‘I once paid to be featured in shows’

Korede Bello is a chart-topping musician signed on Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. He spoke to Weekend Magazine about the recent release of his debut album, the effort put into making the record, and his journey to stardom so far.   Weekend Magazine: What did it take to put your debut album Belloved together? Korede Bello: […]

Korede Bello is a chart-topping musician signed on Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. He spoke to Weekend Magazine about the recent release of his debut album, the effort put into making the record, and his journey to stardom so far.

 

Weekend Magazine: What did it take to put your debut album Belloved together?

Korede Bello: It took a lot of hard work, inspiration, late nights and grace. But it was fun making every song on the album. It also took commitment on the part of the producers.

 

WM: What should fans expect from the album?

 

Bello: My fans should expect a body of work that explores different genres and touches on different topics. There are songs about love, appreciation, domestic violence, God and even one about young people living a crime free life. There’s no song that’s the same on the album. Every song appeals to a particular target audience in the spectrum of my fan base. There are songs for the ladies, guys, clubs and weddings and even for the elderly. Every member of the Bellover family was represented.  

 

 

WM: Which song would you say was your favourite?

Bello: I think that would be ‘Favorite Song’ because I started writing it about eight years ago and it was the last song I recorded on the album. So it, kind of, has this first born and last born vibe about it.

 

WM: Before ‘Dorobucci,’ what was life like as an upcoming artist?

 

Bello: It was challenging but very adventurous. Back then I wasn’t under any pressure to satisfy any person in particular. I did music for myself and I. Now, there’s so much attention on one and I feel a need to satisfy everybody, especially after you have a national anthem such as ‘Godwin.’ I went through everything the average budding artiste goes through in their quest for fame and relevance. At some point, I actually paid to perform at some shows just so I can get more visibility. 

 

 

WM: ‘Godwin’ is one of the songs in the new album and was an instant hit. What do you have to say about this?

Bello: I give God all the glory. The song has been a blessing to me in many ways and has also opened doors for me. It took me to every home, nook and cranny and even to the corridors of power. I have performed the song before presidents, governors and the likes.

 

WM: You have featured alongside stars like Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage and the like. What was working with them like?

Bello: Working with Don Jazzy and Tiwa is always a wonderful experience.

 

WM: What inspired you to start a career in music and how did you discover your musical talent?

Bello: While growing up, I never really thought of having a career in music. I just knew that I loved to sing and dance all the time.

 

WM: Is there any significant other we should know about?

Bello: Yes, God and my fans.

 

WM: Do you have any plans to venture into acting now that you have made a name for yourself in music?

Bello: For now, I’m not nursing any acting ideas but I’m not ruling it out either. I’m open to trying new things.

 

WM: What challenges have you faced in the course of your career?

Bello: I’ve faced a lot of challenges but then again challenges are relative. What I see as challenges might not be what the other person sees as challenges. So I’ve decided that every barrier I come across should be overcome from an introspective point of view.

 

WM: What efforts do you make to associate with your Bellovers (fans)?

Bello: I featured them on a song in my album – the only feature on the entire album. It has never been done before and I think it speaks volumes about how I like to engage with the Bellovers. The album is dedicated to them #Belloved.

 

WM: Any plans for international collaborations?

Bello: Yes. We have got one already with Kelly Rowland on the remix of ‘Do It Like That.’ And there are more in the pipeline.

 

WM: How would you describe your kind of music?

Bello: Sweet music. Life-giving music.

 

WM: What was it like juggling your music career and pursuing your HND?

Bello: It hasn’t been easy but I thank God for helping me to strike a balance between both, especially in this final chapter of the HND program.

 

WM: Can you tell us who your influences are and how they have shaped your music?

 

Bello: I’m inspired by everybody and nobody. That’s because I take bits and pieces from everyone. I revere all the legends though. 

 

 

WM: How do you relax?

Bello: I sleep.

 

WM: Who is your favourite artsist?

Bello: It has to be English singer Ed Sheeran for now.