Interview: Jidenna is not half black or half white - he's twice everything

Nigerian-born American singing sensation Theodore Mobisson, popularly known as Jidenna, hopes to inspire African pride and bring people together through his music.

The suave singer was born in Nigeria and moved to America when he was a child, told TshisaLIVE he feels strongly about upholding his roots as a Nigerian.

Jidenna is currently in South Africa to promote the release of his latest album, The Chief . In an interview at a swanky hotel in Joburg the musician spoke candidly about why he felt strongly about addressing the racial divide between people. 

"If people come at me as somebody in between races, they are killing themselves. I am a human. It's like my dad said, 'don't call yourself half black, and half white,'  if anything you're twice, but you're not half anything.  One of my jobs is to teach everyone that we're all human. That's what mixed people do," Jidenna said.

• Yellow bone label for Kairo leaves DJ Zinhle fumingHouse DJ, Zinhle Jiyane, was left seething after an encounter with a meter taxi driver who referred to her daughter as a yellow bone. 

The artist added that he hoped to help bring people together through his music and spoke openly about the inspiration behind the track 'White Niggas on his album.

"White Niggas encourages people to really put themselves in other peoples' shoes," he explained.

Jidenna said that growing up he had no intention of being a celebrity  and all he wants to do through his music is make a difference.

"I always wanted to be a historic figure, but it has never been my goal to be a star. I hope people feel mighty as human beings and that my music brings people closer."

• WATCH: Jack Devnarain remembers Uncle Kathy's cameo on IsidingoIsidingo actor Jack Devnarain shared fond memories of Ahmed Kathrada's cameo appearance on the popular soapie, explaining that Uncle Kathy was a firm fan of the show. 

The 'classic man' added that growing up as African child in America, they (African children) were teased a lot, but he hoped to instill a sense of pride amongst the youth.

"I know growing up it was hard to claim your 'Africanness.' We were teased alot. Now I get parents telling me that their kids are proud to be Nigerian. I'm all about building up and building pride in who we are."

The musician added that helping to educate children in Nigeria was something that was close to his heart, so that the one day it would help build a stronger nation.

His album, The Chief, has been released to critical acclaim. It comes two years after his hit song, Classic Man.