From A Childhood Choirboy to A Afrobeat Nova – A Journey Through Music and Memories
Bims is not just the new kid on the block; he is an O.G. who arrived late to the Afrobeats scene. Man keeps churning out sounds and melodies like he was an artiste in his past life.
From the roots of his local church in Ogun state- a foundation that would later shape his sound and artistry, to the maestro-level artiste dropping infectious beats and smooth melodies, here is an interview with SuperstarBims.
After completing his education, Israel Olawale a.ka-Bims returned to Lagos—the heart of Nigeria’s music industry—ready to make his mark.
With 11 tracks, Bims’ discography showcases his versatility and passion for blending genres. His career gained momentum with viral tracks featuring renowned artists like Zlatan Ibile and Juju music legend Sir Shina Peters. These collaborations and his dynamic performances at major shows across the country have not only solidified his reputation but also established him as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
With his signature dreadlocks and the aura of a true performer, Bims is a rising star in the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats. His unique sound and story set him apart in the music industry.
Reflections on Roots and Unusual Food Adventures
Though Bims is making waves in Lagos right now, he spent his formative years
“I grew up in Ogun State,” he shares.
“I spent most of my life there because of school—Faith Academy and Covenant University. That’s already ten years of my life. But I eventually came back to Lagos.”
His journey between these places has shaped his personal and professional life. In a moment of fun during the interview, Bims opened up about one of the strangest food combos he once had.
“Bread, beans, and salad,” he confessed, laughing at the unusual combo. And he’s not alone in these quirky food choices—his interviewer also ate white rice and Cabin Biscuit. It’s a fun reminder that even stars have their quirky moments.
Redefining Amapiano: Bims on Music, Collaboration, and Creativity
For Bims, Amapiano isn’t just a genre—it’s a vibe, a mood, and even a form of solace.
“Amapiano is not just ‘Amapiano’,” he explains.
“To some people, it’s a love song; to others, it’s a sad song. It’s anything that takes away your sorrows.”
In essence, Bims views Amapiano as more than just a sound; it’s a reflection of the human experience. For him, Amapiano is whatever brings joy or peace.
“My own Amapiano could be football or anything that takes away your sorrows.”
This perspective informs his approach to creating music, where emotion and energy take centre stage. His recent collaboration with Zlatan Ibile on the remix of “Amapiano” showcased how different styles can merge seamlessly, even without the traditional studio collaboration. Bims already had the track ready when he approached Zlatan for a feature.
“He was vibing with it online already,” Bims recalls. “So, when I asked for a verse, he sent one in, thank God!”
The track didn’t require Zlatan to adapt too much—it flowed naturally for him.
“From the videos, you could tell he was enjoying it. When he sent his verse, Omo, you could feel the energy. He enjoyed jumping on it.”
It’s clear that for Bims, music is all about connecting with emotions and energies, whether it’s through the carefree vibes of Amapiano or the thrill of working with a collaborator like Zlatan, whose style complements the track effortlessly.
Blending Juju with Afrobeats and His Artistic Evolution
Collaborating with a legend like Sir Shina Peters was a pivotal moment in Bims’ career. His track “Make Una Dance,” a vibrant fusion of modern Afrobeats and Juju music, was the result of a deep dive into Peters’ discography. Bims’ label head had suggested sampling the Juju legend, which led to an intense session of listening and brainstorming.
“We sat down with one of his songs,” Bims recalls, “and about six minutes in, I caught on to the ‘make una dance’ part. It felt right.”
With that decision made, his label worked to get the sample cleared, and what happened next exceeded expectations. Peters not only approved the sample but expressed a desire to collaborate.
“Sir Shina Peters was literally ready to jump in the studio,” Bims says, remembering how thrilling it was to share the stage with Peters during a performance in December, well before the song was even released. “It was a crazy experience.”
As Bims reflects on his journey, his evolution as an artist is undeniable. Since his debut EP in 2021, his discography has grown to 11 tracks, but he feels his newer material is where his true artistic identity shines. “A lot of my current songs are old to me now,” he admits. Tracks like “Amapiano” and “Make Una Dance” were recorded last year, while his personal growth has taken him in a new direction.
Back in 2021, his music channeled the emotions of a “young lover boy,” but today, Bims feels more grounded. “I’m still a lover boy,” he laughs, “but now I’m in control of my emotions.
Babe no fit dey do me anyhow.”
His newfound maturity reflects a more profound sense of self and artistic confidence, signalling that his future music will continue to evolve in exciting, unexpected ways.
Viral Moments, Global Reach, and Mastering the Stage
Social media has transformed the way artists connect with their audiences, and Bims has experienced this firsthand. Reflecting on a viral moment surrounding Magixx’s open verse challenge, Bims clarifies that he didn’t participate in the challenge per se but simply expressed his thoughts at a time when the country was going through a lot. “I just said my mind,” he recalls, noting that he may have even influenced Magixx to open the challenge. “It went viral, but it was just about using the best song then to say what I needed to.”
He credits social media for amplifying his music’s reach, allowing it to travel to unexpected places. “The power of social media is real,” Bims explains. “You’ll find people connecting from places like China, Tanzania, Uganda—places you wouldn’t expect.” Social media’s global reach has given his music a broader platform, connecting him with fans from countries he might not have reached otherwise.
“Sometimes on my YouTube, I see comments from Uganda saying they love my music. It’s incredible.”
Bims’ ability to engage with a diverse and global audience isn’t just limited to social media. His experience performing at high-profile events such as Ckay’s Sad Romance tour and the Flytime Fest show has further shaped his artistry. But before these big stages, Bims was no stranger to performing.
“I’ve always been on stage,” he says, recalling his time in the church choir and as a social prefect in secondary school. These early experiences taught him the fundamentals of stage presence and audience connection.
“Once you’re in the choir, you already understand how to connect with an audience.” he emphasizes, crediting those formative years with giving him the confidence and stage management skills that now define his live performances.
Whether in front of intimate crowds or thousands of fans, Bims’ ability to engage with his audience is a testament to his early roots in music, where emotional connection and performance go hand in hand.