Nigeria is undeniably a hub for creativity from all spheres. With Lagos leading the creative and music industry, Abuja is said to be next. Recently, Abuja has become a hotspot and talent bed for new artistes breaking out on the scene; a tapestry of fast rising talents set to take over the industry. This segment focuses on these fresh talents from ABJ city, spotlighting their work so far. In this episode, we cover two emerging artistes, Inçi and Begho. Inçi is a singer-songwriter charmed with a melodious voice and graced with delivering soul-stirring vocals. While known for delivering soulful renditions from popular artistes, Inçi’s contributions to songs from notable artistes like Brum3h, Tay Iwar, and Ayüü are a notable testament of her talent and creativity. Begho also is an emerging artiste and producer from ABJ, known for his lyrical prowess in the game. Having worked with the likes of PsychoYP, MOJOAF, and ESSKAY on his album which is a blend of Hip-hop, RnB, AfroFusion, and alté sounds, Begho’s versatility and creativity is a notable mention. In this interview, Inçi and Begho walk us through their artistry and journey as Abuja-based artistes.
Can you tell us about the journey that led you both to pursue a music career?
Inçi: Music has been what I have consistently fallen back on over the years. It’s one of the few spaces where I feel myself. It’s literally always been there, no matter how far I would stray. Knowing I could do way more with my art made me realize this is what I wanted to do and I’m so excited for the journey to come.
Begho: I have always been fascinated by music since I was a kid. I guess there was a period in my life where it felt like I had nothing or no one else except music, and anytime I would get overwhelmed and want to quit, it almost felt like a force pulled me back. Eternally grateful for that force and what it represents to me.
“Don’t Bother, I’m Not Coming Back” is a unique and intriguing title for an EP. What’s the story behind it, and how does it reflect your artistic journey?
Begho: We’re really not the best at naming stuff, we tend to let things happen. I just remember us going through ideas of what would represent the music that was being made at that time. It even had a name before DBINCB. I also think watching people hear us say a mouthful as a title, especially our team, was also amusing to see. It was almost always a shift from a questionable look to an agreeable facial expression.
Could you share some of the challenges you’ve faced as up-and-coming artistes in Abuja? How have these challenges shaped your music and approach to your craft?
Begho: I think sometimes Abuja isn’t taken seriously because of the stage of infancy it’s at, and because we as creatives are slowly recognizing our worth. The power lies in being aware that we can create our own narratives and shape our structure on our own terms. And that’s what we’re all doing in some way.
Inçi: My biggest challenges have been internal. As I am my biggest critic, I can be pretty tough on myself. It is so easy to get in your head and overthink things which can make you doubt your craft and abilities as a creative.
With the likes of OdumoduBlvck and PsychoYP, to mention a few making waves in the industry. Do you think there’s a chance for Abuja to become the Lagos of the music and creative industry?
Begho: We’re definitely at a pivotal moment in our growth right now and I believe the artistes that come from here just have to be true to themselves and know that there’s still a lot of work ahead. Two industries can and will co-exist.
Inçi: Haha. Abuja doesn’t need to be the Lagos of the music industry. I aspire for both cities to be able to grow together, as separate entities and exist individually.
The creative scene in Abuja is extremely rich and diverse, it’s crazy. There is a lot of raw potential here, we just have to put the work in.
What have been some of the most significant milestones in your music career so far?
Begho: For me, last month just made it one year since I dropped my last project (Midnight Run vol. 1) which marked the beginning of all this happening for me. Seeing a barely fully formed vision I had sort of finding its way to manifest physically has been surreal to me.
Inçi: Putting out music of my own really. This was a big step for me as an artiste and an individual that I’m really proud of.
Collaboration is very key in the music industry. How did you come together to create this EP, and what was the collaborative process like?
Begho: It was one of the most organic processes I had encountered. The music really spoke for itself and we did our best in expressing ourselves, also learning and getting to understand each other as these songs were made. Simply surreal.
Inçi: Most of this project pieced itself organically. It was very intriguing to watch it unfold. We started by working on RIDE4U and we took off from there and decided to trust the process.
Can you describe the themes and influences that are central to your music and this EP in particular?
Begho: We never went into making this EP (well at least at the beginning process) overly focused on the right theme or message. We just had a story to tell that mirrored our past experiences. Being aware and seeing our experiences match with themes of Love, Toxicity, Heartbreak, Desire, and Devotion was just the beauty of being fully immersed and trusting the process.
Inçi: I’d say personal experiences had a heavy influence on this EP. The only thing we did know was we wanted the EP to have heavy elements of toxicity but we weren’t stressed about the clearer picture at the beginning. The EP touched on themes of love, vulnerability, intimacy, and romance with elements of toxicity and infatuation while circling back to self-love, acceptance, and introspective growth.
What do you hope listeners take away from “Don’t Bother, I’m Not Coming Back” in terms of emotions, messages, or experiences?
Both: It’s okay to love and be loved. Everyone is worthy of it and should experience what that is like. It’s also much better to know and love yourself because no one is worth the love you’ll give yourself. Your peace is a priority above everything, but a bit of chaos sometimes is normal. Don’t get too immersed in chaos though. Haha.
As artistes, how have you evolved and grown since you first started making music together? What have you learned along the way?
Begho: I guess access to making music definitely got easier for me over time. It also felt like I had to trust myself more, because it became a non-linear thing, if that makes sense. I find myself going back to forgotten processes just to make specific songs.
Inçi: I’ve learnt to be open to trying things and trusting the process. Also to rid my mind of the idea of linearity is very dangerous. Above all, I’ve learnt more about myself and my capabilities during the process of making DBINCB.
Abuja has a diverse and vibrant music scene. How has your local environment influenced your sound and style?
Begho: Abuja has created a safe space for me to grow as an artist at my own pace and with a community.
Inçi: I’m in a position to develop my own sound as well. I’d say the scene is not driven by a particular sound and is so diverse which gives artistes the opportunity of freedom of expression as well.
Is there a special process for you when it comes to songwriting?
Inçi: Not really anything out of the ordinary. It starts with me singing random Melodies and saying gibberish to myself and picking up from there.
Begho: I tend to shuffle between writing and going off the top of my head, whatever feels right at the moment of creation. I ended up not writing 80% of my verses on DBINCB. But then, I like making music by myself.
Which artistes are you feeling right now, that you’d love to feature? Both emerging and top artistes.
Inçi: Tim Lyre, Mellissa, Tay Iwar, Solis, Pa1n, Asa Quana.
Begho: Currently I’d say, Tim Lyre and Kaycyy.
How do you know when a beat/instrumental is the one?
Inçi: My dopamine receptors start to tingle. Haha!
Begho: Love at first listen almost Everytimeeee. If an instrumental can put us in a flow state to produce Melodies? We’re there.
What should we expect from you as individual artistes?
Inçi: I’m going to put out more music of my own and also collaborations. A lot of experimenting from my end, prepare to be sick of me.
Begho: I plan to start putting out a lot more singles and stretching my collaborative reach while working on Midnight Run Vol. 2.
What advice would you give to other emerging artistes, who are trying to make their mark in the music industry?
Inçi: Keep putting yourself out there and keep pushing yourself to be better than the previous day. Also, your mental health is important.
Begho: There is nothing better than constantly working on being the best version of yourself, and enjoying the process.
Any last words for your fans and listeners out there?
Both: Stream DBINCB and watch this space! 💜