"I honoured the song with respect while making it my own."
TroyBoi released his most personal and culturally significant project yet, a five-track EP titled Rootz, which blends trap and bass with Indian, Punjabi, house, and hip-hop influences.
The British producer and DJ said: “The sound of Rootz is inspired by my cultural heritage from my mother’s side.
“It’s heavy, soulful, and cinematic, but also deeply personal. Each track reflects a different part of my journey, tying in culture, rhythm, and emotion. I wanted it to feel both global and rooted in tradition.”
For Rootz, he collaborated with the likes of Jazzy B, Amrit Maan, and BombayMami.
But one of the standout tracks is ‘Kabhi‘, which features a sample of Lata Mangeshkar’s ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’.
The song carries a deep personal meaning for TroyBoi and his family, as he revealed that his mother was “emotional” because to her, Lata is “the voice of India”.
He added: “When she heard my version, she told me how proud she was that I honoured the song with respect while making it my own. That meant everything to me.”
But being able to include such an iconic sample came with challenges.
TroyBoi’s ability to stand out in a saturated scene lies in his attention to detail:
“I use unique samples, unexpected drops and rhythms that don’t follow the typical formula.
“There’s always a twist. Something that makes you stop and say, ‘That has to be a TroyBoi track’.
“I always let the feeling guide me because music is about emotion. If I sit down and try to force a particular type of track, it won’t come out. But if I let inspiration lead, the sound naturally finds its place.”
His multicultural background continues to shape his sound:
“My Nigerian roots inspire rhythm and groove, my Chinese background influences melodies and textures, and Portuguese culture adds a soulful, almost nostalgic flair.
“Travelling also fuels my creativity and hearing new sounds and instruments on tour always finds its way into my productions. I’m always ready with my voice note app on my phone to record sounds for inspiration.”
Growing up in London exposed TroyBoi to diverse music scenes, but breaking through wasn’t easy, admitting he struggled “to get noticed”.
As a result, he had to “work relentlessly on my sound and identity. But those challenges built resilience, which I carry with me today”.
He’s also keen to return to India, where he has performed before and developed a deep bond with his fans.
TroyBoi confirmed he plans to visit India soon to promote Rootz:
“India is such a big part of this project, and I can’t wait to bring Rootz to the people who inspired it.”
TroyBoi also hopes to collaborate with some of the country’s biggest names:
“AR Rahman is a dream collaboration. His music transcends boundaries and has such depth. I’d also love to work with Hanumankind, Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh.”
For listeners new to his sound, it is described as heavy, unpredictable, and rooted in emotion.
TroyBoi’s inspirations include Timbaland, Pharrell, and Michael Jackson, artists known for innovation and boundary-breaking.
He said: “Producers like Timbaland and Pharrell really shaped me early on.
“They taught me that rhythm and originality are everything. Michael Jackson has always been my favourite artiste, he was a musical genius and incredible performer.”
After years of experimentation and evolution, Rootz feels like a full-circle moment.
“I’m already experimenting with new sounds and ideas beyond Rootz.
“Expect more collaborations, more cultural fusions and music that continues to surprise people.”
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