In this piece, 49thstreet features Pambino the Myth, a rising afrobeats creative based in the heart of Washington DC who’s bringing something new into the Nigerian international music scene. You’d probably know him from his April release: Baby Daddy. On the outside, Pambino has that whatever-is-clever vibe that typifies U.S.-born Nigerian cool kids. But, we at 49th wanted to pierce the veil and get to know much more about the man behind “The Myth”.
In this interview, Pambino talks about the realities of balancing a lucrative career in urban American architecture while actively finding his sound, and giving the music all he’s got. The Myth also teases the release of a new hit single and a forthcoming E.P. to be released before the year runs out.
49th Street: Tell us a bit about yourself. Without the music, who is the Myth? The Myth sounds a bit different from the usual stage names we have come across. We are curious. How did you come up with the moniker?
Pambino the Myth: That’s cause you’re saying it wrong. It’s Pambino the Myth.
49th Street: Okayy…. It’s still weird.
Pambino the Myth: Haha….so I already got the nickname Pambino… Pambi from my friends. I call myself the myth because I take my fans into an animated version of the world, that’s where I’m the Ringleader.
49th Street: Oh, so the ladies call you Pambi and your music persona is mythical?
Pambino the Myth: Exactly
49th Street: So, do tell. Just how did you get into music? Was it something you planned all along or you just stumbled upon it? What’s your experience been like as an artist so far?
Pambino the Myth: Quite honestly all I remember is listening to the radio a lot as a child and never turning back. Almost everyone has some music in them, I’m just glad I get to express myself. I’ve been writing since I was 9, I was performing and producing by 16 and then I took a hiatus to start a career in construction.
49th Street: Interesting. Who were some of your favourites from childhood?
Pambino the Myth: Haha, so 50 cents candy shop had me in a chokehold. I’m also greatly inspired by Lagbaja’s sound and act.
49th Street: How supportive have your parents been of your music career?
Pambino the Myth: They know better than anyone how wild my dreams are and how much I’m willing to acheive them. I’m glad to have them behind me.
49th Street: Any interests apart from making music?
Pambino the Myth: Apart from music, I am a creative director and storyteller. I design scenes and sets for shows and plays, I also love to tell stories through film.
49th Street: You have a lot of versatility going on, in and out of the music. That’s awesome. What’s it like balancing all this with a high-end career like construction in the US?
Pambino the Myth: I’d say that’s the toughest part. Everything from moving to America into a different Industry to creating music while running construction management. It’s been a wonderful growth experience if I may say so.
49th Street: What about the reception of Afrobeats in the US got you really assured about afrobeat place in popular culture?
Pambino the Myth: (Laughs) Look yeah, It takes you standing in a club in Silverspring MD and witnessing how crazy everyone goes for Afrobeats here. It’s quite impressive seeing people scream out pidgin and Yoruba lyrics like they’ve known it all their lives.
49th Street: Talking about your creative process, how did you feel after recording the final cut for your upcoming single American Girls?
Pambino the Myth: At first it was fun, I started singing the hook while preparing to move back to the US and the reception of the afrobeat sound I met here made the song much more exciting to finish. It made me feel this electricity. Like an assured “I’m in creator mode,” It felt like I was zoning in on my creativity. Like I was taking it back to the basics. I was writing about how I approached songs back in school, and this is what makes American Girls so special to me. I feel that same sort of inspiration I felt when I first started creating. I feel like a little kid again. This is one of my favourite songs in a really long time, I really hope you guys enjoy it.
49th Street: You also have an E.P. dropping this year? Talk to us about it, what pictures are you trying to paint with it?
Pambino the Myth: Pambino The Myth as a ringleader tells a story of a group of friends coming of age in Lagos, that’s what my animations are about. My EP is titled: Welcome To The Circus and it introduces this story by channelling the Madness, Flare and Beauty of the crazy Circus city of Lagos. It’s gonna have just 3 tracks on it. And it’ll be out later this year.
49th Street: Any artists, in particular, you’d want to collaborate with?
Pambino the Myth: Amaarae and Ckay are two artists I would definitely love to work with. They’re expressing Afrobeats in a really cool way.
49th Street: Looking into the future, what do you hope to achieve?
Pambino the Myth: I want to inspire and draw inspiration from creatives just like myself to take charge of their art, and brands and collaborate for profit. I want to help others enjoy expressing their creativity like I do mine. Basically to become the Ringleader of the circus
49th Street: Interesting—and very truthful too. Lastly, what’s a controversial opinion you have?
Pambino the Myth: I feel like gizzard should be banned cus why are we eating what is teeth for birds?