2021 has seen Marytonette Okudare – known more popularly as Biwom – take more emphatic steps on her charge towards the throne of mainstream glory. She is not exactly a newbie in the game, as evidenced by her incredible 2019 run that helped her establish a fanbase, but there is a renewed sense of purpose about her this year following a relatively quiet 2020.
Her level of talent is not up for debate, but a closer look at Biwom reveals her to be multifaceted, with layers that make her character all the more interesting and fascinating.Firstly, and most obviously, she is a singer and songwriter. The Cross River native has gone a step further to create her own musical style, which she cleverly refers to as “Afro-vibe”. The said style is a Afro-Pop heavy sound which consistently delivers the right vibes to listeners. Her strong and endearing voice combines beautifully with this sound, and coupled with her intelligent lyrical content she often creates awesome tracks. “Confessions Of A Rebel”, her debut 6-track EP that dropped a couple months back, is the perfect exhibition of the aforementioned qualities. It features songs like “Company”, “Try” and “Jeje” (ft Skales) which serve as perfect reminders of just how good Biwom is for those who may have forgotten her 2019 bangers, “G-Wagon” and “ISE”.
Peel back that layer and you’ll find a fast-rising fashion icon. Biwom makes it a matter of priority to never be caught unfresh and often dazzles the eyes with bold yet simple style. A quick Google search on her will confirm this, while a viewing of her Clarence Peters-directed video to “G-Wagon” best encapsulates her fashionable and trendy looks. From casual to corporate and even sexy diva fits, she slays every time she’s caught on camera without overdoing it. She sure loves her accessories too, almost always rocking ring on her finger, chain on her neck and bead in hand to make her all the more aesthetically pleasing.Peel that layer back again and there’s a passionate advocate and scholar that completes the wholesome package that Biwom is.
She is a graduate of Law and has been called to the Nigerian Bar Association. Maybe that part of her accounts for why she has better lyrics than the average Nigerian artiste, maybe it doesn’t, but it definitely contributes to her outspoken nature. She reminds you on damn near every track that she is a rebel – she even has an entire track called “Rebel Kid” on her EP – and constantly moves to inspire and empower the youth through music and other platforms available to her.
Her current trajectory strongly suggests she is destined for the very top. With her singing prowess, songwriting skills and distinct style, the ingredients to get there are definitely already present. It feels more like a matter of when than if with Biwom, and we look forward with excitement to whatever unfolds next in her musical journey.
