Encomium
Saturday, August 30, 2014, would remain a memorable day for one of Nigeria’s entertainment gurus, Mr. Ibe Boco, as he officially launched his record label, Bovibes Entertainment. The unveiling party held at his Ajah, Lagos office, witnessed the unveiling of two new artistes, Skul Boi and Boybreed.
ENCOMIUM Weekly had an exclusive interview with the talented twin brother, Frank and Nnamdi Amajuoyi, famously known as Boybreed. They opened up on so many issues relating to their music and personal life.
How did music begin for you?
(NNAMDI) I can’t really say music began because it has always been there. I remember when I and my brother were in primary school, we love listening to music a lot. That’s when my brother started making songs and tunes on his own from other songs and tunes he had heard. That’s how it all started. So, I would say it’s a divine talent. So far, we have been making songs, and people around us have been appreciating us.
When did you decide to go professional about it?
(FRANK) Last year, we decided to drop two singles from the series of songs we have written, entitled, Money Maker and Sister Peperempe. Fortunately for us, we got signed late last year (around September), and now it’s official. This is a new label with a new artistes, and I really love starting with a new label. It’s always the best; building something from the scratch. Our sound is original and unique, and with time, we’re sure people will appreciate our music.
What stands you out?
(NNAMDI) Being a twin is the first unique thing. I think, people love twins, especially when they are identical, like P-Square and others. But we don’t really want people to compare us with them. We don’t want them to see if we’ll surpass their achievement.
We just want to do our thing, despite the fact that being twins is an added advantage. Besides, our genre of music is unique, different from P-Square or any other singing twins.
What genre of music is that?
(FRANK) People have given it different names. Some call it afro-pop. To some, it’s afro-centric, and all sorts. To us, it’s popular music because we combine all Africa and urban sounds. Most important, we blend some sounds from the late Afro-beat king, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, because he was the root of the sound.
There is no way you do afro-beat and you leave Fela out of it. We try as much as possible to blend the sounds, and thank God that we have good producers who can do that better.
How many songs do you have and which are you promoting right now?
(NNAMDI) We officially have about four singles, including Money Maker, Sister Peperempe, but right now, we’re promoting our new song, Slowly, produced by E-Kelly. It has a very good sound. We’ll be shooting the video in three weeks. We hope that people will appreciate it, especially when the video comes out.
Why did you choose a relatively new label, Bovibes Entertainment?
(FRANK)When we attended a meeting with the CEO of Bovibes Entertainment, Mr. Boco, we discovered that he’s someone that’s passionate about music. He wanted the world to know that he has good products, and he believes that, with us, and another artiste under the label, Skul Boi, that can be achieved.
We thought, if we go to already established label, we might be sidelined, that’s why we are here. With hard work, dedication, and God, we’ll get there.
Are you getting enough support from your parents?
(NNAMDI) Very well, unlike when we started. In fact, at a point, they didn’t know we’ve taken it professional. We were secretive about it because of their reactions generally to musicians, they got to know two years ago. We’re doing fine now, because there are ways you can be a musician and still be sane. Sane, I mean, be responsible. Their greatest joy is that we’re in school, and we’ll soon be graduating.
Which school?
(NNAMDI) We attending the same institution, Federal University of Technology (FUTO). I am in my final year at the Department of Chemical Engineering, but my brother is going to his final year. He’s studying Electrical-Electronic Engineering.
How has it been combining it with your studies?
It has not been easy. Very difficult though, because our grades are not excellent, but not bad. We have been trying, and hopefully, when we finish school, we’ll now have full time to focus more on our music career.
What are the things you can’t do as a musician?
(FRANK) I have not thought of that question. But as a musician, I don’t think I can wear earrings. I can’t do music that will show me in bad light, even if that’s what is in vogue. I have to make my fans understand. Music is a thing of the soul, not all the obscene things we see on TV.
(NNAMDI cuts-in)
On the contrary, I will do anything possible to bring in profit for the label. When you’re signed onto a label, you’re expected to bring income because a lot is spent on you. I believe I would do anything possible, based on fans demands. The most important thing is profit, and that’s through what they want to hear and see, but something still reasonable. For instance, Akon started as a soul singer, he changed style at a point based on fans demands, but right now, he can no longer cope with the kind of music in vogue, but he has made money. He’s comfortable now. For us, it’ll get to that point, but now, we’ll do anything.
What kind of person are you?
(FRANK) Smiles, I can’t really say. But, people said I am a calm person and he’s outspoken. We like girls (smiles). I don’t really know, but I leave that for people to decide.
NNAMDI
In my family, my brother, Frank is seen to be more responsible. He’s the first born and my dad has always given him the mantle of leadership in the house. Most of the properties my dad bought are in his name, because you can’t name a property in two people. He’s very good song writer.
As for me, I am a playful person, I like hanging out, having fun a lot with friends. I am better with tonnes and tonnes of music. I produce songs. We believe two good heads are better than one.
