Many would agree that Nigerian music and artists have come of age. At least the buzz on the international scene and the acceptability of the music is enough attestation to the fact.
However, concerns have been raised in many quarters about the depth of the lyrical content which many see as lacking in substance. But Billionaire Mafia Record’s artist, Austin Boss born Austin Awele Okocha, believes this is a wrong assumption, saying Nigerian artists are up there with the rest of the world, both lyrically and sound wise and are only guilty of giving the audience what the audience wants.
He asserts, “ I don’t think this is a valid assumption, when it comes to lyrics, yes maybe, and it’s not the artistes fault, it’s just giving the audience what they want which is solely vibes and rhythm, this is not to say there aren’t actual lyrical contents, but the majority of artists are not paying attention enough. I don’t think that’s 100% true. We have great artists who write meaningful songs with depth.
“I strongly feel anything that comes from the heart and a place of passion will definitely touch lives and inspire many. ”
He also shared insight into how to make evergreen songs.
“And yes, to make an evergreen song, you need a bit of everything with the right team behind you. An example is Burna Boy, we all saw how he evolved when he got some international hands into his production. We have many artists who can make evergreen songs. Already, Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and many others are doing that. We have what it takes to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world. We are the best in Africa right now,” he added.
Austin Boss, who says he doesn’t have any particular kind of genre, believes that the African continent is too big and diverse to stick to just one genre of music. He admits that Afrobeat is in the front burner and seems to be leading the charge on the international scene but asserts that other genres too have a pride of place.
“I don’t think I have a particular genre I’m into. I’d rather call it Afro-fusion because it’s just a blend of my African roots fused with whatever sound I decide to do but I have a special love for dance-hall. Afrobeat has been sensational and it would continue for long to rule the space. It’s been a long time coming and it’s beautiful to see but music is too diverse for a continent to stick to one genre ,” he stated.
On the debate on who the best artist is in Nigeria among the trio of Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy, Austin Boss wouldn’t want to stick his neck, affirming the trio as Nigerian biggest exports musically.
“The three of them are amazing artists, they equally have passion for what they do, they put out great music, and I feel like they all deserve to be celebrated all over Africa and even the world at large,” he declared.
Austin Boss grew up as a kid in love with music. His home was a vibration of music of old which contributed to shape his musical trajectory. By the age of 11 he was already in the choir in High School and by 13 the seed in him had germinated so much that he had already written lyrics and made music.
Professionally, music started for him in 2015 with a now defunct group known as SOD based in Tbilisi, Georgia. He relocated back to Nigeria in 2018 to chase a solo career in music. It was on this path he was discovered by Billionaire Mafia Record label and was officially signed in 2021.
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