Popular singer, Korede Bello, tells TOFARATI IGE about his career, his roles in the #EndSARS protests, celebrity lifestyle and other issues.
Korede Bello is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2014, he signed a record deal with Mavin Records. Bello is best known for his hit single “Godwin”, a semi-gospel and pop song.
Recent interview with TOFARATI IGE;
What current projects are you working on?
Making music is a lifestyle for me, so I have a lot of unreleased songs. Whenever I feel the time is right, I would give my people (fans) a proper project. By the way, have you listened to my last Extended Play album, Table For Two. There are beautiful songs in there, even if I say so myself.
What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on your career and how were you able to cushion its effects?
I had wanted to go on road touring last year (2020). I had just introduced my fans to the newly rebranded Korede Bello but COVID-19 started before we could hit the road.
So, we had to restrategise and I came up with Micasa Sucasa (which means ‘my house is your house’). With the help of Tik Tok, I was able to target a global virtual audience.
Do you get substantial royalties for your songs?
Yes, I do. I cannot disclose how substantial it is here because that is relative. However, I would say that when one has songs that are being streamed by a global audience, one is more likely to earn substantial royalty.
When was the first time you knew you wanted to become an artiste?
I never knew. I still don’t want to become an artiste. I am an artiste and I’m in the business of entertaining people. The currency is joy and the medium is art.
How would you describe your evolution as an artiste?
It has been grace. It started as something I enjoyed doing for myself and that gradually morphed into something I enjoy doing for others. Art is meant to be experienced and as long as I keep having new experiences, I would always find new ways to express them.
How would you define your sound?
My sound is not just a sound; it is a feeling. And, that feeling is ‘joyful’. Music is a language of emotions. It is not about how many languages one can speak, it is more about what one is saying. Music is not really about how it sounds but how it feels.
