Fast-rising Hip-hop, Afrobeat singer and fashionista, Mubarak Mobolaji, popularly known as ‘B Benz’, is a native of Osun State. He was born and raised in Ibadan, before relocating to Lagos a few years ago. Today, the artist rests on the strength of a native saying that you cannot succeed in life if you cannot hustle. This, he says informs his decision to come to Lagos to fulfil. So, he left his parents so that he can be financially buoyant to feed his family. B Benz says his parents are waiting for him at home to become a great man and make it big in the music industry. The last born of his parents, he says he is planning and praying to make it big in life. He also seeks the wherewithal to take care of himself, his parents, siblings, family, friends, as well as admirers. In this interview with Quadri Akanbi, B Benz reveals how his dad influenced his musical career and his vision for working with top A-list artists.
What is the motive behind your stage name, Benzo?
My childhood friends gave me that nickname, Benzo, because I used to attend football training back then, and I was a fat boy, which I took after a coach named BENZO. Then I quit going to football training and opted for music when I thought I can be a musician because I have the talent. Then I decided to change my name to B Benz.
Who inspired you to make music?
My dad inspired me to make music because he used to buy American music albums whenever he comes home. From there, I developed a love for listening to music; the likes of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Eminem, Tupac, Westlife, and many more.
At what age do you start music as a career?
I started my music career at the very young age of 16/17 years old.
What genre of music do you do?
Hip-hop, Afrobeats, Drill Music, and many more.
You claimed you started your music career at the age of 16/17 years, since you’ve been doing music, how many albums or songs have you produced, and which of them are your favourites?
I’ve had many songs. I can’t even remember them all, and in all of my songs, I love ‘OKAY’ because that’s my main music genre. I love hip-hop more, but because of Nigeria’s music industry situation, I do Afrobeat now.
What is your creative process like?
When it comes to music, I have a very simple and easy way of coming up with whatever music genre it is. My creative process has always been soft on God.
If you have your way, which other Nigerian top artist would you like to work with in the near future?
Hmm! Sincerely speaking, I would like to work with Davido. That’s my Great of All Time (GOAT).
Have you been nominated for any awards locally and internationally?
No! That is because I just wanna make a piece of good music so that I could get nominated for major awards globally.
What’s the best piece of advice you had from your senior colleagues in the industry?
Keep pushing and believe in yourself because you’re a star.
Which qualities do you think make a great musician?
The best quality that people will actually enjoy.
Which instrument is your favourite to play, and why?
I love drum sets because I was a drummer during my primary school days.
What other business do you do apart from being an artist?
I am an entrepreneur and I’m a stylist. I sell wears online and physically.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Flashback to the endSARS protests at Lekki toll gate when the soldiers came to shoot straight bullets at civilians; what a painful memory…I am yet to recover from it, man.
We’re open to collaborators who share same ideologies – Alkali, NNPP national chair
What is your memorable experience as an artist?
I got the best day as an artist when I performed at the Davido Fans Concert in Lagos. Bro, I heard and saw unknown people from different places vibing to my music, which gave me goose bumps while on stage. I was so overwhelmed that I got more fans and new contacts. I really feel blessed at Eko Energy, my brother, Godsent, you really ginger me.
How do you feel after your performance at Davido’s fan show that night?
I felt so happy, and probably the best day for me on earth was when I performed at the Davido Fans Concert! Thanks to Wande 30BG and the entire crew.
What is the most embarrassing experience you have had as an artist?
I was so embarrassed early this year when a DJ called me for a show he hosted. I even got my friends to buy a ticket, and getting to the show, I was unable to perform, which had all my friends thinking, why? why? why? The DJ f….d me up big time.
What’s next for you?
I just wanna be a megastar all over the world and become the best ever artist to come out of Nigeria, Africa.
