Y! Spotlight: ‘I was born for the art’ – Nigeria’s best kept secret, Bem Abu

In the Nigerian music industry, the popular notion is that ‘if it cannot make you dance, then it is not music’.

This wide-spread opinion has made it difficult for other acts in different genres especially alternative and Indie music to break into the market despite carving a niche for themselves.

Regardless of this, aspiring Indie/alternative artist Bem Abu believes there is still hope for other genres of music in the country to make a huge impact.

Bem claimed top honours in the Indie international songwriting competition and also made it to the Semi-Final stage in the International Songwriting Contest in the United States.

He recently spoke with YNaija and talked about the passion for his craft, the arts and his Cobham-produced new single –Never Before which has struck a cord with music lovers.

Who is Bem Abu?

Bem Abu is a singer and song writer and a firm believer in ‘all things are possible’. I would say that I was born for the art so am just following my calling.

What made you want to get into the music business?

As long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a singer. In primary school, I was a member of the band, in junior secondary school, I was a member of the Jubilant Choir while in senior secondary school, I joined the SB5 boy band. However, university gave me time to study people whose work I admired. That has been the journey.

How does it feel to be finally heard?

I’m grateful to God that Never Before has been received well. However, I do not think I have gotten my break yet so I’ll keep working until maybe the record labels begin to call or something amazingly out of the ordinary comes.

Which musicians are your greatest influences?

Cobhams Asuquo, Asa, Timi Dakolo, India Arie, John Legend, Labrinth, Alicia Keys.

What inspires your songs?

Life inspires my music and by that I mean situations in life.

What do you hope to do with your music?

I hope to inspire, awaken, help people find expression through my music so help me God.

What do you think your listeners will get out of your music?

I hope that my listeners can find strength through my music, believe in themselves again, try to love again, do the right thing. For me, musicians go beyond being just entertainers, they are teachers.

Finding the market for this kind of music in Nigeria is tough but the grounds are breaking, doors are opening and hopefully we embrace it fully for the sake of the sanity of mine and the next generation.

What are your challenges in life and in the music industry?

Life is a battle. Everyday we are faced with challenges but we learn to navigate our way through it and stand as champions in the end.

For an indie artist in this music terrain, it’s like the black man fighting to be America’s president.

You have to be three times as good as the hottest artist to be heard. Also if you don’t have money to spread out, you’re not ready unless you are signed.

In this case whether you are good or not, people listen to you anyways then decide.

What’s your word of advice for upcoming artistes out there like you?

Keep developing yourself. Don’t be shy to ask for help but don’t expect to get it on a platter of gold.

When you do, make the best of it, it might be the beginning of you winning and also understand the place of time. A lot of us want the quick Indomie situation today but anything worthwhile takes time.

Be patient, be persistent.

You can listen to Bem Abu’s Never Before here

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