From countless unforgettable performances with the beloved Veentage Band to stepping into the spotlight with a deeply personal solo debut, Desmond Emokiniovo, popularly known as Babades, has carved a name for himself in the Nigerian live music scene. A seasoned multi-instrumentalist, passionate bandleader, and now an emerging solo artist, his journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering passion for music. In this heartfelt interview, he opens up about founding Veentage Band, the loss that inspired his debut single Congratulations, and what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter.
Can you introduce yourself to our audience, mainly for people who might not be familiar with the name Babades?
My name is Desmond Emokiniovo, aka Babades. I am the CEO of Veentage Band, a multi-instrumentalist, consummate Musician, businessman, and lover of Jesus.
Can you run us through how the Veentage Live Band started?
I started the Veentage Band in August 2013, with a team of highly skilled professionals I assembled to sell the best of live covers of different genres of music to lovers of live music. In just a couple of years, we got the attention of not just our target audience but everyone we entertained.
What’s the best venue/crowd you’ve performed at, and what was your favourite moment as part of the band?
I can’t categorically highlight which crowd or venue is the best. In well over a decade, we’ve done countless events and had priceless moments with so many to mention.
After years of leading the Veentage Band, what made you feel this was the right time to go solo?
There’s time for everything. The band has gained popularity and stability after over a decade of existence, and there can’t be a better time than now.
How would you describe Babades the solo artist versus Babades the bandleader?
Babades the solo artist is me doing my own thing, and Babades the bandleader is me doing covers of different artists.
Do you see your solo journey as a departure from the Veentage Band or more like a parallel expression of your artistry?
I wouldn’t say departure or parallel, I would rather say I am diversifying. I’m still and always will be a part of the Veentage Band.
Congratulations is a very powerful song with a wonderful message. Can you take us back to the moment when the idea for it was born? How long did it take you to write and record this gem?
The song was a therapeutic recipe during my darkest moments. It ministered to me and blessed me in more ways than I could ever imagine. That’s the reason I decided to make it my debut single.
You shared that losing your wife in 2020 was your darkest moment. How did music help you process that grief?
Music was an escape route for me at the time. Words with melodies have more weight than mere words. Thanks to God, and also thanks to music.
You’re known for bringing songs to life on stage. How do you plan to translate “Congratulations” into your live performances?
I’ve performed the song occasionally with my band during soundcheck and sometimes during events, and I can attest to the fact that I prefer the live version of it.
With Congratulations as your debut solo release out now, what can fans expect next? Is there an EP or album in the works?
They can expect the very best of Babades. I always keep my cards to my chest. All I can say is “I’ve got way more than expected coming.”
Who’s your dream collab in the Nigerian Music space?
It actually depends on the song for me. We have so many extremely talented artists that are doing splendidly today and I don’t have a special preference for any. So I am open to working or collaborating with anyone.
What’s something about Babades that your fans don’t know but would be surprised to hear?
Surprise is relative for me. I would say, let’s leave it till the fans hear it.
Any last words for your fans and followers?
Keep supporting, keep believing, and continue streaming. Congratulations on all platforms.
