Today we’d like to introduce you to Mr Bello.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mr Bello. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As told by my mother, it all began before I even knew; from being sang to in the womb to being birthed and the music was the only way my family was able to calm me down as a baby. My mother recently told me a story that made me chuckle. She said, “my brothers, sisters and mother would all take turn singing to you as a baby because they all knew that was the only time I would stop crying and start smiling.” Her telling that made me wonder more about my musical journey. It made me think of when it really all began because music truly always made me feel on a deeper level. Those who understand. I didn’t have a childhood of being in a band or singing lead at church, but singing was something I did for as long as I could remember and the music was something I knew I had ears and feels for. I would sing along and imitate all the early greats my mom used to listen t. From Fuji, Juju and the original Afrobeat music.
From Barrister, King Sunny Ade, Pasuma Wonder, Obesere, to King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal 1, also known as KWAM-1; those were who really had an impact in my music journey before I was even conscious about it. It wasn’t until summer 2016/2017 until I took music seriously as a career. I’ve always been passionate about music, but as every young man knows, there were a lot of things that hindered the start of that journey, myself included, but it took for a serious catalyst to occur in my life before I decided, “no more procrastination, no more games” I thought to myself. I was always waiting for the right time and or opportunity, but as you grow older, you realize there’s no such thing. One must create the right time and opportunity for one’s self and break open those metaphoric closed doors. I did a cover/refix to “One Dance” approximately four years ago to test the waters and people loved it. It did good numbers and I got great feedback. That’s when I realized it was me holding myself back from taking the first real step of this journey. I later on proceeded to create my own first original piece/single, titled: “Ololufe,” meaning “My Love” or “My Lover,” and people loved that as well, which lead to the creation of my first official debut Music Video/Single: “Undercover” in summer 2017, which went viral in the community and on YouTube.
At that time, especially in New York, which is where I’m based; nobody was making Afrobeats music, there were some that tried a few years back and many that came after me of course, but at that particular time, there was an empty void and I took the leap at that awkward time and filled the gap. People loved that single and told me to take my music even more seriously. All those words of advice and feedbacks had me thinking. So I took a quick year off to learn more about myself from a music perspective, to know to learn my style in music, my range and much more. Which lead to the creation of my debut EP, “Genesis” (The Beginning), last year, January 2019. Prior to that, I had put together a Live Band for my listening party for my debut EP in December 2018 on my birthday, available only to my close friends and day one supporters, just to get their thoughts and reaction on it. It seemed everyone loved it and sang along, even though it was their very first time getting a sneak peek of it.
That EP listening party sparked a lot. I had seen the future of Afrobeats at that very moment. I felt if I was able to set something up like that for myself, which not broaden it and create something similar while involving many other up-and-coming Afrobeats artists. I had to create my own platform for artists and by artists because when I started back in 2016/2017, music opportunities wasn’t something that was abundant for me, so I felt I had to change that and give many others that chance, as long as they were serious, genuine and of course talented in their craft. It wasn’t a talent show, it was more of a concert. With the help of my friend/brother/videographer Kevin, I titled the event and brand S.O.A. (Sounds of Afrobeats) because I truly believe we are going to be the voice and next generation of Afrobeats music, no matter sub-genre or style each artist was in. I reached out to a couple of talented close artist friends/brothers to be a part of the very first S.O.A. February 2019, a month after the release of my debut EP Genesis, and as you can imagine, just like my EP listening party a couple of months back in December 2018, the very first S.O.A. was a huge success; SOLD OUT and so much love and talents around.
March of this year 2020, right before COVID struck majorly, we had S.O.A. II and included even more great and talented guest artists on top of the original artists I had be a part of the original. As you can imagine, S.O.A. II was even more SOLD OUT, oversold out even, because sadly, many couldn’t even get in because the venue was at overcapacity. Literally, there was no space. All our supporters were arm in the arm due to that. That was the most recent and last edition we put together and it just goes to show and gave me the foresight of how far we all can go here in the States with the new generation of Afrobeats music when done well and together. My journey began alone, but now I’m surrounded by many great talented artists whom I respect and vice versa.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There were struggles and tribulations, but I thank the almighty for them. It made me stronger and wiser at the point I am now in my journey.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Mr. Bello is known as a Nigerian/American recording artist based in NYC. What makes me stand out and different from the rest is that I have my own unique sound, style and charisma about me, such as the likes of many other great artists that come to stay and leave a mark over time. I don’t limit and or box myself in one category of songwriting and recording.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The major plan is to get more knowledge, impact more lives via music and so much more. I want to change lives for the better. There might be another E.P. in the works for the near future.
Contact Info:
- Email: MrBelloMusic@Gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbellomusic
Image Credit:
Instagram: @williams.reecet
Instagram: _ehinome
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