NEXT 2 BLOW: My Music Is A Gospel Of Hope – IBK Spaceshipboi

incognito Friday, August 17, 2012 6 Comments Next To Blow Edit

Written By Babajide Awonyinfa

Ever since he won the Don Jazzy Enigma Beat Competition in 2011, his career has been on the upswing. Today, Ibukun Kevin Emuwawon popularly known as IBK Spaceshipboi, has become one of the most anticipated up-and-coming artistes in the Nigerian music industry. His single, “I Have a Dream” from his in-the-making debut album, I Come In Peace, has been getting remarkable reviews online.

A multi-talented artiste has worked with notable names in the music industry, from being a producer-at-large with ace producer Cobhams Asuquo, CEO C.A.M.P., to recording with the likes of hip hop heavies like Muna, Yemi Alade, Modele, Sound Sultan, Durella, and rave-of-the-moment Bez.

IBK, however, is different from your everyday artiste. In this interview, he explains the rationale behind his decision to toe the path of gospel music, how he strikes a balance between his act and his art, and what music means to him.

Tell us about the Enigma competition

The Enigma Beat Competition was a rap competition put together by one of Nigeria’s top music producers, Don Jazzy in 2011. I jumped on it because I saw it as an opportunity to put out God’s word and reach out to a ready audience that was caught up in the hype of the competition. I came across it through a website that was an affiliate to the initiative. I was excited when I won. This was the first competition I was wining as an individual for the first time in my life but at the same time, it made me more conscious of the fact that now, more eyes would watch my every move, my comments, my lifestyle and that what I profess to stand for would become public - these made me to become aware of the need to be responsible. It was an awesome experience; from the day of submission through the period of voting to the final day that I was announced the winner.

You won the competition with overwhelming votes; what do you think endeared you to the listeners who voted for you?

I would say the message and the way it was delivered. I heard the beat and immediately thought “cinema”, hence I introduced special effect elements like the thunder clap, rain, soldiers’ marching steps, and extra vocals to make the intro fuller, and then an inspiring hook, with the body of the rap focusing on the story of God’s salvation told in the manner the rapper Common, did in the song “I Used To Love Her”. It was different and it stood out. I can’t forget a comment from someone on Twitter who said: “Wow! You spoke about Jesus without saying His name but we all got the message. That is true creativity.”

How did the Enigma competition transform your career?

Winning the competition made me feel more conscious and responsible. Now I feel I’ll be held accountable for the words I say on my songs, which should be the case. The level of recognition from winning the competition has increased and more people know about IBK Spaceshipboi.

Give a brief background about yourself?

I was born in the city of Warri in Delta State on December 18, 1982, but I am a native of Ondo State. I spent my childhood in Warri where I attained my basic education at NNPC Primary School, Warri. I got my secondary education at Demonstration Secondary School, run by College of Education, Warri. There, I was schoolmates with Nigerian pop soul Diva Omawumi and soul sister Nneka. During this period, I joined the group called 4th Dimension made up of the rap duo of producer Oscar Heman-Ackah and Aiwa ; it was a period of growth and development in my craft as a producer and a rapper. I might have grown up listening to jazz, soul and the likes of Nat King Cole, Chick Corea, Leo Sayer and Nina Simone, but my rap fever was ignited the day I was introduced to the two-man group Kris Kross back in the 90’s. This set in motion my journey into music which saw me and my brother write rhymes and record on double deck cassette players that were in vogue back then. I later moved to Ogun State to study Computer Engineering at Covenant University, and there my passion for music blossomed. I was actively involved in the school choir, and later became the music director.

How did you come about your stage name?

The IBK abbreviation is popular to those who bear the name Ibukun in the south west of Nigeria. The spaceshipboi suffix is a pseudonym that fits what I am about perfectly - different, unique, out of this world persona - and it was adapted after my friend and colleague (BEZ) used it to refer to the kind of music I created while conversing with one of my clients in the studio.

Has music being your childhood dream?

Music has always been a part of me; so taking interest in developing the craft was almost automatic. I have been capturing my voice on tape since I was 11 years old. I started writing and producing beat by using stools as drums. Music has been the easiest way for me to express myself. Growing up and even till this day, I daydream many times about being on stage performing to a large audience, making music in big recording studios with great musicians, singing and seeing God move in an awesome way amidst the audience as they hear the music. So Wanting to be active in making music and in performing arts has been a part of me for a very long time.

What were the songs that molded you as you were growing?

The songs that molded me in my growing up years include songs from the Ron Kenoly Lift Him Up album, Don Moen’s songs, Leo Sayer’s I’m A One Man Band, amongst many others. I listened to a lot of music and got influenced by genres such as soul, jazz, and hip hop, especially.

How would you define your musical style?

My music is what I classify as “spaceship music”. It’s a fusion of soul, jazz and hip hop genres with a touch of “weird” creativity. It’s a sound that most people have termed “different and unique” or “fresh” or “out of this world”.

Who are the artists that influenced you while you were growing up?

I can’t pinpoint any other major influence in my early days other than Michael Jackson. But as the years went by, my taste broadened; artists that have influenced me musically include Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Dwele, Common, De la Soul, A Tribe called Quest, The Roots, J dilla and Pharrell amongst many others.

Tell us about the songs you have composed?

I have written a couple of songs. All the songs on my debut album (still in the works) are written by me. I also co-wrote the song “Over You” on Bez’s Super Sun album. The songs I write have an undertone of hope and are inspiring to the listeners.

What has been your works so far?

I have done a couple of recording. I put out a single called “Tongue” in 2009 and it was the single of the month on Soundcity Blast magazine. The song is referred to as a classic. I have worked on an all-star project for the group Project 1835 which featured acts like Praiz, Bez, Sound Sultan, Waje, Omolara, Joan, Chichi, Blaise, Durella, and IBK (that’s me!) Currently, I am developing material for my album.

What makes you unique as an artiste?

I like experimenting with the intent to stand out and create something new and sweet to the hearing of the listener. My uniqueness can also be found in my theme as an artist on a mission to earth to spread the word of hope and let people know they can only fulfill their destiny when they discover the purpose for their existence.

Tell us about the Martianship

I own my production outfit known as Martianship – it is the label, I am the brand, that’s what’ up! Anybody that’s going to be signed on to the label has to go through training, because for me, it’s important you know what you want to sell, as well as your audience and most importantly, have a team. Right now, I am trying to build a company that will have an affiliation with international brands, probably labels that are not owned by artistes.

What are your plans at the moment?

Gearing up to put out the video for my single “I Have A Dream” which was directed by Brian Nu Kid. I can assure you, it is an award-winning piece. Working on my debut album as well as making records with up-and-coming, as well as established acts – those are my plans.

You can connect with me online via these links:

www.facebook.com/martianship and

www.reverbnation.com/spaceshipboy

My Twitter handle is @spaceshipboi

You can also go online and check out my blog where you’ll get loads of information on what I am up to on www.ibkspaceshipboi.blogspot.com

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NEXT 2 BLOW: My Music Is A Gospel Of Hope – IBK Spaceshipboi

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