After recently delivering his highly-praised LP 'Ìlù Ìlù' last year, Nigerian artist Ibejii has now returned to share his shimmering new single 'Gonto'.
Inspired greatly by the COVID outbreak, Black Lives Matter, and EndSARS movement of the last few years, 'Gonto' makes for a wonderfully warm and emotional return. With its sweet and sweeping production layered effortlessly against his own soaring voice, he is certainly making a bold statement on this new release.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The grand piano was the first instrument I fell in love with and it remains my choice instrument to this day. I remain intrigued by the size and crispness of sound that comes from the delicate black and white keys encased in solid glistening wood. I remain enamoured of the cute little hammers that bang heavenly tunes off vibrating strings in some complex structure that looks more like some form of clock factory.
What kind of music did you listen to when you were younger?
Growing up, we listened to everything. My parents are both huge music lovers, with tastes that spread all the way from classical and instrumental to 60s, 70s and 80s soul, R&B and pop. We grew up on a diet of Grover Washington, Earl Klugh, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd etc etc.
What was the first album you remember having?
Tu Pac was massive and probably at the apex of his career when I got the hugely introspective ’Me Against the World’ in 1995/96. I remember the raw energy of Dear Mama, an intensely personal song, and his open discussion of issues of poverty, neglect and his perennial troubles with the police. Amazing project!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Two songs: Happy by Pharrell Williams is probably my favourite all timer. It is as happy as it is christened. It is infectious. And it is all time brilliant. More recently, Leave The Door Open by Bruno Mars and Anderson Paaks gnaws at me for reasons that will hopefully become obvious in a year or two. I absolutely love the song. It’s a brilliant brilliant song and yes, I wish I wrote it.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
No! When I feel it, I write it. No routines. You have to remember that every story, every encounter, speaks sound and music to me. There is a song breaking out of any encounter, any experience. It is without rhyme or reason - just a feeling. When I feel it, I jot it and voice it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Arlo Parks; Tyler, The Creator; Taylor Swift; Joy Oladokun, are only a few of the good number of favourites I am listening to.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Jacob Banks. Benjamin Clementine.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Stage. I absolutely love connecting with the audience. I miss stage performances.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Marketing and promotions is without doubt my least favourite part of being a musician. I am happy to create all day long, and, like I say, to perform on stage. If only marketing and promotions didn’t get in the way of a truly beautiful creative process.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Reinhard, was 21, and the very first producer I worked with. He had the mind of a sage and the empathy of the Pope. ‘Hold tight to your creative reins’ he warned. ‘Don’t let anyone substitute their views for your creative direction. Be the artist. Be the creator.’ I have held tightly to that advice and given myself the license to create.
-
Ibejii's new single 'Gonto' is available to stream and download now. Check out the new video and stream it in the players below.