One of my biggest fears is not being able to create

Joseph Akinwale, popularly known as Joeboy, has said inspiration for his songs comes from diverse ways, including dreams. He revealed this recently during an interaction with fans at the premiere of YouTube’s Up Close With series in Lagos.

At the event, he also announced his new album and collaboration with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON). Opening up on his artistic journey, from his breakout hit ‘Fààjí’ to chart-toppers, like Baby and Sip during a fireside chat with the Communication and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, Google, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, he shared the stories behind his music, the evolution of his sound, his label and others.

On his journey, which began in 2019, he said: “I never imagined it to be as big as it is now. Things started falling into place, so, for me, it’s a way of life and it’s been fun, I have learnt a lot. There were challenges but so far, it’s been a beautiful journey.”

Revealing the best thing about being a superstar, he said the fact that he gets to travel, and visit places. “They have been fulfilling. I love to visit different places.”

He added, “I would probably have been a travel blogger if I were not doing music. If I am not doing anything, I check up on countries to visit, pack my bags and travel.

“The fact that I can create something from my mind and it will touch the lives of many means a lot. I get a lot of messages from people that my music touches them and that makes me happy.”

Speaking on being part of YouTube 2022 Foundry Programme, he said: “It was an eye-opening experience, I was able to know a lot of things I never knew. I was able to learn about the importance of content because there was a time I was told to create short videos and that impacted my audience positively. My breakthrough-hit song blew up through YouTube.”

He continued: “Contour is my favourite; that is one song that I will always be proud that I created the song, even if Michael Jackson comes back alive to tell me that the song is not good, I will push back.”

Talking of his label, Young Legend, he said: “A friend of mine by the name, Tunji, sent me a message in 2019 that I am a young legend and that stuck with me. The first tattoo I got was Young Legend so, it has always been my dream to create a platform that will help artistes like myself to showcase their talent and to push them out to the world. I know how difficult it is to come out so, a lot of support is needed. Being where I am today is because a group of people decided to support and show me love.

On Osadebe, he said it was inspired by the late Chief Osita Osadebe. “His music brings ease to people and I think that’s why he’s called a hypertension doctor, and I know that my music also gives that kind of feeling. Osondi Owendi means everyone to his own so, so everyone has different paths and we need to focus on our journey; at times, we like to compare but factors will always be different, so, that process inspired Osondi Owendi. That means I have my path to follow and I will focus on it.”

He said: “I am being focused and this is the highest my mind has been in a long time. My new album will be music everyone loves and can connect to and I am excited about it. Fans should be expecting some unusual. My album will be ready this year. I am taking my time to make sure that everything is perfect.

“I will tell anyone not to try to be like me. Anyone should stay true to themselves and be consistent regardless of the result; I feel when we don’t get the result for what we are chasing, we get discouraged but one must also fall in love with the process, not the result. Don’t follow trends because trends will come and they will go.”