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Early Life
Born in Lagos; Efiom Ita, stage name ‘Efi Cruise’ is a native of Calabar. An ancient town in southern Nigeria.
He currently calls his music the ‘Southern Afro-Jazz’ which is a blend of jazz, afro beats, highlife, hip hop, and funk. Efi Cruise has serenaded music lovers since his debut in 2017.
In his early years, the artist had a music tutor who trained him to play the piano, he was able to interpret classical music manuscripts before teenage.
This growing passion was however cut short by a boarding school, as he had to be away from home. He recalls being a member of the boys' choir in his secondary school; Kings College Lagos. He also loved his football.

Educational Background
Efi Cruise spent the years 2014-2018 in Devon, South West of England, studying to receive a bachelor's degree in Business and Logistics from the University of Plymouth.
Against the wish of family and friends; Efi Cruise moved back to Nigeria after completing his course to pursue a career in music.

Music Career
Efi always has a calm demeanor, which he expresses in his music & performances. Captivating the audience while creating an atmosphere of excitement and serenity, complementing one and the other.
While at university; Efi would seize every opportunity to be on a stage, with a band, or as a solo act with his guitar.
He played at student union/society events, open mics in bars and restaurants. The artist recalls hanging out with buskers he found interesting.
In the later years of University Efi had joined a band called South Devon Afrobeat Collective, for which he was a vocalist & percussionist. He recalls having a lot of fun during the rehearsals and learning a lot from the older musicians on the band. He started learning to play the Saxophone.
In the summer of 2017, the singer debuted with a song titled ‘Kai-kai’ which was well received by music lovers all over the country. More so in and around the East Western Region of Nigeria.
When the artist got to Nigeria he continued in the same spirit, chasing the music. He found himself a community of artists and quickly acquainted himself, they accepted him as one of theirs and he has not stopped since then. Securing Giggs of different calibers for himself.
With the release of the single ‘Flex’ in December 2018, the artist won over the hearts of music lovers. The city has shown their support for Efi, and are rooting for the hometown prospect to break the fetishes of old.
More recently; the artist was hosted for a live music event by a lounge called The Red Door in Calabar, Nigeria. The managers reported that the event was a huge success for the lounge, as friends and lovers of Efi showed up in numbers to support.

Personal Life
Efi Cruise had a life-changing experience in August of 2010; on his way to pick up his letter of admission to the University of Lagos he was involved in a fatal accident. The motorcycle he boarded was hit by a car, this resulted in the amputation of his lower right limb a few weeks after. These turn of events will mark a huge change in the ‘approach to life’ of the artist and his immediate family.
After a series of operating procedures and treatment, early in 2012 Efi was sent to rehabilitate and acquire prosthesis (artificial limbs) from an orthopedic company in Houston, Texas. Here he would reconnect with the music, he recalls music being a medium of stress relief and relaxation.
The artist considers the period between 2010-2014 to be the most difficult time of his life. His life flashed right before his eyes, he had to take a step back, put everything in perspective. Oh! how things could change so quickly, he says; ‘I had to dig deep!’ He had never faced a test of this magnitude, everything he strongly held on-to was put to test.
Subsequently; he would endeavor to be more present and focus solely on what he could control.

Musical Influences
Efi Cruise is influenced by several artists in history around the world, especially the likes of Wyclef Jean, Kenny Rogers, Fela Kuti, Jamie Foxx & Lionel Richie.

Musical Technique
Efi’s style of performance is more like “scat-singing”. A style popularized by Ella Fitzgerald. It is a style mostly common among Jazz and sometimes Bebop musicians like Louis Armstrong. The artist switches between scat-singing, R’n’B, rap, afro, and reggae.
While he would classify his music as Afro-Jazz, many of his fans and admirers categorize it as Afro/World music.
In laying his vocals he floats on the bar effortlessly like he was unserious about the subject matter, yet with all amount of stamina and flexibility, he delivers his vocals to the full benefit of his audience.