On a pleasant Thursday afternoon, Nasboi connects with TunesDeck via Zoom shortly after the release of his first album, In Nasboi I Trust (I.N.I.T). He appears lively yet serious, asserting, “This recognition is not by chance. I’ve been a musician my whole life.”
Nasboi reveals that he was signed to a record label owned by renowned Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde from 2014 to 2017 but only made this known in 2023 during an interview with HipTV.
Last February, he released “Lover Boy,” a song enriched with vivid imagery to express deep affection. The lyrics hint at the collaboration with Nigerian icon Wande Coal on his following track, “Umbrella.”
While “Lover Boy” showcased his lyrical skills, it was “Umbrella” that truly brought Nasboi to the forefront of the national music scene. “There wasn’t a planned strategy; I simply wanted to sing again,” he explained. The song’s success was, in part, due to an engaging dance associated with it, making it widely recognized even before its release.
Highlighting his long-standing passion for music, Nasboi shares that one track on I.N.I.T was recorded in 2021, with the remaining tracks completed in the past year. The album comprises nine songs with a consistent mellow vibe that explores themes of love using his unique humor. Many listeners have expressed admiration for the project.
On “Could This Be Love,” Nasboi delivers a heartfelt performance, complemented beautifully by Chike’s soulful vocals. “Confession” presents a contrasting energetic side of Nasboi, especially paired with Joeboy’s relaxed delivery. In “No Be So,” he showcases his solo talent while still benefiting from supporting female vocals.
Discussing his musical influences, Nasboi attributes them to his diverse heritage—raised by a Yoruba father and a Delta mother who introduced him to Fuji music. Growing up in Port Harcourt and studying in Akwa Ibom, he feels his style is a blend of various influences.
He cites stars like 2Face Idibia and Wande Coal as inspirations for his sound. “2Face was a major influence for me,” Nasboi confessed. Idibia features in “Ashewo,” a lively track that showcases both his vocal style and that of the artist known as 2Baba. The edgy verse from Falz enhances the song’s engaging nature, marking the collaborative brilliance in Nasboi’s album.
This project reflects Nasboi’s keen sense of production, thanks to his collaboration with renowned producer DeeYasso, who has worked with stars like Chike and Oxlade. Every element of the album aligns with Nasboi’s artistic vision, from feature selections to sound choices, achieving a harmonious debut.
Many may recall that Nasboi first gained traction with skits mimicking Davido, which caught the popstar’s eye. His catalog of relatable videos remains free from the clichés often found in digital comedy, demonstrating his originality and thoughtful approach. He brings this mindset into his music career as well.
As the conversation wraps up, Nasboi emphasizes that comedy and music are interconnected aspects of his creativity. “I can’t see myself giving up comedy—I want to keep both alive, if possible. In the U.S., many artists successfully blend these talents, unlike here, where people expect you to specialize. I refuse to be confined to a single role.”
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