How my journey into Film Composition began — Adam Songbird

Adam Songbird is one of Nigeria’s iconic film composers and sound designers who recently got nominated for the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA). With over close to two decades of experience under his belt, the artistes has played a huge role in scoring films and designing sounds in Nollywood. Adam Songbird rarely talks much, he is more into his work, most times, he allows the work to do the talking, no wonder his Instagram account is filled up with images and videos of some of his work. In this conversation with the newspaper, he delves into his journey and some of his highs and lows in the industry.

Excerpt

2009 to 2023 is such a long time, how has the music journey been for Adam Songbird so far?

My Music Journey has been through many phases; from being a studio rat to recording and writing songs for free for other artists. It’s been full of many disappointments, growth, and opportunities.

From being a gospel artiste, and later Reggae music and now film scorer, how has the transition been?

Well, I am an artist and my default is to create music and tell stories. I don’t see it as transitioning because I never really drop any genre to pick another. I just do a fusion of anything I can while I create.

How did you get the name Adam Songbird?

Adam is an acronym for my real name, Aluko Damilola, the additional “Songbird” was given to me back in the day when I gave verses to artists who came to our studio without any song ideas predetermined.

I learned your first film composition was Saheed Balogun’s Eti Keta, how was it then, how did that movie make you feel?

In 2012 Mr Saheed Balogun walked into our studio to have the dialogue for his film edited. He heard me singing and immediately spoke with my Producer Sammyoung to have me do a soundtrack for the film. The film and soundtrack were popular at the time and that made me feel really good.

Tell me more about your educational background.

I attended IKEJA High School, then to Federal Polytechnic Offa for a diploma in computer science (2006), and then to Lagos State University for a degree in Computer Science (2016).

For someone who writes a song, produces, and sings, which of the three do you derive so much joy in?

I derive Joy in all lol.. As long as it involves creating music I’m good.

From working on King of Thieves, Battle on Buka Street, and the recent Jagun Jagun, does Adam Songbird have any favourite from his works?

It’s really hard picking a favorite from these works. They’re unique in all their ways.

I was checking out your performance video before this interview, and I noticed your contagious energy. How do you get this, is it an inborn thing or does the audience dictate how you perform?

I believe I am naturally a quiet, indoor, chill type of guy. I guess I have enough energy saved to display on stage. So, energy has never been a problem.

How lucrative are sound design and film composition in Nollywood?

There’s no lucrative business without some serious hard work behind it. All I can say is that this is no job for a lazy mind.

You got nominated Twice at the 2023 AMVCA, how did that feat make you feel?

Feels good to be recognized for doing something you love. More importantly, seeing the joy the audience derives from experiencing your work.