Haywise Official is steadily carving his path in the music scene. After building momentum with “Flex“, he returns with “Ecstasy“, a captivating collaboration featuring Merry Tee. In this exclusive interview, the rising artist talks about his journey, creative process, and what listeners can expect from this exciting new chapter.
Trybe: Before we dive into your latest release, can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist so far?
Haywise Official: I started my journey as a rapper in 2013, during the golden era of Nigerian rap. As the music scene evolved, I dropped an experimental EP called “Mindset” to find my unique sound. My big break-out came in 2021 with “Ballin’” featuring DMW’s Dremo, which brought me into the spotlight. After releasing more music, I took a hiatus when I relocated to the U.S., but now I’m back with a redefined sound and a fresh perspective.
Trybe: What moments or influences have shaped your sound up to this point?
Haywise Official: Constant work, dedication, and having the right team around me have shaped my sound. But honestly, my biggest influence has been my fans, their support kept me going. Even during my break, they kept reaching out, telling me they missed my music and asking when I’d return. That love pushed me to come back stronger.
Trybe: From “Flex” to “Ecstasy“, how would you describe the growth or shift in your sound and message?
Haywise Official: Flex reflected my mindset at the time, carefree, living in the moment, and enjoying life with no room for hate. In contrast, Ecstasy dives deeper into emotions, it’s about excitement, love, and even obsession. It shows my growth, not just as an artist, but as a person exploring different layers of feeling and expression.
Trybe: What inspired the collaboration with Merry T on “Ecstasy“?
Haywise Official: The collaboration with Merry Tee on “Ecstasy” was organic. He’s not just my sound engineer, he’s a friend and brother who’s been part of my journey from the start. I originally recorded the song on a different beat with another artist, but when I sent it to him for mixing, he saw more potential in it. He connected me with producer Gr8cesar, who reshaped the beat, and I re-recorded it. Knowing our shared musical history and how well the song fit his style, I asked him to jump on it, and it all came together perfectly.
Trybe: Is “Ecstasy“ a continuation of a story you began with “Flex“, or is it a new chapter entirely?
Haywise Official: Ecstasy is definitely a new chapter, it’s not a continuation of “Flex“, but rather a fresh beginning that sets the tone for what’s coming next. While Flex was about freedom and living in the moment, Ecstasy taps into deeper emotions, love, desire, and vulnerability. It marks a shift in both my sound and storytelling, opening the door to a more emotional, layered side of my artistry. Think of it as the start of a new journey, one that’s going to unfold over the next series of releases.
Trybe: What does the word “Ecstasy” mean to you personally in the context of this song?
Haywise Official: In the context of this song, Ecstasy represents a powerful emotional high, a mix of excitement, obsession, and vulnerability. To me, it’s that intense rush you feel when you’re consumed by love or desire, when someone or something takes over your mind completely. It’s not just about pleasure, but also about the emotional chaos that can come with it. This song captures that raw, unfiltered energy, and for me, it’s one of the most emotionally honest records I’ve made.
Trybe: Can you talk us through a moment in the studio that defined the direction of this track?
Haywise Official: One defining moment happened on a chilled afternoon in my living room. I was playing the original beat, just trying to catch a vibe, and started humming, ‘girl I’m feeling you feeling and I want you to come tonight’. That melody stuck, and I built the hook from there. I recorded the verse with no chorus yet, just vibing. Then a friend of mine here in the U.S., who isn’t an artist but is passionate about music, pulled up. He loved the energy and even laid down some lines, becoming part of the original version. Later, when Merry Tee introduced a new beat from producer Gr8cesar, it shifted the whole direction of the song. That’s when the final chorus, “Ecstasy”, came to life and completed the story. That moment reshaped the track into what it is today.
Trybe: Was there a specific emotion or experience you were channeling while recording “Ecstasy”?
Haywise Official: Yes, while recording Ecstasy, I was definitely channeling a strong craving for emotional connection and love. On the surface, it might sound like lust, but for me, it was deeper than that. It was about longing for something real, something intimate and genuine. I wanted to capture that intense feeling when you’re drawn to someone not just physically, but emotionally, when your mind, body, and soul are all locked in on one person. It’s that space between desire and vulnerability, where you’re open, exposed, and hoping the feeling is mutual. That emotional tension was the fuel behind every lyric and melody on the track.
Trybe: In a few words, how would you describe the perfect vibe or setting to listen to Ecstasy?
Haywise Official: The perfect vibe for Ecstasy is really any moment where emotions are running deep. Whether you’re in love, feeling lonely, heartbroken, craving intimacy, or just catching a vibe at a party, it fits. It’s a multipurpose track because it was born from real emotions and genuine energy. Coming from my own personal journey of searching for connection and rediscovering my sound, Ecstasy is meant to meet you wherever you are emotionally and amplify that feeling.
Trybe: What do you want listeners to feel or take away after hearing this track?
Haywise Official: After listening to Ecstasy, I want people to feel something real, whether it’s love, longing, or just a deep emotional connection. This track represents a new chapter in my journey, one where I’m more vulnerable and honest in my sound. I want listeners to connect with that raw emotion, to feel understood if they’re going through something similar, or just vibe if they’re in that space of craving love or closeness. At the end of the day, I want Ecstasy to remind people that it’s okay to feel deeply, and that music can be both a reflection and a release.
Trybe: Should we expect a project soon, or are you more focused on dropping singles for now?
Haywise Official: Like I mentioned earlier, “Ecstasy” is just one of many chapters, it’s a glimpse into the bigger picture. I’ve been working behind the scenes, and yes, my EP is coming soon. I’m excited to share a full body of work that reflects my growth, my experiences, and my redefined sound. This isn’t just about dropping singles, it’s about telling a cohesive story, and Ecstasy is just the beginning.
Trybe: Finally, what message do you have for your fans and those just discovering your music?
Haywise Official: To my fans, both old and new, I want you to let go of any past version of me you may have known. This is a new wave, a fresh chapter where I’m rediscovering myself and evolving as an artist and as a person. The sound, the message, the energy, it’s all more intentional now. I’m inviting everyone to grow with me, to feel the music on a deeper level, and to be part of this journey as it unfolds. Whether you’ve been rocking with me from the start or just tuning in, there’s space for you in this story I’m telling through my music.
With “Ecstasy”, Haywise Official isn’t just dropping another track, he’s setting the tone for a renewed artistic vision. From his thoughtful storytelling to his evolving sound, it’s clear he’s an artist with purpose and potential. As fans lean into this new era, one thing is certain: Haywise is here to stay, and this is only the beginning.
Preview “Ecstasy” Here:
