From skit-making to Afrobeats star: Nasboi cruises into Afrobeats with ‘I.N.I.T’ EP

Nasiru Bolaji, popularly known as Nasboi, has officially entered the Afrobeats scene with his debut EP, In Nasboi I Trust (I.N.I.T). The rising Nigerian star, who first gained fame as a skitmaker, has now made a successful transition into music, defying the skepticism of many who doubted his abilities outside of comedy.

Nasboi was introduced to music at a young age, inspired by iconic Nigerian artists such as 2Face Idibia and Davido. However, it wasn’t until later in life, after establishing himself as a comedic talent that he decided to pursue his passion for music.

While his comedy skits made him a household name, Nasboi faced challenges when he revealed his musical ambitions. Many critics questioned whether he could successfully navigate the music industry, given his background in comedy.

After completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Uyo, Nasboi took the leap into music. He released his debut single, Lover Boy, in 2023, marking the beginning of his musical journey. The single performed well, but Nasboi’s transition was met with mixed reactions, as many remained unconvinced of his musical potential.

Despite these doubts, Nasboi pressed forward. His follow-up singles, including Umbrella featuring Wande Coal and Small Money, showcased his ability to merge humour with Afrobeat rhythms. With each release, Nasboi proved that he was not just a skitmaker dabbling in music, but an artist with serious talent and dedication.

Now, with the release of his debut EP, In Nasboi I Trust (I.N.I.T), Nasboi is carving out his place in the industry. The project is a reflection of his life experiences, blending themes of love, life, and self-expression. The EP features collaborations with heavyweights like Chike, 2Baba, Falz, and Joeboy, further solidifying Nasboi’s growing influence.

Standout tracks like Ajo and Could This Be Love highlight Nasboi’s storytelling abilities, with lyrics that explore the complexities of love and devotion. In Ajo, he compares the sweetness of love to delicacies like coconut and chocomilo, contrasting it with bitter herbs to capture the highs and lows of relationships. In Could This Be Love, Nasboi teams up with Chike to convey the vulnerability that accompanies deep affection.

The EP balances Nasboi’s signature humour with emotional depth. Tracks like Small Money celebrate the little victories in life, while Short Skirt is a playful ode to stylish, confident women. On the more reflective side, No Be So questions the sincerity of a lover’s intentions, and Umbrella offers themes of protection and support in relationships.

Nasboi’s journey from comedy to music hasn’t been easy, but he has consistently proven his doubters wrong. In interviews, he has spoken candidly about how many people didn’t take his musical ambitions seriously.

“They thought I was just a skitmaker trying to sing,” he once remarked. But with the success of I.N.I.T, Nasboi has shown that he is far more than that.

READ ALSO: Nigeria condemns terrorist attack in Mali