Why I am infusing Afrobeat into Hip Hop —Neil Bajayo

Israeli-American hip hop artist, Neil Bajayo, is crossing over to Africa with the trending Afro beat sound. The multi talented rapper, whose sound track was featured in a Hollywood movie starring hip hop superstar Ice-T worked said he is set to infuse Afro beats into his Hip Hop sounds and promises to wow people in his forth-coming album project. He spoke with SEGUN ADEBAYO about his plans to take his career to the next height.

 

You are coming fresh into the music industry and you are starting with Africa, how prepared are you for this new task?

The music industry moves in a fast pace and that’s just something I have to run with. Having my sound reach Africa as a starting point of my music career is something spiritual for me. I know that Africa is rich in its history and in its music production. To become accepted in Africa is huge! Trials and errors are big part of being human and that’s something I am okay with. If I have an opportunity to make people happy, than it’s a blessing.

 

To some people, writing and singing comes easy to them but to others, they prefer to sing, buying their songs from writers. Do you write your songs yourself?

I prefer to write my own songs however, If I am in the studio with my people and someone offers me advice, I will always consider it. We all need each other and that’s the model.

 

Having the talent to sing is one thing, knowing the right songs to release at a given time is another thing, how do you intend to bridge the gap?

Sometimes I’ll record a record in the winter but it’s a song for the summer time. So the strategy would be to release it in the summer. Songs are waves that build up and go down. The buildup has to be a tsunami and it has to be released at the right time. I depend on the team around me to help strategise for that as that is what they do best.

 

At what point did you start to see yourself as a musician and what can you say about the dimension your career is taking at the moment?

I started making music with my friends at an early age and it just became part of my lifestyle.  At this point I feel that my career is crossing over to the other side. It’s time! ‘m here to make that feel good music. So stay tuned, it’s coming.

 

What was the first thing that gave you the inkling that you truly have the penchant to sing?

Growing up watching family friends play live music in front of me always fascinated me to know to how to produce music myself. One day, I had an opportunity to collaborate with some friends and they said that I sounded good on the mic so we just continued to work together and I have been loving it ever since. The satisfaction of creating something knew is very exciting and I crave that feeling a lot.

 

You have a sister who is also into music and she claimed that Nigeria’s Afro Pop music inspired her a lot. What would you say has inspired you so far?

She is not my sister. We are not blood related but we are like family. I would say more like cousins because our families are close. My inspiration comes from my own point of views of life in itself. I listen to music from all cultures, Afro pop music is definitely kicking off and I love it.

 

What can you say you are armed with that will help your music career now?

I have faith that I will succeed as a hip hop artist because I love what I do. I have been dreaming about this most of my life and mentally preparing for this. Not to mention I have an excellent team behind me that are guiding me. What makes me stand out is the fact that I’m a light skin dude with an original flow. I’m very versatile and I’m all about working hard.

 

You are a hip hop singer, what inspired this genre of music for you?

I gravitated to hip hop through my surroundings and it just took off. I started making music with my friends at an early age and it just became part of my lifestyle.

 

What do you have that you think is enough to spur you to greatness?

I have strong faith and gratitude. I am a spiritual person and I feel I am being guided. I am Thankful for all the blessings and opportunities that have come my way and I believe that I am being given a chance and I will do all I can to keep it going.

 

You have not had any major breakthrough with your songs, don’t you feel you will need to work extra hard to put your music career on the map as a fresher?

I had recorded a hip hop song for a movie called “Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn” Staring Ice T, Armand Asante and actors from the show “the sopranos” The song is called “code of respect.” I am pushing my music through different channels of the industry. Until I get my first breakthrough, I won’t relax.

 

Are you really prepared for the task ahead of you?

I feel I am ready for what comes my way and yet I look forward to learn from new experiences as I progress.

 

What should your fans be expecting from you first?

The first song that will be released with me on it would be called “live your life” sending a powerful message that we all are together. This song has 5 singers singing in 5 languages. A very good summer song featuring Neil Bajayo aka Isrelly, MC galaxy, Neza, Gyptian, Ms. Bodega and Young D.

 

You are not signed to any record label, if you are, how much support are you getting?

Currently I am not signed to a major record label. I am only joint venturing in various projects until I get the exposure I need. I have all the right people for all the right reasons. I am very fortunate and grateful.

 

 

Coming into the music industry as a new hip hop singer, what are your chances to stay on top of your game and what do you think about your rise at this stage?

I will continue to do what I do and have fun with it as long I can. Staying on top of my game for me is to continue to be humble and grateful. I’m walking with faith not by sight.