Fresh off his first UK No. 1 with “Funke,” Northampton-based Afrobeats artist Great Adamz is having a landmark year. From viral dance trends and festival stages to award wins and major collaborations, he’s quickly become one of the UK’s most exciting new voices in Afrobeats. We caught up with him to talk about the success of “Funke,” his journey so far, performing with his band The 99 at Latitude Festival, and what’s next, including his new single “Body and Soul” with Maddox Jones.
Hi, Great! How are you?
Hey this is actually nice most people never ask how are you now adays but am glad to let you know am Doing Great
First of all, congratulations on your first UK No. 1 with “Funke!” How would you describe the feeling of achieving such a milestone?
Thank you so much — it still feels surreal!
Hearing that “Funke” hit No. 1 in the UK was one of those moments where everything just stops for a second. You think about the journey — the late nights in the studio, the self-doubt, the grind without guarantees — and then suddenly, the world is dancing to your song. It’s overwhelming in the best way.
“Funke” has already been a hit online, recently re-released as a single. It has sparked viral dance trends and accumulated over a million streams. Did you anticipate the song receiving such a huge response?
When we first created it, the energy in the studio was electric. We knew it had that bounce, that infectious rhythm, and a hook that could stick. But seeing it spark viral dance trends, rack up over a million streams, and cross into international charts — that’s the kind of response you hope for, but never take for granted.
But to say I knew it would make this type of impact honestly no I didn’t know. True story I remember calling Jurgen who’s head of Radikal records while he was in London Euston train station just after I made the song in the studio and I told him “ we have a banger” he loved it straight away.
I had a good feeling about it for sure !
If you could share this success with your younger self, what would he be most proud and excited about?
Wow — that’s a powerful question.
If I could sit down with my younger self — the version of me grinding in silence, writing lyrics late at night, maybe doubting if this dream would ever take shape — I think he’d be shocked first, then overwhelmed with pride.
Not giving up, even when the path wasn’t clear.
Staying true to the sound — blending Afrobeats with soul, rhythm, and purpose, even when it didn’t fit a mold.
The fact that “Funke” didn’t just chart — it connected. It made people dance, celebrate, and feel joy around the world.
This year, you’ve collaborated with a vibrant collection of musicians, including Orode, Article Wan, and Kweku Flick. What have you learned from working alongside these artists, and do you have any fond memories to share?
This year’s collaborations have been some of the most enriching and inspiring moments of my career so far. Working with artists like Orode, Article Wan, and Kweku Flick wasn’t just about blending sounds — it was about sharing stories, cultures, and creative energy in a way that elevated all of us. Article wan is a pretty bold guy and I learnt a lot from him especially how he carries himself.
You performed with your band, “The 99,” at the iconic Latitude Festival. What instruments are featured in your band, and how does this bring a fresh energy to your songs? Would you say it’s a different experience compared to your recordings?
Performing with The 99 at Latitude Festival was an incredible experience — there’s something magical about bringing your music to life with a full band in front of a live audience. We were told that we had the biggest crowd of the night. I also did my first crowd jump and it was amazing jumping in the crowd and dancing singing so cool!
Instruments featured in The 99:
Drums and percussion — laying down those infectious Afrobeat rhythms with live energy.
Bass guitar — providing that deep groove and movement that drives the songs.
Keyboards and synths — adding texture, melody, and atmosphere.
Electric guitar — bringing both rhythm and those subtle riffs that add flavor.
Saxophone or brass section (depending on the lineup) — injecting that soulful, jazzy punch that really lifts the tracks Played
How would you describe your sound in just three words?
Well 3 words would be
Melodic
Epic
Special
“Funke” is sure to get anyone on the dance floor. What’s your go-to song that gets you moving?
Well I love Funke but one song that I also really like is
Kuron Be it’s one track that everyone really loves
What’s next for you? Is there more new music in the works?
Well I have a few collabs on the way have just released body and soul with Maddox jones
Later on this year we would see some collabs with some other Afrobeat artist like Rebecca winter and in the new year we would get new singles and lots of great music on the way