Bello Sisqo is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter and dancer based in Germany. In this interview, the young artiste speaks about his foreign sojourn, relationship with Nigerian singers and other sundry issues.
Where did you get the name Sisqo?
My name is Bello Abubakar Sheriff, but I’m known in the entertainment industry as Bello Sisqo. I was born in Bama LGA of Borno State on November 1, 1998. However, I grew up in Kano State where I attended conventional and Islamic schools before venturing into entertainment.
Why entertainment?
Entertainment is something that is inherent in me. At a very tender age, I was a dancer and started teaching dancing at the Farida Cinema at Rijiyar Lemu in Kano. I later became a dancing tutor in Kannywood. I taught dance steps for most of Ali Nuhu and Adam Zango’s films. With time I developed the skill to sing, so I decided to give it a try. I began recording my songs at Auwal DJ Studio and within a short period I started shooting my song’s videos and in no time the name Bello Sisqo went viral.
I later met a famous Nigerian singer, Chizo Germany, and a social media influencer, Bobo, who are from Northern Nigeria. We collaborated for song called “Fada Da Gaskiya”. It was the song that shot me to limelight and with support from Chizo Germany I travelled to Germany where I continued with my entertainment pursuit.
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As an entertainer, what’s the difference between Germany and Nigeria?
As an entertainer with a rich cultural background I was taken like a brother by some Germans who I came to relate with as friends. They have accommodated me since 2015. I got a job as a dance tutor where I coached Hausa traditional dance steps and those of other African cultures. After that, I and Chizo began to record songs in Hausa.
In Europe people respect you when you dearly hold onto your culture. Though we reside in Germany, we never cease to sing our songs in Hausa and still make impact and waves. We have earned respect and adoration from the Europeans and other Africans. That is why we have been able to make it in Europe and still remain there.
How many songs have you recorded in Germany?
A lot of songs in collaboration with stars across Nigeria and the globe. I did songs with Ice Prince, Jaywillz, Singah, Dijah, Zinolisky, among other top Nigerian artistes. I also did songs with artistes from Europe such as Gambiya, Jizzle and Chiara Damico. In Africa I did a song with Macvoice from Tanzania. I also did several songs with Northern Nigerian artistes like Adam Zango, Hamisu Breaker, Ado Gwanja, Ali Jita, Umar Shareef, DJ Ab, Deezell, Sojaboy, Auta Mg Boy, Chizo Germany, Classiq and Ahmad Shanawa.
How would you rate the Nigerian entertainment industry?
To be honest with you, it is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The industry has projected not only Nigeria as a nation, but also Africa as a vibrant industry to the global community. We saw how Nigerians were selected to perform at the recently concluded World Cup in Qatar.
Indeed, the entertainment industry of Nigeria has come of age and the sky is its limit. However, I still believe that there is a need to do more in terms of sponsorship, management and promotion. These will no doubt lift the industry to greater heights by God’s grace.
What is the level of your relationship with artistes back in Nigeria?
We have very strong cordial relationships. Though residing in Germany, I still see myself as a Nigerian doing the Nigerian thing in Europe. As mentioned earlier, I have done several works with Nigerian artistes; both those in Lagos and those from the Northern part. This I think is an indicator of the cordial relationship I have with the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The industry has been very supportive and encouraging and I believe the gesture extended to me has been a uniform approach to all artistes in the nation and beyond because I have done songs with other African artistes as well.
Have you won any award as an entertainer?
I won the award of “Best Artiste in Northern Nigeria” and the “Best Music Video of the Year” in 2021, as well as the “Best EU Artiste”, award among many other international and local awards.
Are you married?
No, but hopefully I will be getting married this year by God’s grace.
Is she in the entertainment industry?
Just wait and see.
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