“My artistic journey finds its home in the vibrant genre of Afrobeats, a music style that holds a special place in my heart because it embodies everything Afro, reflecting my true African heritage.“
Nigerian-Irish act, Superstar YB or known by some as SYB or Yung Blnkz, is one of the extremely talented and rare multi-faceted all-round creative doing it both on the local scene and overseas. The Afrobeats singer, songwriter, performer and record producer has been one of the shining Afrobeats act doing their thing in the diaspora since the turn of the decade.
His debut single “Bottles” which arrived in 2020 was met with decent acclaim which pushed Superstar YB on to deliver offerings every single year since then. His debut body of work came in form of a 4-track extended play, “Afro King”, which was also met with widespread acclaim from major publications including Album Talks. (Read official Album Talks review of “Afro King” here)
For the first time in his career, Superstar YB has released three single by mid-year and he has tapped into the power of collaboration on his latest single “Love in Lagos” as he features the electric rapper, Chinko Ekun.
Our correspondent got a chance to have a sit down with the super-talented act, Superstar YB, and it was truly revealing and more.
(A-T used as acronym for our correspondent and SYB used for Superstar YB)
A-T: Hello Superstar, for your potential new fans, officially introduce us to YB
SYB: It’s a pleasure to introduce myself as “Superstar YB.” I wear multiple hats in the music industry, being a singer, songwriter, and music producer. My artistic journey finds its home in the vibrant genre of Afrobeats, a music style that holds a special place in my heart because it embodies everything Afro, reflecting my true African heritage. Hailing proudly from Naija, I consider myself a bona fide African king, cherishing and representing the spirit of my homeland through my musical endeavors.
A-T: Amazingly Thorough! How long have you been doing music?
SYB: Music has been an integral part of my life ever since I was 11 years old, igniting a passion within me that still burns bright to this day. From the very beginning, it has been an inseparable journey between music and me, intertwining our paths in a beautiful symphony. It feels like melodies and rhythms have shaped various phases of my life, each tune and melody coming together to form the very rhythm of life itself.
So, to answer your question, my connection with music runs deep, spanning as far back as my earliest memories, and it continues to shape and enrich my existence in ways words cannot fully convey.
A-T: Tell us a lil bit about your background, how it shaped who you are now.
SYB: Growing up in a deeply music-oriented family, where love for music runs through the veins of my parents and siblings, I was naturally immersed in a world where melodies and rhythms thrived. It feels as if the essence of music is ingrained in my very DNA, a legacy passed down from generations before me. My artistic journey ignited at a tender age of 11, when I embarked on a musical odyssey by forming a children’s music group. Together, we embarked on a journey of musical exploration, sharing our youthful voices and harmonies at various church events. The church became the nurturing ground where my passion blossomed. Since those early years, music has been an inseparable companion, an integral part of my identity.
A-T: Why Afrobeats? Or what genre of music would you say you do?
SYB: As a true African king and artist, Afrobeats holds a special place in my heart and resonates with the very essence of my identity. It is not just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement, a celebration of my African heritage and the vibrant spirit of the continent. Afrobeats embodies the rhythmic heartbeat of Africa, blending traditional African rhythms, soulful melodies, and infectious grooves with modern elements. It is a genre that allows me to authentically express myself, to share the stories and experiences of my people, and to showcase the richness and diversity of African music to the world. Being an African king, it is my duty to preserve and promote the beauty and uniqueness of Afrobeats, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire and uplift generations to come
A-T: Who would you say you draw musical influences from??
SYB: My musical influences stem from the rich and diverse heritage of Africa itself. Artists such as Fela Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat, have deeply influenced me with their bold and politically charged music, which serves as a reminder of the power of music to ignite change. I am also inspired by the soulful sounds of Miriam Makeba, the electrifying performances of King Sunny Ade, and the innovative expressions of artists like Youssou N’Dour and Angelique Kidjo, who fearlessly blend traditional African music with contemporary styles. These influences fuel my artistic fire.
A-T: Your new single “Love in Lagos” is a compelling one. Tell us how it came about.
SYB: “Love in Lagos” was born from a deep personal connection I developed with the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. Immersed in its bustling streets, diverse culture, and the warmth of its people, I was inspired by the countless stories of love and connection that transcended boundaries. Ultimately, “Love in Lagos” is a heartfelt tribute to the city’s magic, resilience, and the extraordinary power of love that unites us all.
SYB: In “Love in Lagos,” there is a subtle influence from the iconic album “Made in Lagos”. I believe that “Made in Lagos” is more than just an afrobeat classic; it transcends genres and continues to consciously and unconsciously influence artists and their creations.
SYB: Chinko Ekun’s verse on the track stands out as an exceptional storytelling rap verse by a Nigerian artist this year. It showcases his remarkable ability to captivate listeners through vivid storytelling. The song itself is a scorching tune that demands attention, and for those who haven’t had the chance to listen to it yet, it’s an absolute banger that deserves to be heard. I highly recommend checking it out today.
A-T: Truly amazing stuff. It’s your third single of the year. Amazing work rate. How’s the reception been?
SYB: The reception has been absolutely incredible and I’m truly grateful for the support and love I’ve received from my fans and listeners. It’s always a humbling experience to see how people connect with my music and the impact it has on their lives.
I proudly consider myself as one of the truly independent artists in the music industry. Every aspect of my music, from the creation of beats and lyrics, to the design of cover art, collaborating with directors for music videos, and working with talented dancers for choreography, to the final stages of putting the music out there is handled independently. Few artists have the level of involvement I do in their creative process, especially without a label. I want to express my deep appreciation to the incredible team working with me, as well as the blogs, radio stations, TV stations, and platforms like Album Talks for their unwavering support in promoting my music.
Also, when discussing my work rate, there’s so much that happens behind the scenes, often unnoticed by fans and listeners. Unfortunately, this year I faced an issue with renewing my Nigerian passport, which significantly impacted my ability to work. I ended up missing a video shoot and a media tour due to this passport renewal delay. It had a ripple effect on my entire calendar. It’s disheartening to witness Nigerian citizens having to wait up to six months, in some cases, for passport renewal. I urge the newly elected president, President Tinubu, to address this issue promptly. It has become a pressing problem affecting Nigerians both at home and abroad. Despite this hiccup, I remain positive, grateful, and focused on my music.
A-T: What is the plan going forward? A body of work?
SYB: Definitely! I have an upcoming project that I’ll be releasing soon, but before that, I have some singles lined up for release in the upcoming weeks. What makes it even more exciting is that there are some unexpected collaborations in store, bringing a new level of surprise to the music. I’m constantly inspired and writing new songs on a daily basis, and this year alone, I’ve already penned hundreds of tracks. I record regularly as well, so I have a wealth of amazing music that I’m incredibly excited about. I can’t wait for my fans, listeners, and everyone out there to experience it.
SYB: Considering the current trend among Nigerians to break various Guinness World Records, who’s to say? I might just decide to apply and attempt to break one myself. (laughs) It’s an exciting time haha. Just stay tuned for more updates and surprises.
Listen to Superstar YB’s new single “Love in Lagos” featuring Chinko Ekun
