Global music superstar Kizz Daniel is back with a bang, releasing his highly anticipated single, “Pano Tona,” featuring the Afropop royalty Adekunle Gold. Following the success of his chart-topping track “Marhaba,” which reigned at the top of Nigeria’s Official Top 100 for three weeks, Kizz Daniel teams up with Adekunle Gold for an electrifying collaboration that celebrates resilience and triumph. Produced by Philkeyz, Blaisebeatz, and RewardBeatz, “Pano Tona” combines afrobeats, amapiano, and reflective storytelling, offering fans an empowering anthem about personal growth and overcoming challenges. As Kizz Daniel celebrates a decade in the industry, “Pano Tona” reflects his journey, and promises to resonate with fans worldwide.
Kizz, ‘Pano Tona’ is an exciting collaboration with Adekunle Gold. Can you share what made this the perfect time for you two to come together again, especially after your successful track “Jore”?
We have always had good chemistry; we are friends, so I’ll just say perfect timing and the perfect song. “Pano Tano” came together naturally because it reflects where we both are in our lives—celebrating growth, resilience, and the beauty of perseverance.
The song’s title, ‘Pano Tona,’ translates to “turn it off, turn it on,” which seems to speak to both the highs and lows of life. How do you see this theme resonating with your journey in the music industry?
As every artist will tell you, there are always highs and lows. In the industry, there are times when you face challenges & setbacks, and you can’t let them deter you or keep you down for long. You find the switch to turn it back on. “Pano Tano” speaks on that phase of tough times and bouncing back stronger from them. It’s a theme that resonates deeply with me and, I believe, with anyone pursuing their dreams passionately.
With the release of ‘Pano Tona,’ you’ve mentioned it reflects a celebration of resilience and success. How much of your personal experiences are woven into the lyrics, and do you think your fans will be able to relate to these stories?
If you know me or have followed my journey, you will understand how personal the song aligns with my lived experiences. It’s almost all in the public eye. My fans will definitely be able to, as they’ve been with me through the highs and the lows, they know!
Your new single blends afrobeats, amapiano, and introspective storytelling. How did you and the producers—Philkeyz, Blaisebeatz, and RewardBeatz—achieve this perfect balance of energy and depth?
It was all about synergy. Philkeyz, Blaisebeatz, and RewardBeatz are masters at understanding my vision and translating it into sound. It was a team effort with us all, and I’m really amazed by the result so far.
You’ve had such a remarkable year already, from topping charts to celebrating a decade in the industry. How do you keep pushing yourself creatively while maintaining the momentum of your past successes?
I have God to thank for every milestone achieved thus far; it truly has been a wonder to see his grace unfold. Also, I think this lies with my openness to growth, curiosity, and experimenting with different ideas. Success is great, but it’s the passion for creating that keeps me going.
The hook in ‘Pano Tona’ is catchy and empowering. Can you talk about the message behind the lyrics “Omo gutter ton fly private jet” and “Bo’n shey pano mi, ni motun tona”? How does it reflect your own evolution?
Those lyrics are deeply personal. “Omo gutter ton fly private jet” loosely translates to how a street boy now flies around in a private jet; it’s uplifting; it’s very motivational. I started out in Kuto, Abeokuta, and now, my path has me touring the world in style. “Bo’n shey pano mi, ni motun tona” means no matter how life dims my light, I’ll always find a way to shine again. In my ten years in the industry, I’ve been through it. That’s my story; that’s the Kizz Daniel story.
You’ve mentioned ‘Pano Tona’ is a tribute to hard work and personal growth. How important is it for you to create music that not only entertains but also motivates and inspires others?
Music has always been a tool for connection. I want my songs to do more than entertain—I want them to uplift and inspire. If “Pano Tano” makes someone feel seen, motivated, or hopeful, then I’ve done my job as an artist.
You’ve been on a roll since the start of 2024, with hits like ‘Twe Twe’ and ‘Marhaba’. What has been the biggest personal or professional takeaway for you this year, especially with your Vado At 10 world tour?
There are a lot of them; every day is a new learning experience and a different ‘takeaway’, which to me are all as big as the next. The ‘Vado At 10’ tour reminded me how much love my music receives globally, and it has humbled me. We are looking to do them even bigger next year, 2025. Professionally, I’ve learned the importance of evolving while staying true to myself. I’m just thankful.
As someone who has shaped the sound of afrobeats on a global scale, where do you see the genre going in the next five years? Do you think the fusion of genres like amapiano and afrobeats will keep growing?
Afrobeats is limitless. In the next five years, I see it dominating even more globally and continuing to evolve with fusions. The beauty of afrobeats is their ability to blend cultures while staying authentic. It’s only up from here.
With such a diverse range of fans across the world, how do you stay connected with your audience on a personal level, especially with songs like ‘Pano Tona’ that speak to universal themes?
I’m grateful for my ability to connect with these fans of every age, demographic, and region. I make music that reflects real emotions and experiences, and each of these demographics can relate to a Kizz Daniel record.
