Subzilla has been buzzing in the streets of Lagos since he dropped his “Sisi Eko” tune last quarter of 2015; he’s arguably one of the next big things popping in the street-hop culture that has engulfed the whole country, as more people around the world continue to embrace Nigerian music.
In this interview the budding Star Subzilla spoke about his life before and after “Sisi Eko” fame, his style of music and his views on issues as Piracy, industry beef and more.
Considering the fact that the Nigerian masses are beginning to accept vibes to your latest work “Sisi Eko”, how does it feel to be a fast rising artist in the NIGERIAN music industry ?
It feels great but very challenging.
Who is Subzilla and tell us a bit about how you started this whole music thing?
My real name is Boboye Emmanuel Bodunde, I hail from Ondo state, Ifedore local government area to be precise and am from a family of five. I started music at a very tender age, back then I used to listen to the likes of Tuface Idibia; Orlando Owoh; King Sunny Ade; Salawa Abeni with some foreign artists. So with that I gradually developed myself but I kicked off professionally in 2013 when I dropped my first official single titled “NGHELU”.
How were you discovered by UK based Lams Records?
Lams Records is a family record label/business owned by my brother that has been supporting me from day one.
Describe your style of music and what makes your brand different from a whole lot of artists doing Afro-pop?
I do Afro-pop music with a fusion of fuji music, I’m also a versatile artist by nature inspired by the beat and the environment I find myself. If you listen to my sound you will know it’s definitely different.
You released ‘Sisi Eko’ last year and the remix featuring Tekno and Reminsce earlier this year, what inspired the song and why a remix to it?
Firstly, I thank God for making the original “Sisi Eko” a hit song, the beat and well endowed beautiful African women out there inspired the song and it’s more like a studio freestyle but I always try to make sense when ever am recording even though it’s a freestyle because I always want my song to be meaningful to everybody.
As for why the remix, although fans posted on twitter suggesting a lot of artistes but I had it in mind to work with Tekno and Reminisce because of their originality and street credibility.
What does it feel like working with Tekno and Reminisce on a song?
Like I stated earlier it was wonderful working with them, the chemistry was good and they have been very supportive.
What have been your challenges so far in the music industry?
Life itself is a challenge and everybody knows that music is very challenging because it requires a lot of money, time and work to become an A-List artist, but I thank God because everything is working as planned by my record label Lams Records and my management team and we are getting there by God’s grace.
What’s the meaning of Subzilla and why did you chose to adopt it as your stage name?
Initially I was called Zilla which means being different because I always try to be unique in everything I do but due to the way my friends used to hail me back then like “what’s up Zilla or Sup Zilla” and it sounded cool so I accepted the tag SUP but I changed it to SUB on my songs to make it SUBZILLA because it sounds cool to me than SUP.
How does it feel winning Gbedu Awards street next rated artist of the year 2016 few weeks back?
It feels great and encouraging because I never saw it coming. I thank God for everything and shout out to Gbedu awards for the honour and for recognising me as the future.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself at the peak of my career and where hard work takes me to and I believe with God all things are possible.
Who are your role models locally and internationally?
Locally, I respect 2baba, Don jazzy, D’banj and P-Square. Internationally I Love Pharrel Williams, Jay-Z, Trey Songs and Lil Wayne.
What is your view about Piracy and Beef, the two major problems plaguing the music industry?
I believe the Nigerian government are working strongly on how to eradicate piracy and I believe with the help of God it will definitely come to pass. Concerning the beef, I pray for peace and I believe devil is at work.
Any message for your fans out there?
I would like to say thanks to all my fans for supporting me because without them there’s no me and they should expect more good songs and videos from me, I will always keep it coming and I will never disappoint them. Just watch out and keep supporting your boy SUBZILLA. God Bless you guys. Dreams come true.
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Vanguard