It’s not every day one gets the opportunity to have a sit-down interview with one of the continent’s most high-profile superstars in recent years.
My interview with Joeboy was slated on a typical heated day In Lagos, Nigeria, and was set at the Onikan Muson Center; a setting where the odds of seeing a violinist with a score in hand and a cello player fine-tuning his instrument were much higher than seeing a contemporary musical act. However, on this day Joeboy was a rarity.
The interview was spearheaded by a two-man team that comprised myself and an editorial photographer. We arrived at the Muson a couple of hours earlier than Joeboy, but luckily, his manager was already there and gave a friendly reception before leading us two stairs up where we were headed to a sound recording studio that echoed live music from the outside.
As we veered further, what sounded like a melodious waffle some milliseconds soon gave out a palpable rhythm that spiked a locomotive response from my upper body.
The harmonious melody that greeted us came from a well-arranged mini-orchestra that had a lineup of strings, heated membranophone, chordophone, and wind instruments, and the room where the orchestra played was barricaded by an acrylic glass- the music took its cue from a backing track that had Joeboy’s voice embedded in it (remember, Joeboy was yet to be at the scene).
At the time, I wasn’t aware that the song being played by the orchestra was ‘Surviving’ off Joeboy’s ‘Body, Soul, & Spirit’ EP because, at the time, he had yet to release the EP.
In retrospect, throughout this interview, Joeboy never hinted at the project’s release, and with the sneaky nature of the project’s rollout, it isn’t far-fetched to say that the singer wanted to keep it a
secret.
Something that caught my attention as we sat down and waited for Joeboy whilst enjoying the rendition from the orchestra was the YouTube T-shirts worn by personnel who seemed to be filming the event and it didn’t take long till I realized that the orchestra’s presence was part of a grand plan that involved a Youtube special documentary for the singer.
A few hours passed, and in came Joeboy. He was ushered in by a bouncer and a small entourage. Joeboy had on modest yet classy apparel that was characterized by baggy high-fashion jeans, a white shirt, a wine-colored face cap, and accessories to match.
Without hesitation, he went in to join the orchestra and sat down at the center where he was swiftly handed a microphone. Before he began singing, he tried out a series of vocal exercises and when he felt satisfied with his pitch, he asked that the rendition commence.
Finally, after half an hour of singing a medley of his songs, Joeboy’s manager informed him of our presence and we were subsequently led to a tiny compartment in the studio for a sit-down interview with the star who looked like he needed the break.
How Are You Doing Joeboy?
I am good. Thanks.
You have had quite a year, one that has seen a successful sophomore project release whilst being booked for several gigs across the globe. Without a doubt, you have a lot on
your plate. How do you cope with the rigorous schedule?
I am quite used to it. It has become a routine for me to be honest. Over time, I have adjusted to my schedules and adapted this work-as-usual mentality, but of course, I still make time for good
times.
You know how society is often skeptical about men speaking about their mental health, and how it has become normalized as a sign of weakness, do you subscribe to that school of thought?
No, I don’t. I feel as a man you shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about how you are feeling. As men, we always feel like we can carry the burden alone, and this is why a high percentage of people who commit suicide yearly are men. Being a man is not easy and being conscious of your mental health is a sign that you are human and that is perfectly okay.
How do you take care of your mental health?
Lately, I have been into fitness and training. Working out has been one of the enjoyable habits that has kept me calm. Also, I don’t use social media often. I feel that is one medium that has contributed to a whole lot of depression and anxiety in this present generation and I try to surround myself with positive people.
Your latest song, ‘Only God Can Save Me’ touches on deep introspection that leads to an assumption that you might be dealing with some heavy trust issues, Joeboy, would you
say you have trust issues?
(Laughs) Of course, I have trust issues. Can you be a functioning Nigerian without trust issues? It’s so hard to trust anyone these days and lately I have learnt that you have to stay guarded. But I will say I am getting better.
Do you sometimes think the concept of fame is overrated?
Yes defintely. Fame is overrated and excessively glamorized. From the outside, people tend to think that fame is everything until you get fame then you realize that there are deeper things than being popular and having money. Ofcourse I am grateful, don’t get me wrong, I only think it is not worth the overhype.
How would you describe your relationship with God?
I talk to God every day, that’s my nigga.
How would you describe your relationship with your peers, especially the likes of Fireboy DML, Rema, Oxlade, and Bnxn?
From my end, I think we are good. The media is usually the cause of the unhealthy comparisons and competitions. I have no beef with any of my brothers. I spoke to Fireboy some days ago, and I was at Omah Lay’s album listening party the other day too. I have no problem with anyone, it’s all love from my end. The media likes cooking that agenda that we are not friends when in reality it is quite the opposite. I understand though, it is part of the business.
The Grammys recently shortlisted the nominees for the maiden edition of its African-centric version with acts like Asake, Tyla, Olamide and Ayra Starr earning their first Grammy nominations. In retrospect, what are your thoughts on award shows like the Grammys, especially as regards the role they play in artistic validation?
At the end of the day, if we are being honest, these validations matter, except we only want to deceive ourselves. Most serious artists want to be on top of their game. The Grammy is
one of the ways an artist’s commercial success or relevance is measured, like it or not, that’s how the game goes.
The thing most people who care to drop hot takes don’t understand is that you can’t control the value an artist chooses to place on his/her brand. The very least you could do is negotiate the price. Everybody knows Afrobeats is global now and the high demand naturally means that the prices won’t be the same as usual. What people don’t understand is that an artist has so many people under payroll. Under the payroll, there is a manager, stylist, publicist, producer, and all that. The economy also has a toll on this as well’.
What was your favorite song to make on ‘Body and Soul’?
“Body & Soul”
What are your thoughts on the recent skyrocketed rate cards now charged by Afrobeats acts for musical performances in Nigeria?
The thing most people who care to drop hot takes don’t understand is that you can’t control the value an artist chooses to place on his/her brand. The very least you could do is negotiate the price. Everybody knows Afrobeats is global now and the high demand naturally means that the prices won’t be the same as usual. What people don’t understand is that an artist has so many people under payroll. Under the payroll, there is a manager, stylist, publicist, producer, and all that. The economy also has a toll on this as well.
When was the last time you experienced a creative block, and how did you deal with it?
I rarely get creative blocks. I think the last time I had a creative block was last week man. I just had to take a break to refuel.
How do you deal with stage fright, that is if you still have it?
I don’t feel that anymore. Rather than stage fright, I get excited every time I am onstage. There is this adrenaline rush and euphoria that I derive from it. It is always a blessing performing to thousands of people who get to sing your song back at your word for word.
What City has given you the most magical onstage reception so far?
It’s a city in East Africa although I can’t recall the name, but the night was special. I had immense goosebumps.
You and DJ Neptune have released two bangers in the form of ‘Nobody’ and ‘Mumu’, and how would you describe the creative synergy between you both?
That is my brother. And we have released three tracks, not two by the way. DJ Neptune is one of the collaborators that I have been opportune to work with that has made me get into my artistic flow, there is this sense of big bro vibes that I get from him and I cherish that a lot.
What is your hallmark for a successful musical career?
Commercial success. At least for me, that is the hallmark of a successful music career. The impact is important as well, but let’s face it at the end of the day, nobody will reckon with you as a musician if you were never successful financially. It’s just the bitter truth.
What next for Joeboy?
Global domination! you people will not recognize this version of Joeboy Walahi. I am going all in next year.
