Play me Majek Fashek. Play me Baba Fela… Jumabee pays homage to Africa’s music legends on his song, “good music.”
The song which became a constant tune on airplay also featured Sound Sultan, Banky W, Niyola and Chigurl.
Jumabee speaks the truth he believes with fear of nothing and no one. It is why he’s become a very much loved figure within the industry.
Juwon Olorunnibe , a native of Kabba in Kogi State spoke to ADEOLA ILELABOYE about his journey so far and what he really means by “Gong Pop”.
How did music start for you and tell us about your first recorded song?
Professionally it started in 2005, i recorded my first song in Minna Niger State, with my brother then who’s the president of the label now, from that time i discovered that music is what i want to do and since then it’s been from glory to glory
How was the reception of your first single?
It was fine but been my first single it was not all that easy, there’s a big difference between singing in your house and finally going to a recording studio, it was all new to me, but i would say the reception is not bad for a starter.
What did your family do to encourage you when you first started?
I started in the choir and my family was very supportive of me, each time i rendered a special number in church and get home my parent would tell me how much they believed in me and appreciated my talent. When my dad died i made a special tribute album to him and my mum has been there for me through it all and my siblings are awesome.
Who are your inspirations?
Frank Edward, Tuface, Sound Sultan, Marly music.
How many songs do you have so far and how many have you promoted?
Over 100 and I have been able to promote over 20 videos and shoot over 12 videos including collaborations.
Who write your songs for you?
Well i don’t write for anyone and no one writes for me. I just get into the studio listen to the beats and the inspiration comes.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes! I play the drums.
If you were not singing what would you be doing now?
Music.
Tell us about your latest single?
I dropped a song titled “Sankara mid this year featuring Harrysong, and i dropped another single featuring Skales titled “Brakata dance, that we are pushing at the moment.
Your collaboration with Harrysong, How was it?
It was amazing, we connected spiritually, I call him the music professor, he’s a music genius, it took him just 5 minute to render his verse. He’s very humble.
A list of Nigerian artist you have collaborated with?
Vector, YQ, Jawon, Harrysong, YungSix, Cynthia Morgan, Banky W, Sound Sultan, Niyiola, Chi Gurl.
What other things are you into asides music?
I do event coordination, I’m an archeologist (I’m into fish farming) and I also run a restaurant.
Your first major on stage performance and your experience?
My first major stage performance was Glo “rock n roll”. Then i was still in my second year in the university, we had over 60,000 people, and the song i performed at that time was one of the biggest song in the middle belt area where I was.
The fans didn’t even let me sing the song, it was huge and the response was massive and till date that has been my biggest and it was an awesome experience, it a major breakthrough for me.
Awards and nominations?
By God’s grace, i have won over 27 awards including and over 7 nominations as well.
Any plans for an album?
I’m yet to drop an album, but God is at work on it.
What do you think of the Nigeria entertainment industry?
I’m excited, it has grown big and international artist wants to collaborate with us. Entertainment is our new oil, though its capital intensive but the result is always big.
Big thanks to Wizkid and Davido who have been able to break the bond.
Which project are you working on?
I’m working on Dj’s project at the moment, though i started last year and paused the movement but we started again, doing songs with notable Dj’s, the likes of Dj Enimoney, Dj Baddo, Dj Sexy and a whole lot and also Jumabee and friends campus tour and we would be touring over 30 universities, it’s just about taking your music to the fans, Mr. Saka is on the tour to bring the comic vibe.
Words for people that are still yet to find their part in music?
You need to understand your calling if not do not bother getting into it, secondly what are you here for?, Don’t do it because everyone is doing it.
Most young up and coming artist put the money first and when you do that the craft would be forgotten and when the craft is forgotten you will rotten.”
Words for your fans?
Shout out to you for the prayers, love and everyone who believed in me, promise to never let you down, I’m coming out big in 2018.
