Summary
Highlights
The video introduces Bayanni, highlighting his journey from a choir boy to a rising star under Maven Records. His single 'Ta Tata' became a global anthem, earning him a spot on Spotify's emerging artist list.
Bayanni describes himself as a fun, entertaining, and musical guy who cares about people. Born and raised in Alagomeji, Lagos, he grew up in a musical family where everyone could make music. He started as an instrumentalist in church choirs and began singing properly in university after an impromptu lead vocal performance. His first studio session was paid for by his father.
Bayanni details how he joined Maven Records. After studying accounting, he dedicated himself to music in January 2019, consistently posting freestyles on social media. This caught the attention of Don Jazzy, who messaged him in December 2019, leading to an invitation, a test, and eventually signing with the label. He emphasizes that his consistency and hard work led to this opportunity.
Bayanni explains that 'Ta Tata' originated from a beat played by producer Prestige. The song, which he describes as being about love, wasn't immediately popular but grew organically three months after its release without heavy promotion. It gained viral traction through fan-made content, eventually leading to a collaboration with Jason Derulo, which further expanded its reach globally.
Bayanni shares his musical influences, including Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Usher, Ne-Yo, and P-Square, who inspired his dancing and singing style. He describes his creative process as unstable, drawing inspiration from various moments, such as three-minute bike rides in university or observations in everyday life. He created his song 'Namea' from a melody that came to him naturally.
Bayanni emphasizes his versatility as an artist, stating that no two of his songs sound alike. He constantly experiments with genres, fusing R&B and reggae into his Afrobeat sound. He believes music is 'food for the soul' and aims to offer diverse flavors. He is intentional about his music, focusing on lyrical depth and emotional connection rather than social media trends, creating timeless pieces like 'Goddess' and 'Family' that resonate deeply with listeners.
Bayanni discusses the double-edged sword of social media, acknowledging its role in his discovery but also his reserved nature. He avoids dwelling on industry politics, choosing to focus solely on his music and consistency. His future plan is to continue releasing 'timeless music' that resonates with people, aspiring to become a legend without actively chasing fame or trends. He also dreams of collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Billie Eilish, and Chris Brown.
Bayanni talks about his commitment to stage performance, having recently completed an East Africa tour where he gave his best, dancing and playing instruments. He reveals he can play several instruments including trumpets, drums, piano, guitar, and bass, a fact he believes many people are unaware of.
He clarifies that 'Bayanni' is not his birth name but one he chose, meaning 'fearless, intentional, and versatile.' He also mentions its Yoruba meaning, 'oracle,' linking him to the 'bay oracle.' He praises Maven Records for its strong work ethic and the supportive, envy-free environment among its artists, describing it as a 'big family.'
Bayanni addresses the pressure to create songs for TikTok virality. He states that he creates music based on his feelings and experiences, prioritizing timelessness over trends. He shares how songs like 'Family' and 'Goddess' resonated deeply with listeners despite not being designed for viral challenges, emphasizing that touching real people is his main goal.