A stage name is rarely just a stage name. Sometimes it’s borrowed from family, sometimes from a favourite TV character, sometimes from a childhood nickname or a word that simply felt right. Behind every artist name is a story about identity, ambition, or the person they hope to become.
We asked a handful of emerging artists how they chose the names the world knows them by. Here’s what they said.
- Fimi
Fimí is short for Adéfimímolúwasi. Of all my names, I picked it because it’s unique. I might be the only person in the world named that.
- Zen Univrse
I started calling myself Zen directly because of the meaning of the word: peace, tranquillity, etc., because those are the vibes I want to give out and what my music represents as well.
I added ‘univrse’ cause i felt world domination isn’t enough. We’re taking over the whole universe with this sound.
- Egertton
I was named after my granduncle.
- Roxy Layne
I had originally used Roxanna Rodriguez as a Facebook username back then because I wasn’t allowed to use social media at the time, and when the time came for me to create another alter ego I shortened it to ROXY, there was this one series I was watching, like a spy movie, there was a character called LAYNE. I loved it so much I had to use it because of how sharp it sounded.
- Solana
It’s actually just coined from my first name and surname, Ogunlana Busola. Solana also kind of means light, like sunlight, so it just all aligns,
- Ayjay Bobo
Originally, my name was Mr Ayjay, explaining the Lyrics in my song “How Far,” (Roll with me bebebe say, she knows me I am MR AYJAY). So at that point I had serious distro problems, one day I just found out my songs were taken off DSPs and then the account just became trouble. So I decided to start afresh with just AYJAY, and then I was thinking of a way to make it unique to me, so I added BOBO, a name family always called me when I was younger. Right now, I go by AYJAY BOBO. A bobo that likes to sobobo.
- KW33N B
The name was inspired by the idea of embracing confidence, self-worth, and the feeling of royalty. To me, being a “queen” isn’t about status; it’s about carrying yourself with intention, resilience, and authenticity, regardless of where you come from. The stylized spelling, KW33N B, gives the name its own distinct identity while reflecting my creative approach to music and storytelling. It represents an artist who is unapologetically herself, constantly evolving, and committed to creating music that empowers, connects, and leaves a lasting impression. Ultimately, KW33N B is more than a stage name; it’s a mindset and a reminder to walk boldly in your purpose.
- JamzFR
It’s drawn from my surname. I grew up hearing my mum’s colleagues call her “The Jamz” from “Jamgbadi” all the time, and it’s not like she’s planning on starting a music career any time soon, so it’s mine now.
- Yôrkk
I was watching Power one day and Tommy said “New York,” but the audio cut out the “New,” so all I heard was “York.” It sounded hard, so I took it. The umlaut and the extra K came later. I added them to make it unique to me—to really make it mine.
- Kobilou
There’s this artist Tobilou, and on his song “buff baby” he sings “taking shot after shot like I’m tryna win the MVP might change my name to Kobe, bitch, I’m Kobe-lou” in reference to Kobe Bryant. I heard it and immediately took over the name as my actual name is Kaobi, short for Kaobichiadina.
- Artsalghul
I’m a big fan of movies and shows, and a bigger fan of DC comics. I was introduced to Ra’s Al Ghul from the show Arrow. I instantly liked the name, how it sounded & what it meant (the demon’s head). Also, he’s badass. Dude has a pit that revives dead people. So when it was time to make music, I took inspiration from the name and named myself ARTS AL GHUL (but written together). This means “the demon’s art/the art of the demon,” and is the reason why my music is dark and explicit. Not for saints.
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