 |
| Image: Google |
Nigerian Afrobeats star Joeboy has opened up about the humble beginnings of his music career, revealing how a simple cover song posted online became the breakthrough moment that changed his life.
In a recent interview with CNN, the “Beginning” crooner reflected on how he started his journey without industry connections, relying instead on social media to showcase his talent and reach a wider audience.
According to him, the lack of access to key players in the music industry forced him and his team to think creatively. One of the strategies they adopted was recording and sharing covers of already popular songs in hopes of getting noticed.
“We didn’t have any access to the industry. We believed the best way for us to be seen or heard was to do covers of popular songs,” he said.
That decision would later prove to be a turning point in his career.
The Viral Moment That Changed Everything
Joeboy revealed that his cover of Shape of You by Ed Sheeran unexpectedly gained massive attention online. The video quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing the interest of listeners far beyond his immediate circle.
The singer explained that the viral success of the cover was further amplified by a friend who took the initiative to share the video with several established artistes in the industry.
“It went viral… and a friend of mine tried to send the video to a bunch of established artists. Mr Eazi was one of them and that’s how we started talking,” he said.
That connection marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
From Social Media To Record Deal
Following their initial interaction, Joeboy’s relationship with Mr Eazi grew stronger, eventually leading to a record deal under the singer’s platform, emPawa Africa.
The opportunity provided him with the resources and guidance needed to refine his sound and establish himself in the competitive Afrobeats space.
“I got signed to Mr Eazi through social media,” Joeboy added, highlighting how digital platforms played a crucial role in his rise to fame.
Today, he is regarded as one of the prominent voices in Afrobeats, with several hit songs and a growing international fan base.
Gratitude And Reflection
Looking back on his journey, Joeboy expressed gratitude for the unexpected chain of events that led to his breakthrough. He acknowledged the role played by Ed Sheeran’s original song, which served as the foundation for the cover that changed his life.
“I thank God for Ed Sheeran for making that song. Who would have known?” he said.
His reflection underscores how opportunities can emerge from the most unlikely places, especially in the age of digital media.
Advice To Aspiring Artists
Despite his own experience with virality, Joeboy cautioned upcoming musicians against making it their primary goal. According to him, chasing viral moments can be misleading and unsustainable in the long run.
“Virality is not something you should chase,” he warned.
Instead, he encouraged young artistes to focus on consistency, growth, and honing their craft, stressing that long-term success in the music industry requires more than just a single viral moment.
A Journey Defined By Persistence
Joeboy’s story highlights the evolving nature of the music industry, where talent, timing, and the power of social media can combine to create life-changing opportunities.
From recording covers with no industry backing to becoming a recognized name in Afrobeats, his journey serves as both inspiration and a reminder that persistence and preparation often meet opportunity in unexpected ways.
#Joeboy
#NollywoodTimes
#Stardom
No comments:
Post a Comment