In an business that may get simply oversaturated with a number of new acts and personalities, Abimbola Ibirogba is rising as a breath of recent air, respiratory new life on the scene as an creative songwriter. Since venturing into the Nigerian music scene, he’s actively blazing a brand new path within the songwriting enterprise amidst the hustle and bustle that engulfs the music business. His affect on information goes past the method of placing phrases collectively; he is ready to evoke feelings via skillful composition that aligns with the sonic expertise his producers and collaborators work to create.
Whereas many artists take the limelight in entrance of the mic, Abimbola stands out as a result of his work elevates the standing of his collaborators. He understands the dynamic of working within the background, taking the delicate route, and permitting his work to shine via and converse for itself. From Afrosoul information to upbeat pop songs that pulse with urgency, his vary as a songwriter is plain. His catalogue is stacked with nice information collaborating with promising and established artists, starting from work with Atee Sole to Stovia, in addition to different artists inside and outdoors the nation, and this has positioned him as a key participant within the lyrical improvement of artists as a consequence of his work behind the scenes.
The songwriter extraordinaire is proof that the limelight will not be all there may be inside music. Now having fun with extra recognition for his work, he stays grounded with an consciousness of how far he come however targeted on what’s nonetheless forward. On this interview, he speaks about his journey, the fantastic thing about creating for others, and what the long run holds.
This interview is evenly edited for readability.
You’re having fun with some extra recognition in your work as a songwriter. Do you’re feeling just like the onerous work is paying off?
Abimbola Ibirogba: Completely. I’ve discovered that visibility is a byproduct of constant motion on this house. It’s been a very long time coming — writing a number of variations of songs at ungodly hours —and it’s gratifying to see that persons are beginning to discover and contain me extra at recording camps. I’m grateful but it surely’s not about being celebrated, for me. It’s about seeing how the music I’ve helped form connects with folks. That’s when you already know the work has actually paid off—when somebody hears a tune and it appears like theirs.
Does the brand new consideration really feel uncomfortable for you?
It’s probably not unusual, however it’s actually new. I’ve all the time been the particular person behind the scenes, however getting into the house the place others can see me appears like I’m within the highlight for a change. Clearly I’m not as seen as most artists however issues are altering. It’s regular to expertise new issues, it means development, proper? I’m grateful and studying to embrace it, studying to know that I’m somebody. I need the work to shine, and if my identify will get dragged into the sunshine with it, then so be it.
When did you determine to get into music full time, writing others?
I’ve all the time beloved music, I used to be the child in secondary college that sat with headphones on, rewinding sections of songs as a result of I beloved the way in which the artist delivered sure sections. I began writing extra as I bought into college, principally for enjoyable, after which I noticed I might flip into one thing extra substantial. It was pure for me as a result of phrases and music are two sides of the identical coin.
How has the journey been up to now? It looks like it will get overwhelming generally.
“Overwhelming” sounds about proper. There are days when it appears like so many issues are occurring in my mind and I can’t flip them off. However then there are moments of move and people make all of it price it. I’ve discovered to lean into the dynamic nature of the music business, accepting these moments as a part of the method. The journey’s been a mixture of frustration, discovery, and pleasure. I wouldn’t commerce it for something.
What’s your favourite factor about writing music for others?
I simply love the method of storytelling. After I write for another person, I’m taking a dive into their perspective, their feelings. It’s like getting into somebody’s footwear and making an attempt to see the world in the way in which that they do. It’s stunning to assist an artist articulate emotions they won’t have the phrases for. It’s like being a translator of feelings.
Would you make music of your individual?
I get this query loads truly, and the reply is a particular sure. I get pleasure from creating for others, however I feel it’s time to begin placing out my very own. I feel there’s a time and house for every part, and once I really feel prepared to inform my very own story, I’ll do it in the absolute best approach.
What does 2024 maintain for you?
It’s all about development for me. 2024 is about pushing boundaries; collaborating with extra artists, experimenting with my very own music, and getting into new territories. I need to take my craft to a brand new degree, to problem myself to make music that surprises even me.
What’s your inventive course of like? How lengthy does it take you to give you information?
It varies. Some information come collectively in a matter of hours, virtually like they have been ready to be made. Others require endurance and take a couple of days and even weeks generally. I simply should maintain chiseling away at it till the sculpture emerges. I choose to begin with a sense or emotion, a single observe or lyric, and construct from there. The method is all the time up and down, however I’ve discovered to belief it.
