Sounds of Home: Reclaiming Identity through Music & Authenticity with itsENJ

When you first hear the name itsENJ, you might think it’s just a cool stage name—but it’s so much more than that. itsENJ is a movement, a mindset, and a reflection of what it means to grow up in between worlds and still find your rhythm.

We had the absolute joy of chopping it up with Chimdi & Otìto , the Nigerian-American brothers behind itsENJ, also known as the Dappa Duo. From their early days in New York basements to sold-out shows and intentional culture-centered music, their story is one of love, faith, and full-circle alignment.

And if you’ve ever felt like you were living in between cultures, languages, or even career paths—this convo is for you.

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Listen to our full interview with itsENJ on Apple Podcasts:

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So, Why ‘ENJ’?

ENJ is short for Enjoyment. But not in the shallow, "pop bottles and party every weekend" kind of way. It’s deeper than that. For Chimdi and Otìto, enjoyment is about joy, healing, and alignment. It’s about embodying purpose, not just chasing applause.

"Music is communication. Music is supposed to bring people together. That’s what Afrofusion means to me." – Otìto

Their sound isn’t just Afrobeats. It’s Afrofusion—a genre-bending expression that pulls from their Nigerian roots, hip-hop influences, Caribbean vibes, and the lived realities of growing up Black and African in the Bronx. In short: it’s for everyone who’s ever felt too much or not enough—and decided to turn that tension into art.

The Power of Knowing Who You Are

One of the most powerful threads from our convo was how intentional their family was about preserving their cultural identity. Even when growing up in the U.S. meant being teased for accents, food, or just being different, their parents kept them grounded through music, language, and love.

"Before I learned how to talk, I learned how to sing. Before I learned how to say how I feel, I learned how to play the piano." – Otìto

We talked about how language holds energy, how food carries memory, and how your roots aren’t just something to return to—they’re something to build from. From gospel songs on the way to church to Igbo proverbs and party anthems, every layer of ENJ’s artistry is a tribute to their upbringing.

Creative Confidence in a Loud World

As artists, Chimdi and Otìto keep it real about the pressure of chasing visibility in a hyper-digital world. Their advice? Silence the noise. Go inward. Trust what was put in you.

"Cut the distractions, get to it. You don’t need social media for inspiration. Everything is within you." – Chimdi

That hit. Because how often do we scroll ourselves into self-doubt? Into comparison? Into creative paralysis? ENJ reminds us that the most powerful stories often start in silence—and that creating from truth is more sustainable than creating for clout.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the music, ENJ is building something bigger. Think fashion, storytelling, and community-based collaboration. They’re tapping into joy—not as a luxury, but as resistance. As an offering. As a spiritual practice.

"It would be a disservice to the version of us in the basement who had the dream, if we didn’t listen to the version of us now who knows there’s still more to do." – Otìto

Whew.

Gem of the Episode

Your story is enough. Your roots are rich. And your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Lean into what’s real for you—because alignment will always take you further than approval.

Feeling inspired? Tap into ENJ on all platforms at @itsENJ and stream the latest tracks to get a taste of what Afrofusion feels like.

Want more convos like this? Catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow The First Gems for more stories that speak to your soul.