Nigerian multi-talented music producer and entrepreneur Bolaji Olanrewaju Williams, popularly known as ‘Phazehop’ graduated from Leadcity University, he at first studied performing arts and later switched to office and information management and also bagged a certificate in Project management in a chit chat with Quadri Akanbi (Godsent) speaks on how he made it far in the music industry and what his creative process is like.
What is the motive behind your nickname Phazehop?
The name Phazehop has a long and interesting history regarding the origination of the name, it used to be formal “faceUp Boys”, it was a group name when I was a part of a music duo sometime in the year 2001. It means looking up to God in everything we do.
What essentially does Ogidi Studio represent?
Ogidi Studios is an entertainment power hub, the studio represents the biggest production house in the whole of Africa. We have what it takes to deliver on any entertainment project whatsoever, we have the best equipment and infrastructure so far, that can cater to any creative’s need… We have executed projects across the globe and we are known globally.
How did you get this far?
Well, I give glory to God for the opportunity at life and his grace over my life, but I have also come this far through a lot of hard work and dedication… I have been in the industry for over 15 years and have worked with a lot of artists and musical projects. Over the years I have also improved on my craft thereby making me a top choice creative to work with.
What hit-list production have you had?
I have worked with a lot of underground artists and known artists, at one point in time I have been in every major music studio across Nigeria producing or contributing to musical albums. I have worked with OGs and new cats in the industry but my biggest project so far is working on the movie score, sound design, and sound engineering for the Hollywood blockbuster movie Wakanda Forever (Black Panther 2)
Give us a low down about your productions.
I sing professionally, I write music, I produced professionally and I engineer professionally… My favorite DAW is Logic Pro X, I master on T Racks….
In your creative profile who or who are your best in terms of production?
As a music producer, it’s hard to say a particular producer is the best, the reason being that how do we want to judge a good producer? Is it about the number of hit records they have out there or just about their creativity? However, there are some very unique producers that have created phenomenal music and everyone has followed their lead. For me, I like productions from P Prime
In a nutshell, why do you like Davido, for instance?
Davido is an inspiration, he is a talented artist, he is a hard worker and most importantly he has displayed proper leadership skills in the way he handles his organization.
What is the state of the creative industry in Nigeria?
The creative industry in Nigeria is Lagos state
Who really is a producer?
A producer is a creative genius that is capable of infusing different sounds together to create music.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process is a simple and natural one, I get inspired by my environment and happenings …. I let the universe lead me on and I follow what my heart tells me, I play the instruments and notes as my spirit leads…
How many productions have you had so far and which is your favorite?
As I said, I have been doing this for over 15 years and have worked with almost every artiste in Nigeria at some point, but recently a record I made for Asake (Kanipe) has been on repeat in my car… I remember that when the record was dropped it was loved by many and its because of its unique sound… the sound was way ahead of its time.
What is the most challenge you’ve encountered in the studio?
Challenges are what we face every day in the course of making music, but I usually encounter challenges during live sessions…. I remember one of those times I was engineering for Davido’s rehearsal alongside The Composers from Ghana, we had several problems with the computer hanging and delaying the whole rehearsal or when I mistakenly stepped on a particular wire that distribute electricity to the who set, lol, it wasn’t funny that day …
How does the production process in Nigeria compare with international standards?
We are very close now, in fact, we are there now…. In terms of creativity, our works can stand anywhere around the globe, especially with the recognition of Afrobeats… Ogidi is a world-class studio with modern-day sound equipment and this means that any standard of production around the globe can now be gotten in Nigeria.
How is your love or family?
I’m happily married and blessed with two kids (A boy and a girl)
Where do you think the Nigeria creative industry to be in the next 10 years?
We would have dominated the creative scene globally, Grammys would no longer be the Nigerian artiste’s dream … We would have moved away from that phase as we would be at the forefront of entertainment globally.
Which artist would you like to work with at the moment?
I’d like to work with Wizkid, I admire his creativity and grace … everything that guy does is always magical … a great guy
