah’
The track Al-Jannah, which means “paradise” in Arabic, is a heartfelt tribute not only to his father but to other loved ones he and his wife have lost over the years. The singer explained that the idea behind the song was to create something that speaks to everyone who has lost someone dear.
“We’ve lost people in the past. We lost our son in 2021. I lost my dad in 2015. My wife lost her mum in 2024. I also lost my step-mum,” he shared.
Kizz Daniel said the song was born from the pain of multiple losses and the desire to honour all the departed souls in a meaningful way. Rather than focus on just one person, he wanted Al-Jannah to serve as a song of comfort for everyone going through grief.
A song for everyone
“I wanted to make a song for everyone, not just one person. It’s about the loved ones we have lost in this journey of life,” the singer explained. He added that he aimed to bring healing and comfort to listeners who might be experiencing similar pain.
Kizz Daniel revealed that one of the most emotional elements of the song is the word “friend,” which he uses to represent the people who meant the most to him. “I think I was able to accomplish that by using the word ‘friend’ in the song,” he noted.
Fans react to emotional track
Since its release, Al-Jannah has touched the hearts of many fans across the world. On social media, fans have praised Kizz Daniel for his openness and the depth of emotion in the song. Many say the track helped them process their own grief and reminded them of the loved ones they have lost.
Music critics also note that the song marks a mature turn in Kizz Daniel’s artistic journey, showing a different side of him, one that is vulnerable, reflective, and emotionally aware.
A personal chapter in his career
The Buga crooner is known for his catchy tunes and upbeat sound, but Al-Jannah offers something more personal. It shows a man who is not afraid to talk about pain, loss, and the people who shaped him.
By drawing from personal experiences, Kizz Daniel continues to grow not only as an artist but also as a storyteller. Al-Jannah is more than just a song; it is a message of love, memory, and healing.
With this emotional tribute, the singer has once again connected with his audience, reminding them that even in sorrow, music can be a source of strength.
Read Also: Kizz Daniel regains master rights to New Era debut album, hit singles
Kizz Daniel pauses music until 2026 after mother-in-law’s death
