Interview with BANGGZ
Interview with BANGGZ
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
Curiosity got me into music. I would listen on the likes of Kanye West, Drake and Wayne and be so fascinated. I started writing raps as a hobby then slowly fell in love with the craft. I was the kid in class who always tried to start a rap crew. The interest in music production came later out of necessity. If I had not gotten into music, I hope to God that I would’ve found my way to videography and design.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I like to do regular everyday activities like hanging out with friends, watching shows or scrolling on my phone. I just make sure I’m listening and paying attention to all the world has to offer and that ultimately informs my music.
How long have you been making music?
I wrote my first rap when I was 8 but I started making music for real when I was 16. That’s 7 years.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I was raised in Lagos, Nigeria so I am into drum grooves and catchy melodies. I am based in Ottawa now and I am still comfortable incorporating the Nigerian soul into my hip-hop.
Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?
My most memorable show yet was a small show I did with my collective ‘Twelve07’ in 2019. We brought out about 100 people for our first ever show and it was amazing being on stage playing with them.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I don’t have a favorite venue right now. I still feel like I haven’t done enough shows even though I’ve headlined some shows and opened for some major acts. I would love to play somewhere like the Scotiabank arena. I have great things to work towards.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
We got me, Pompela, Kwado, Chyme, Jae, Ruona, T. Chandy, KAR33M, and some people they like. I cannot imagine not having them on. We can add Burna Boy to the lineup just to say we did. That would be tight.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
I would say that rules in music are meant to be broken but just know what rules you’re breaking.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I can’t pick a favorite child because of principles but I really like my new project ‘ttyl (an audio series)’ in all its 20-minutes of glory.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
I feel like everybody wants me to play either ‘what a day’ or ‘Jostice’. I like playing ‘what a day’ because it’s newer and gets the crowd hyped up.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?
I just pay attention to what I see everyday and translate it into music. Sometimes, the outcome might not make any sense initially but it becomes meaningful over time. It’s strange but I embrace it. My friend, Anais, taught me about being present and listening even for silence because that’s where sound manifests from or something Zen like that.
Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?
I feel like my subject matter changes from time to time but something that remains constant is my intention to stay true to myself.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
‘what a day’ from the ‘ttyl’ project is out now so stream that and show everyone you know. For the future, I intend to showcase some interesting collaborations and partnerships so stay tuned for the actualization of some wacky ideas. More music too. Just tap in.
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?
I’m ‘banggzwaves’ across all social platforms. My YouTube is just ‘Banggz’ if you want to see my face in some videos. Merci.