•The Story Of The Hottest Music Act On The Scene
At the recently held City People Awards for Excellence, the artiste that entertained guests throughout the duration of the event was the versatile and dynamic Samson Egbeyemi. And he did a truly fantastic job. From th e very moment guests stepped inside the cosy and beautifully done Balmoral Hall, they were kept swaying gently on their seats to the fascinating music of Samson Egbeyemi.
He could perform all genre of music. From hip-hop to juju, to high life or gospel, he had something for everyone. His performance is one of the reasons why many will not forget the 21st City People Awards for Excellence in a hurry. This is the story of one young guy who is doing so well in music. So good is he that Samson Egbeyemi is in hot demand for him to come and entertain at parties.
That is why right now, at many events in Lagos, Samson is the one that thrills guests. He sings well. He dances well also. He is an all-around entertainer who sings all kinds of songs you can think of, from Hip-Hop to Gospel, Juju, Old Skool music Apala, Rhythm & Blues, name it. All Samson needs is for you to tell him what kind of music you want him to play at your event and he will deliver.
He leads a group called Broad Band. He is like Shuga Band. He sings all types of songs and tunes.
Though he started music in 1996, professionally he started about 10 years ago. He started from the church choir. He started out as a Cherub but left for Celestial Church later. He started from Kogberegbe Church, also called Church Of The Lord at Agege. He was born in Agege. He grew up liking music, all kinds of music. People told him he has a nice voice, so he joined the choir.
From the choir, he discovered his talent, he then went on to join so many bands like that of Tunde Samson, a popular Juju star, from whom he learned how to sing and play party Juju. He then went on to join Shuga Band, led by Akin Shuga. It was from him he learnt how to sing Hip-Hop and foreign music.
He started out on his own in 2014. That was 4 years ago. Since then, he has built his band to a formidable force. When he started, he had only a keyboard and talking drum. They were 3 band members then. Now they are 12. He has 2 female singers also. What has helped him apart from the grace of God is his determination to succeed.
What are the services his company Broad Band Entertainment offers? “We offer Yoruba, English, Igbo, Hausa songs. And many more. Why call his group Broad Band? It was one of my mentors who gave the brand that name.
“I went to see him and he said why don’t you call your band, Broad Bank?” I used to call my bank Skyband. But after he advised me, I changed it to Broad Bank. Why call it Broad Band? He says because my music is wide and broad.
How different is his music from other bands? “It is different. I do more Praise Worship on stage. I sing Christian songs. I sing a wide range of music, from Hip-Hop, Juju, Highlife, Apala, everything. I also do a lot of dancing and high performance on stage.”
Who are his mentors in the industry? “I have so many of them. I also have so many people who have stood by me, like my wife. My No 1 mentor is Akin Shuga whose real name is Akinloye Fowotomo I like his style. He sings well. I am also grateful to my friend Kolawole. He is not a musician. He is my good brother. He saw me play at Shoprite, Ikeja 3 years ago and he called me aside to say I should start my own band. He started mentoring me.”
He said Samson, you can stand on your own. KSA is also my mentor. I look up to him.” What are his plans in 2018? Samson says he is planning to take his music abroad. He also wants to do a single, to feature 9ice or any other artistes.
He was born in Agege, May 21 in 1982, (36 years ago). He attended Ajegunle Primary School from 1995-1999 before he moved to Sango Secondary School. He then went to LASU.
Which does he like, Hip-Hop or Juju? He says he loves Hip-Hop more. “When I start with Juju at parties, I usually move on to sing to Hip-Hop” And each time, he does that, the mood of the party changes.
He describes his wife Funmilayo Egbeyemi as a great pillar. They have been together for long. They have been married for 5 years.
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