Hunger, depression pushed me to comedy — Nasboi
A popular social media comedian and artiste, Nasiru Lawal, aka Nasboi, speaks to OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about his career and other issues
What was the highlight of 2023 for you?
The highlight of 2023 for me is having a hit song (Umbrella) towards the end of the year.
When did you start your music career?
The first time I recorded a song in the studio was sometime in 2006. But, I officially got signed to Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s label in 2014. That was when my music took a serious turn.
However, I am currently signed to Eminent Transglobal Sounds Record Limited.
Have you stopped comedy for music?
I have not stopped comedy. I intend to create a balance, though I know I might not move at the same pace as before, but I will surely do both.
If you had to choose between music and comedy, which would you abandon?
I would choose music, because it is my first love. Comedy came later. Though I have always been quite funny, it was actually hunger and depression that made me start comedy.
Funnily enough, I am a very shy person.
How were you able to manage/overcome your shyness, because entertainment usually requires one to perform for a crowd of people?
I am still very shy, but I have been able to handle it, because I am growing at every point. I don’t have a choice, as I have to perform in front of many people.
Why did you feature Wande Coal on your song, ‘Umbrella’?
First, Oluwatobi Ojosipe, aka Wande Coal, is an artiste I love. When I started singing in 2006, Wande Coal, Innocent Idibia, aka 2baba; and Oladapo Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, were some of the musicians I loved and looked up to. When I made this particular song, I left a space for a featured verse, and the only person that came to my mind was Wande Coal. I was not really expecting to get him, but I tried, and God eventually did it for me.
How did the process of the collaboration happen?
When I finished recording the song, I left an empty verse, hoping to find someone to feature. Subsequently, I went to a gig where I was backstage with Wande Coal, and I went to say ‘hi’ to him. He then told me how much he loves me, and I was struck that the person I love so much and want to feature feels that way about me.
However, I did not show too much excitement, and I was strategic about it. I got his friend’s number and a few weeks later, I called him and told him I would love to see him. I did not tell him the reason behind the meeting, because as a comedian, when one tells people that one sings, they take it as a joke. So, we had a meeting, and I took him to the car and played my songs for him. He was amazed. I then told him I would love to feature Wande Coal on a song. He asked me to give him some songs that he felt Wande Coal would like. Out of all of them, he said he felt Wande Coal would like ‘Umbrella’ more. He said I should give him some time and I stayed hopeful. After some days, I got a call from Wande Coal saying, “This boy so you sabi (can) sing like this’?
So, when he returned to Nigeria, he called me and he had already recorded his part. When we met, I was star-struck, happy and amazed.
Did you write the song during the rainy season?
I have no idea whether it was rainy or sunny when I wrote the song, but I knew the only title that could fit it was ‘Umbrella’. I did not go through any creative thought process to choose that particular title.
wow, this is so inspiration
*inspirational
WOW!