Chocolate City recently unveiled an arsenal in the form of the upcoming diadem “MAJOR AJ”. The gen z soulful singer has been attracting the right reviews and attention since the drop of his debut EP “RETROVERSE”, amassing up to 1 million listens on all major music platforms, and 10k monthly listeners on Spotify.
Major AJ sits down with us at the 49thStreet, dissecting his journey into the music industry and unveiling what plans he has in store for us.
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you come up with your name? Any story behind that?
Major AJ: Well my name is Boluwatife Ajogwu, my pops is from Benue state, my mom’s from Oyo state. I grew up In Kainji town, Niger state. I’m a graduate of the University of Ilorin as well, my stage name Major AJ was inspired by my dad who was a soldier in the Nigerian Army and died when I was very young. He was fondly called “Major Ajogwu!” and I shortened that to get ‘Major AJ’.
Beautiful story behind your stage name I must admit. So, do tell me; 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?
Major AJ: It was never planned tbh, music was always in the family, my mom and grandma were in the choir and I followed them to the rehearsals and I just loved music from a very early age. Started by playing musical instruments like the piano, freestyling and singing around my secondary school and from there I just kept on going. My musical journey as Major AJ really started when I won a talent show back in the university of Ilorin; I was in 100L then and that just built a fanbase for me in school and it’s been up since then.
My experience being an artist so far has been amazing! I love making music and that’s why I decided to do this for a living because there’s nothing I’d rather be doing than making bangers and singing my soul out to amazing and beautiful fans. It has come with challenges, that’s the game, but with God no pressure.
Does your personal relationship with women make up any part of your lyrics as an artiste?
Major AJ: Well yes, many of my songs are inspired by personal relationships or experiences with women and they make up parts of my Lyrics yeah.
Do you have a career outside music? Tell us about balancing it with music. Or have you left the former for the latter?
Major AJ: It’s always been music tbh, I knew I was meant for this a long time ago. It was like a vision that I saw back then when I was in Kainji which I even mentioned in my song ‘Superstar’. So, I haven’t been involved in any other career outside music. I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science though.
Who were the artistes you looked up to from childhood?
Major AJ: Lil Wayne, Drake, Usher, Kanye West, Rihanna, Ice prince, Mi, 2Baba, D’banj, Wizkid, Burna boy, Wande coal, to mention a few.
Afrobeats to the world is a go! What do you think about this tsunamic wave, and how would you like to plug yourself into this movement?
Major AJ: It’s a major GO!!! And I’m so blessed to be coming up the scene right now. I want to plug myself into the movement and just take Afrobeats to the next level just like the OG’s have done in the past. So, that’s the dream; to raise the bar higher and inspire more people to come after me too.
Any projects, singles, or EPs to expect from you soon?
Major AJ: My EP- RETROVERSE came out about 3 weeks ago alongside a video to my hit song “Taboo” which is off the project as well. My fans are enjoying that now and more videos and content are on the way. New music to come in due time!
What other interests do you have apart from making music?
Major AJ: Gaming. I’m a big gamer; I love to play Call of duty, Apex legends, Fortnite, Watchdogs, GTA etc.
Any artists, in particular, you’d want to collaborate with?
Major AJ: I’d love to collaborate with a lot of artists. So many people dishing out good music at the moment, so it’s going to be hard to pick just one but to mention a few I want to work with Travis Scott, Gunna, Rihanna, Wizkid, Burnaboy, Rema, Tems, Fireboy, Ruger, etc. The list goes on and on lol!
Looking into the future, what do you hope to achieve with your music?
Major AJ: Well, my definition of success in my musical journey would be fulfilling all of my dreams and reaching my full potential as an artist. I want to sell out venues all over the world. I want to inspire and bring light and joy to fans all over the world with my afro sound!
Interesting—and very truthful too. Lastly, what’s a controversial opinion you have?
Major AJ: Hmmmmmmm controversial opinion…. I can’t really think of any right now though, but I would say “I think Marvel kills it more than DC!”. I’m a big Marvel fan lol.
Haha, Love it, bro. This was an amazing interview. Thanks for your time, and can’t wait to have another interview with you when you’re an industry giant!
Major AJ: Can’t wait as well! Thank you, and great job 49th street for staying true to the culture.
You can listen to Major AJ’s music here: