How a Norwegian Jazz Musician Became Friends with DOTTi The Deity

Music connects people from different backgrounds. For Norwegian jazz musician Audun Aschim and Nigerian singer DOTTi The Deity, this connection has turned into a friendship based on respect, curiosity, and a love for art.

Their journey shows the growing cultural exchange between Africa and Scandinavia. Artists from both sides are finding new ways to learn from one another while staying true to their roots.

After the 2025 Abuja International Jazz Festival, Audun and DOTTi spoke with PREMIUM TIMES about their friendship, their musical paths, and what they have learned from each other.

Inspiration from Nigeria

When Audun visited Lagos in 2024, he looked forward to performing for a new audience. He did not expect to meet an artist whose music would leave a strong mark on him.

Coming from Norway, where life is often slower, Audun noticed Nigeria's electric energy right away. “The vibes and the energy are unmatched,” he said.

His trip also introduced him to Nigeria’s lively music scene and the kindness of its people. He called these experiences “unforgettable.”

Amazing performance

A big highlight of Audun’s visit was watching DOTTi The Deity perform. Born in Ibadan, DOTTi is famous for mixing Afro-soul, neo-folk, jazz, and Yoruba folk music. His songs blend traditional African storytelling with modern sounds, earning him a growing fan base.

Audun shared that the performance had a deep effect on him: “I was completely mesmerised. The stage presence, the depth, the musicality, having all those things combined is very rare.”

To him, it was more than just a performance. It reminded him that great music comes from honesty and emotion.

Friendship beyond music

For DOTTi, the friendship with Audun started well before they discussed making music together. He believes that true partnerships come from real human connections.

“The first thing is the human connection; the music comes afterwards,” he said. He pointed out that trust and friendship help create meaningful art.

Even with their different cultures, both artists found common values, especially their commitment to real storytelling through their music.

Future plans

The two hinted at possible future projects, but they said there are no plans yet. They want any collaboration to happen naturally, letting their friendship guide the creative process.

Their story reflects a growing trend of artists around the world working together. They create music that crosses borders and gives audiences new views.

For Audun and DOTTi, friendship is the foundation of their journey. As they keep sharing ideas, they hope their bond inspires more artists to embrace collaboration, cultural exchange, and true storytelling.