Nigerian music sensation, Joeboy has asserted that he loves listening to a lot of underground music because he feels like they have so much soul in their music.
He revealed that based on the fact that they’re [underground music] not chasing a number one record, they just express themselves, adding that, it’s where one can get the purest forms of music.
“So I listen to underground music. I listen to music from back in the day, like the 1980s—the Osandas. I hear a lot of old-school music. I listen to R&B, and the one artist I’m listening to right now is Wizard Chan; he’s a breath of fresh air in the music scene, and that’s exactly who I’m waiting for and listening to. But I adore Bob Marley. I listen to his songs, too.”
Joeboy
According to Joeboy, the underground kinds of music he listens to inspire his music style, stating that an artist should be particular about the music they consistently listen to because it’s meant to show how artists create their music.
“Yes, one way or the other creating is a result, or a total of experiences of things we observe, putting it together in our way. So, I’m always particular about the kind of music I listen to, which inspires me to continue,” he stated.
Joeboy disclosed what his creative process is like, noting that he sometimes dreams about melodies so that he can wake up in the middle of the day.
“I never start dreaming about food. My name is Joseph, and I dream a lot. I actually remember melodies in my dreams, and I just quickly wake up and record them on my voice notes or recordings. Making music for me is like trying to make that an everyday thing. So that way, there’s so much to work with.
“I don’t just want to have a particular time frame of saying, ‘Today I want to record’. As I’m leaving this event right now, I could just say, ‘I’m going to, I’m going to’. So, I like to come for my recording or music-making process; it’s that simple. It’s as easy as drinking water for me. I just record, make, and create over time. Right now, I could be thinking of a particular sound.”
Joeboy
The “Alcohol” hitmaker mentioned that his song “Contour” is one that he will always be proud of, adding that there’s nobody who thinks the song is not good.
Joeboy revealed that he never believed his three albums and one EP would be as big as it is right now and as big as it’s going to be because it was just him enjoying himself and being there.
“One thing I loved that made me happy was that I wasn’t doing music because I wanted to be a rich person or I wanted to be famous; it was just something. I like creating music, and things just start falling into place. Seeing something you can make a living from and doing something you genuinely love is beautiful.
“It’s like a way of life, and it’s been enjoyable for me. I’ve learned a lot; there were challenging moments. I won’t say I’m not going to be about it. There were challenging moments, but it’s been a beautiful journey.”
Joeboy
Talking about the best thing about being a superstar, Joeboy stated that the fact that he gets to travel because he loves to visit different places.
According to him, if he weren’t doing music, he would have been a travel blogger because he’ll just jet out even when he’s not too busy or has nothing to do in Nigeria or Lagos.
“I’m like, ‘What country can I go to?’ So I’ll go to it and say, ‘This place seems fun,’ I’ll just pack my bags and go. So I’d say the one thing I love today is traveling. That’s one of my high points, and the fact that I can create something for my mind will positively touch people’s lives.
“I get a lot of messages saying, ‘Your music got me out of depression. Anytime I listen to your music, it makes me happy.’ And that goes beyond money or fame or whatever. The fact that I can impact people’s minds positively is a big one for me. I love that. I’ve always felt that if life makes the mistake of making me a superstar, it will be quite a trouble.”
Joeboy
Joeboy advised up-and-coming artists not to try to be like him, adding that they should stay true to themselves and be consistent regardless of the results.
Transformative Impact Of Social Media On The Music Industry
Joeboy recently highlighted the transformative impact of social media on the music industry, emphasizing its role in breaking down barriers and fostering greater accessibility for artists and fans alike.
He noted that social media has empowered artists to connect directly with their audience, bypassing traditional gatekeepers and fostering a more democratic environment for artistic expression.
“Social media has been a game-changer for me and many other artists. It has allowed us to reach a global audience without necessarily relying on mainstream media, record labels, or gatekeepers. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become essential tools for promoting our music and engaging with fans in real time.
“Now all of a sudden you can just get into the industry by just posting a cover or a song of yourself singing randomly on your bed and next thing is it is getting millions of views and everybody wants to work with you and connect with you.”
Joeboy
Indeed, the rise of social media has democratized the music industry, enabling independent artists to gain exposure and build a loyal fan base without the backing of major record labels with the ability to share music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal updates directly with fans. Artists like Joeboy have been able to cultivate a strong online presence and leverage social media as a powerful marketing tool.
Joeboy also pointed out the drawbacks associated with the platform. He emphasized that while social media provides a platform for self-expression, it also facilitates the creation of a “facade,” where individuals can easily be misled.
“I can take a picture in front of a jet right now, I won’t say a word, and the next thing bloggers will say Joeboy has bought a jet, and people who do not know me privately will believe it, and if do not say anything they will take it as the truth,” he said.
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