Martell’s Swift Diaries: Young Jonn Shares the Story behind His Evolution from ‘Wicked Producer’ to Afropop Singer.

Young Jonn: The Wicked Producer Who Dared to Evolve

In the history of Afrobeats, few transformations have felt as deliberate and as audacious as Young Jonn’s. Known for years as the brilliant producer behind some of the continent’s defining hits, he already held a secure place in modern Afropop history. Yet, at the height of his success as “The Wicked Producer,” he stepped away from the console to find his own voice.

For Young Jonn, the evolution from producer to performer wasn’t a pivot it was purpose. It was the daring spirit of reinvention that defines a Swift One.

The Choir Boy with Big Dreams

Born John Saviours Udomboso, Young Jonn’s musical story began in Ibadan, where he first found melody in his local church choir. His earliest inspiration came from his mother a gifted guitarist and violinist whose grace and discipline shaped his curiosity and conviction for music.

Surrounded by sound and driven by influences like P-Square and Eminem, Young Jonn spent his teenage years experimenting with beats and melodies after school, quietly honing his craft.

After secondary school, his mother encouraged him to pursue higher education. But Jonn knew music was his destiny. To honor both paths, he studied through distance learning while moving to Lagos the city of dreams to chase his own.

“Mumsy, like all African parents, was very worried about the music and wanted me to just get a degree first to be on the safe side. But I wasn’t built for safe I was built for stardom.”

Young Jonn, Swift Diaries

The Defining Moment

In Lagos, Young Jonn started out as what the industry calls a “studio rat.” He ran errands, watched sessions, and practiced quietly whenever the equipment was free. Every moment was a lesson preparation for the day opportunity would knock.

That moment came unexpectedly. When Olamide walked into the studio one day and the producer he came to work with wasn’t around, he turned to Jonn and asked:

“Can you make a beat?”

Jonn wasn’t fully ready but he said yes. That yes changed everything. The session birthed “Story for the Gods,” a massive hit that announced the arrival of The Wicked Producer.

“‘Story for the Gods’ wasn’t just a banger it was my arrival. And once the industry listened, they couldn’t stop.”

Young Jonn, Swift Diaries

From there, his signature tag “Young Jonn, The Wicked Producer” became a hallmark of hit records across the continent.

The Loss That Changed Everything

At the height of his career, fame and success surrounded him until tragedy struck. In 2017, Young Jonn lost his mother, his first teacher and biggest supporter.

The world fell silent. Music no longer carried the same joy. The beats felt hollow.

Through his grief, however, came clarity. Producing wasn’t enough anymore he had his own emotions, his own stories to tell. That realization sparked his boldest decision yet: to step into the spotlight as a vocal artist.

Reinvention: From Producer to Artist

With no formal vocal training, no coach just raw belief and dedication Young Jonn began again. Many questioned his move, but he pressed on. Every note, every song became proof of his evolution.

“Singing wasn’t just a shift; it was survival. A new sound, a new expression one I had to teach myself from scratch. Some people said, ‘Stick to producing.’ But I kept going. Learned. Evolved. Created something that was truly mine.”

Young Jonn, Swift Diaries

Today, he stands tall not just as a hitmaker but as a chart-topping artist, with anthems like Dada, Xtra Cool, Aquafina, and Big Big Things redefining the modern Afropop landscape. The same creative fire that made him The Wicked Producer now fuels him as one of Afrobeats’ most versatile voices.

Why Swift Diaries Matters

The Swift Diaries celebrates individuals who dare to defy convention, stay true to their authenticity, and carve new paths. Young Jonn joins the ranks of Chef Eros, Timini Egbuson, and Tubo visionaries who chose reinvention over predictability.

Together, they are The Swift Ones those who embody Martell’s timeless belief:

Audacity shapes Legacy.

Watch the Story

Don’t just read about it watch Young Jonn’s full episode of Swift Diaries exclusively on Martell Nigeria’s official YouTube channel.

Airing on MTV Base and BET this November.

Follow the journey on social media @MartellNigeria using the hashtags #MartellSwiftOnes and #BeTheStandoutSwift.

About Martell

Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, Maison Martell is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious cognac houses. For over three centuries, the brand has stood as a symbol of audacity, craftsmanship, and cultural connection.

In Nigeria, Martell has been a leading force since 2012 under Pernod Ricard Nigeria, creating premium experiences that bring people together across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

About Pernod Ricard Nigeria

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wines and spirits. Since 2012, the company has built a strong presence in Nigeria with a portfolio of premium international brands including Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell Cognac, and Absolut Vodka.

Rooted in the philosophy of “Convivialité,” Pernod Ricard Nigeria champions authentic human connection, shared experiences, responsible drinking, and sustainability.