19th September, 2014
Korede Bello is one young talent in the Nigerian music industry that has won over many ardent lovers with his captivating voice and strong lyrical depth in his very short time on the scene. A Don Jazzy protégé, Korede spoke with MOTUNRAYO IDRIS about his choice of career and how happy he is to be a part of the Mavin All Stars crew
How did you meet Don Jazzy?
God actually brought me in contact with Don Jazzy. A friend of Don Jazzy had heard one of my songs and was very impressed. When he met Don Jazzy, he suggested to him to listen to my songs. Luckily, he did. The first song Don listened to was ‘Forever’ and he so much loved the song. When he later invited my manager and I, he sang the song word for word from the beginning till the end. And we got into the studio, recorded some songs and that was it.
When did Mavin Record sign you, and what is the nature of your contract?
I really won’t like to discuss my contract terms publicly. However, I will be in Mavin for a long time; a favourable period of time for both parties.
How do you feel working with those notable figures like Tiwa Savage and Dr. Sid, who are also members of the Mavin family?
It is one thing to watch stars on television, another thing is to be in the studio working with them. Knowing them for who they are is another thing. It feels awesome because it exposes me to a lot more than I can imagine. I discovered that what I see on the screen is not what it is. It is a different world entirely. All I can say is that they are really wonderful people and behind the people you see on TV, they are extremely humble and loving people. Working with them has been a learning field for me. It is an academic field on its own. Don Jazzy for instance is an extremely humble person I have ever met. Tiwa Savage is one of the most loving sisters I could ever have. Dr. Sid is the best elder brother one could have. Reekado is my guy and Prince is that Doro guy. The family is a very strong unit and it’s a big learning field for me. I feel great working with each and every one of them because they all have their impacts in Korede Bello’s brand.
How did you come up with your lyrics in that monster hit, Dorobucci?
It is the favour and grace of God. God gives me the inspiration. Doro Bucci means perfection, an expert. So my individual representation of what perfection is or what I want to be in the future. I want a perfect Korede Bello brand in future, a mega super star. That’s my Dorobucci dream.
What kind of a boss is Don Jazzy?
Don Jazzy is a Doro boss. He is the Dorobucci we are singing about. Working with Jazzy is one of the most awesome experiences I could ever have as an artiste. I never dreamt of working with him, because it has never occurred to me. But here I am working with him. You have no idea how the aura, the atmosphere and the musical session with Don Jazzy is. It is like a gift, it is beyond music. Sometimes, we could just be in the studio and crack jokes and ideas will flow. If we come up with something strong, we turn it into reality and at the end of the day; we have a good song to record. To cut it short, Don Jazzy is not just a boss, he is a teacher, and he gives the basics and also encourages us. He is not one of those that will say your success is your business; he will tell you that you have to be successful by making sure you do the right thing.
When are you going to release your own songs?
Well, my first single as a Mavin artiste is already out. It is titled ‘African Princess’. We are already working on its video. African Princess is being aired on various major radio stations and other social media sites. People listen to it in and outside Nigeria.
When you started your music career, what was the reaction of your parents when they learnt you were interested in music?
Well, I can say my parents are one of the best in the world because they were very encouraging. They love to see me happy especially when it is something that I have a passion for. They have always supported me because right from my primary school days, I always had this thing for music, rhythm and art. They dressed me up and bought me stuff so that I can participate in social activities in school and they were there to give me support when I needed it. They were always very proud of me any time I won prizes for my school. The only issue is staying out late.
You’re still in school, how have you been able to combine education with your music career?
To be honest, I never thought it would be this challenging because one of the reasons my parents supported my music career is because I am good academically. My education and music are things I have passion for and I can’t love one more than the other because I love education, I love educated people and I also have passion for music. Music drives me. The truth is you can never serve two masters at the same time, I can’t get the best of both but I have been grateful to God for the understanding. I have been working twice as hard as an artiste and as a student. So, I make sure I don’t lag behind in any area of it. When I have to be in school I make sure I am in school. Most times, we do night recording and in the morning I find my way to school and rest later in the day. It makes me feel I am doing something worthwhile, that is going to pay off in the future and that I can fall back on later in life.
How have you been handling your new found celebrity status?
I may see myself as the Doro mega super star but realistically behind that mega super star is the same Korede Bello. I don’t see myself as different from every other person. I try as much as possible to remain humble. When people see me they say is that not Korede Bello? They expect me to be flamboyant and extravagant in my dealings but I like to be simple. I like to be a mega super star, I like the feel of it and I also like fame, but I want to be humble about it as well. It makes me feel like I have something that other people are wishing to have and the only thing I can do is not to be pompous about it or in any way intimidate them. My fear is not to be carried away by stardom, though it is not easy but I always work on it.
What advice do you have for other upcoming artistes who are craving to make it to the top?
One of the cliché upcoming artistes hear is: ‘when it’s your time, it’s your time’. Trust me it is 100 per cent true. When it is your time, it is your time. Many of us make this mistake of trying to fast track the time frame and we end up missing it. But if you are actually patient, hardworking, persistent and focused, with God, your time will come and not pass you by. In fact, by that time, you are ready for anything that comes with it.
Can you describe yourself?
Korede Bello is a fun-loving person, youthful and socially responsible. Korede Bello is that person that parents want to allow to take their daughters out for a date. And also that guy that parents want their kids to be like. Korede Bello is a humble dude, a funny person and I love my fans.