Daily Inspiration: Meet Yakubu Izuagbe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yakubu Izuagbe

Hi Yakubu, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the U.S. to a father who was invited on a full scholarship from Benin City, Nigeria and a mother who is a walking miracle. My journey began blended with cultural diversity. At an early age I went from America to Nigeria, the landscapes of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Great Britain. My upbringing was a patchwork of experiences that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t imagine at the time.

While my peers were mostly listening to hip hop, I was exposed to a wide variety of music from Duran Duran to Fela Kuti to Phil Collins. I remember being around 5 years old when my Dad explained how vinyl records worked and how to operate a turntable. One day when he came home from work and Found his entire record collection anll over the floor. As a child, I didn’t understand how delicate vinyl was, and the records were out of their sleeves and scratched! Those early experiences fueled my obsession with music and music gear.

In 2001, I stumbled upon my true calling: music production. I started making music as a way to challenge myself creatively but as I evolved and craft, I was able to develop a sound that would lead to a professional career. Those years of finding myself as an artist prepared me for my collaborations with some of the biggest Artists and songwriters in music, including T-Pain and Neyo to name a few.

On the Dj side of things, I’d always played these Nigerian parties for family and my college friends. But in 2014, I set out to Dj at some of the most respected venues in L.A. This was a way to further explore my understanding of music and how it affects the masses. I became the ultimate vibe creator. I quickly built relationships with the top clubs in Hollywood. This led to residencies at top clubs such as Supper Club, Project, Henrys, Nightingale and many more. At the time I was going by the name Rebel. I’ve always challenged the status quo. For me, being a rebel was not about rebellion for its own sake, but because I’ve always challenged the narratives put before us.

I’ve now rebranded as Year 4000 as I embrace the one constant in life: change. I’m currently working on an EP and creating my own Event named Casa Noir which will eventually evolve into a global tour. I’m ready to conquer the world, again. Why not? Life is not about the destination, it’s about the journey. When you embrace change instead of clinging to the past, you get a chance at shaping the future.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it was not. I would say some of the struggles along the way included focusing solely on making music while trying to sustain on an income from that single stream. It was challenging to figure out how to survive on music alone while staying dedicated to it.

Maintaining genuine relationships with other people was also difficult. Some individuals wanted to use my success to advance their own careers. Meeting authentic people in the industry was a challenge.

Additionally, being comfortable with letting go of my work without overthinking or trying to perfect it was tough. Knowing when a track is finished and creatively ready is essential.

Although none of this has been easy, I’ve been able to continuously overcome all hurdles. It’s a constant process. I’ve learned to maintain a balance of unwavering determination while being open to life’s changes. There’s a delicate dance of holding on to one’s vision and knowing when to pivot. The best thing I can do is trust my gut. My instincts have never led me astray.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As Year 4000, I’m a DJ and music producer with a passion for creating infectious beats that make people move. My work revolves around blending house music with the vibrant rhythms of afrobeat, resulting in a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.

I specialize in crafting tracks that combine deep, pulsating beats with rich percussion. This fusion creates a dynamic and immersive experience, whether it’s in a club, at a festival, or through your headphones. My sets are known for their seamless transitions, high energy, and the ability to keep the dance floor packed from start to finish.

Receiving a 6x Platinum Plaque I received for one of the singles I produced has been one of my proudest moments. I remember listening to producers like Kanye West, Pharrell and Timbaland on the radio and finding myself inspired. I knew I could do the same. Eventually hearing music that I produced on the radio was an eye opener and defining moment. When I first met my mentor, I was in awe of the many accolades adorning his wall. It was a powerful motivator, and now, I’m proud to say I have my own. I went from producing for local talent to collaborating with songwriters and artists I’ve idolized for years.

What sets me apart from others is my dedication to authenticity and my deep respect for the cultural roots of the music I create. By staying true to the essence of afrobeat while infusing it with modern house elements, I strive to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. My ability to merge these genres has earned me a loyal following and recognition within the music industry.

Ultimately, my goal is to bring joy and unity through music, celebrating diversity and the universal language of rhythm and dance. Every track I produce and every set I perform is a testament to my passion for music and my commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for my audience.

Having already achieved significant milestones in the music industry, I’m most excited for what’s to come. One of these new endeavors is an event named Casa Noir this summer. It will feature myself and guest DJ’s from many different backgrounds. Casa Noir will be a platform to expand the afro and international sound, giving attendees the best of all worlds with a high energy mixture of afrobeats, amapiano, house and R&B/soul. This will allow us to push the boundaries even further as the goal is to eventually tour the world. There’s so much left for me to express through my music, the creation of this event will provide a vehicle to not only showcase my new sounds but the music of many other African and global artists. My other new creation is an immersive Visual Arts and music based show called Uncurated. As the name suggests, anything goes. The main goal of Uncurated is to create experiences that not only showcase music but art of all kinds from abstract art to sculptural installations while connecting deeply with people across the globe.

What matters most to you?
Being innovative is crucial to me. It’s about more than just following trends; it’s about setting them. Immersing myself fully in creativity allows me to channel my thoughts and emotions into my music. This creative process is not only therapeutic but also fulfilling, as it lets me introduce people to new and unique sounds.

My goal is to leave a lasting legacy of always pushing the boundaries of creativity. I strive to deliver music that resonates with people, making them feel something profound and memorable. Being on the cutting edge of creativity is not just a personal aspiration but a commitment to my audience. I want my music to be remembered as something that continually evolved, challenged norms, and brought joy to listeners.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/year4000_
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/year4000_
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/year4000