With the way he is going, former banker, Chibueze Agbasimalo in no time, would be a household music star in Nigeria. In this chat with Sam Anokam, the Anambra State indigene popularly known as ‘Clubstar’ and graduate of Biotechnology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University talks about his music career.
Agbasimalo
How was growing up like?
Growing up was great. We were surrounded by a lot of records like Michael Jackson and Abba, Lionel Richie, etc and we witnessed some major talking points in Nigerians political history. My dad was able to take care of us comfortably. We grew up In Lagos State. We were in Maryland before we moved to Ikeja. There are many fond memories of anyone who grew up in Lagos in the 90s. My most fond memory was in secondary school; where I actually performed for a crowd for the first time. It was a boarding school and at night, boys from the ‘Happening room’ will call me to come and mime major hit songs of the 90s with a spoon on my hand as a microphone and a locker as a stage and another locker also as a drum. I performed for the enjoyment of the boys’ hostel. Good times.
When did you start singing?
I have been into music officially since 2012 but I guess I have loved it since I was a child.
Was your upbringing very music orientated?
I grew up in Lagos as I said, but not in the music circle. It was a place where people would hone their skills: to be great at it, instead of being after any commercial gain. So growing up in a place like Lagos was competitive so I learnt to think outside the box.
What inspired you into singing?
My inspiration comes from God and from a desire to create artistic impressions from my thoughtful mind and present them to the world. I also have a flair for poetry and the spoken word. I have something to say! My music is not empty. It can inspire and encourage in its own way. My everyday life observations also inspire me.
I leave my house to sometimes mingle with people outside just to see how they live, what they do, and especially the way they keep their love without much wealth.
How would you describe you type of music?
My music is a fusion of different sounds. I rap mostly. So you could say hip hop. I also do Afro-pop to an extent. Sometimes I do little RnB. Overall it is a sweet music. I am into a lot of experimenting and sampling. I think that stems from my vast musical sound experience. Which means that I listen to a lot of sounds. I have released a number of singles that sound like different genre. Nevertheless, in all these things I just love to rap.
How has the Nigerian music scene changed; is it something that you always wanted to be a part?
First, the entertainment scene or the music scene is really growing in Nigeria now-people will copy what they hear out there and it is a global world we live in now, so music will always be influenced. Back in the day, we had Highlife and Afro-beats. When you hear it, you immediately knew that it was Nigerian music but right now people are mixing all types of music and I think it works and that’s what makes it interesting. The music scene in Nigeria is growing but we do not have our own sound; we have music that we are creating that can be sent across the world.
Who in the Nigerian music scene, do you like his or her music?
People who I like their music include Jesse Jagz, M.I, Praiz, Timi Dakolo, Tuface. They inspire me
How do you categorise your music?
I would categorise my music as Alternative Afro-pop. I always tell people that when you put the word alternative in front of Afro-pop then you have the opportunity to make the sound eclectic and be experimental, you can put in some modern beat, and you can put in some classics. I create my own music
What is your philosophy?
My philosophy is simple. Be who you were made to be, Enjoy life to the fullest, live passionately and leave an eternal mark on this earth.
What should your growing fans expect from you?
Next singles are called ‘Kpakpando’ and ‘Everyday’ and they are dropping very soon. ‘Kpanpando’ is a sweet love song with African percussions and a catchy tune. It is an eastern highlife mixed with a blend of rap and Igbo culture. With an Igbo rap by ‘Achara man’ who is one of the biggest rappers in the east.
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