Unorthodox Reviews had a heart-to-heart with Afrobeat artist Tibu. We talked about his thoughts on life, his music, and his future.
1. Who is Tibu and what makes him different from other artists?
Lool serious, straight to the ‘myself questions’ okay errm I’m just a normal young vibrant guy really, a Christian, singer/songwriter, a producer and also an engineering student at KNUST trying to succeed in all aspects of my life. I think personally my dynamism in lyric writing fused with Afropop and Afrobeats is the unique thing I have to bring to the table.
2. How did you get started in the music industry and what gave you the motivation to stay with it?
I’ve always had the vibe for music, to be honest as a young boy I always saw myself performing In front of mass crowds like a worldwide artist. However, the environment in which I have grown up is one where music is looked down upon so I’ve had to succumb to spending time, effort, and money into getting the credentials for a white-collar job. This is a culture that is peculiar to a lot of Ghanaian families and guess what? I have been no exception.
3. What do you look out for in a beat before choosing to work with it?
Well as I’m a producer most of my attention is on detail and melodies. For me, the beat should be able to communicate the message in the song, for example, one should be able to know the theme for any instrumental and this makes it easier to come up with the lyrics. “The beat tells the entire concept of the music. It’s an intricate non-verbal part of the music I am very particular about.
4. Any local musical influences?
Boss my influencers be plenty oo can’t mention all cause a lot of artists inspire from many all around the world, but locally I would say Mr. Eazi, R2bees, Sarkodie….hmmm…who else? I can easily pick up something from everyone to be very honest.
5. How do you define the genre hiplife? How different is it from hip-hop? And why do you think hip-hop has still not peaked in Ghana?
Hip-hop and Hip-Life have always been existent in Ghana and was relevant it’s the basis of what we do today! Let’s talk about the likes of Obrafour, Last 2, Hammer, they had songs that hit the waves hard. These days, we find our music to be more westernized and diluted in culture. I believe the youth is influencing this movement and it accounts for one of the factors why hip-hop has not picked up that pace in Ghana.
6. How did you meet Shim, the art director for the Delay video, and what role has he played so far in your career?
Shim is practically family with my team so the whole linkup came was actually quite simple we hit it off from the get-go. He’s played a major role in my career. He and his team put together the entire set for my first ever music video the guy even drew the scenes! He’s amazing. A big shout out to Shim! Thanks for everything.
7. What do you think your listeners will get out of your music?
I’m always trying to give my listeners music that they can easily relax and easily vibe to it. I’m all about good vibes and positive energy. So, every time I make music, I’m hoping my listeners will love it and just easily vibe to it.
8. What are your thoughts on the current state of music in Ghana?
The current state of music in Ghana has too much heat! Heat dey oo. Heat dey k3k3! There are a lot of heated talents who are bringing more fire to the stage. Hmmm, heat dey!
9. Walk us through the creative process of Tibu.
Like I mentioned earlier, the beat speaks volumes. After I get a beat that speaks to me, writing the lyrics just come naturally.
10. What is next for Tibu?
For now, I’m still a student and my education comes first so I’m just focused on graduating well. When I’m done, the world needs to prepare for interesting hits!
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