I worked as bouncer to finance my music -Gbanguccii

By Bolatito Adebayo
Gbenga Timi aka Gbanguccii is the latest music sensation
in South Africa. For some time now, his music has been
making waves in the rainbow nation. But aside being a
musician, the graduate of Philosophy from Adekunle
Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State is also a
businessman. In this interview, the ‘Bend Down Low’
singer gives a glimpse into his world of music, business,
challenges and many more. Excerpts:
When did you start singing professionally?
I have always had the love for music but I decided to
explore it professionally when I got to South Africa in
2012.
What inspires your music?
For everyone, there is always a motivating factor. Like
every human being, mine of course has been the
experiential knowledge of events in my life; socially,
religiously, morally, politically, educationally, and
everything I see or perceive around me.
What genre of music do you do?
I do Afro hip hop, which is coined from a mixture or
combination of African dialects and cultures. I will say
Afro hip hop and Dancehall.
What makes your music different from others?
Everyone is unique in his or her own way so also is
whatever comes out of every individual in form of speech
or thought. The fusion of African instrumentals into hip
hop as you would hear in one of my songs titled Aunty is
what makes me different from every other artist.
Nevertheless, my music is inspired by a mixture of
cultures that I got through my various experiences of
travels and mixing with people of different colours and
background.
You studied Philosophy, why then music?
According to Friedrich Nietzsche, who was a great
Philosopher, “without music, life would be empty”. I have
always wanted to impact the society in one form or the
other. I was glad I did this during my NYSC in Dutse,
Jigawa State when I was the president of the Mass
Literacy Society where we impacted the society by
educating people of all ages. I found that music is a
universal language understood by all, either through the
beats, rhythm or language the artist conveys the message
through. This opportunity thrilled me and encouraged me
to pursue music as one of the ways I can touch and speak
to people.
What are the challenges you are facing?
Challenges are meant to be bread that we eat on our way
to success, and the challenges I faced were motivational
factors to me. Some of the challenges were that I had to
work as a bouncer in a nightclub overseas to pay my bills
and also make some savings towards my musical career.
And today, I can say glory be to God and thanks to
everyone who believed in me.
Was there a time you got overwhelmed by challenges that
you wanted to quit music?
No, that was never an option for me. When you love
something, you see it through.
What is the acceptance of your music like here in Nigeria
and South Africa?
South Africa has been a great part of my musical career.
The immense support they show at every of my
performance is beyond my comprehension. And Nigeria of
course is home; the love is amazing as well.
Is music the only thing you do?
Remember, a man has to spread his tentacles and
exercise his wisdom. Although, music is my passion and
my main focus, among other things, I run a pre-owned
vehicle sales business.
What were your parents’ reactions to your career change?
My parents trust my judgment, but sincerely, they are
disciplined Christian parents, who had a difficult time with
the choice of my career. I hope one day they will fully
embrace it.
What was growing up like?
I grew up in a loving and supportive home filled with boys
and a girl. I have tremendous relationship with my mother
who was my pillar of strength, and very understanding;
she inspires me to always want to do better. My father
was firm and a disciplinarian, he thought me a lot about
being frugal, na Baba Ijebu lol, they call him Baba Jay.
Were you a popular kid or a nerd?
As a kid, I was quite popular because I always played
major role during the drama on the Prize Giving Day and
End of the Year party. Also, memory verses were always
giving to me as a kid during church events. I would say I
was a popular kid.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Right now, my celebrity crush is Tiwa Savage. She’s such
a powerful woman and her songs are beautiful too.
Are you in a relationship at the moment?
No, I am not at the moment.
So, you are single and ready to mingle?
Of course… I think our day-to-day life is mingling and I
have been mingling.