Boasting from a background of versatility, Godwin is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and filmmaker with the most compelling artistic journey. Originating from one of the most easily overlooked cities in Nigeria, Kaduna, Godwin has made significant strides in his career. As a filmmaker alongside his brothers with their film collective, “The Critics Company,” he has made a name for himself garnering attention from titans in the film industry with the likes of Kemi Adetiba, JJ Abrams, Morgan Freeman, and Taika Watiti.
Faced with feelings of grief and emptiness, the young creative finds solace in music. “Road to Nirvana” marks the debut release of the artist. The EP delves into the full spectrum of human emotions, a profound introduction to his musical prowess. It offers an honest and personal exploration of grief and loss while also taking us on his journey of healing.
Marching into uncharted territories since this debut, Godwin comes in as a breath of fresh air, showcasing his craft while also reflecting the dynamic nature of the Nigerian music industry. His unique background is seen in his ability to combine film and music to fully encapsulate human emotions.
Godwin sits with me as we discuss growing up in Kaduna, his multiple disciplinary in various art forms, his latest single, “Abeke”, upcoming album, and many more.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Definitely. My full name is Godwin Damilola Josiah. I am the first child of three children. I was born and raised in Kaduna. I am a child to a Yoruba mother and Gbagyi father which is a unique combination considering the distances of those places. I run a film collective with my brothers, called “The Critics Company”. I am also a musician with the stage name, “Godwin”. My love for music started at a young age even before I gained consciousness of it. My dad was a big collective of music all around the world which influenced my upbringing. I was constantly listening and being influenced by these songs. I think that sort of even influenced my voice. From that, I got into creative filmmaking but in 2017, I lost my mum. I was sort of navigating my career and working in a refinery. I decided that was when I was going to leave school. It was a bold choice but I was able to focus on arts which I was able to vent through. I was able to explore the idea of grief in my EP, “Road to Nirvana”. From there, I got signed to Sony France and Columbia Records. It’s very beautiful I get to work with people whose daily lives revolve around music. I am looking forward to everything it has to bring.
I have to touch on where you came from “Kaduna”. It’s not the typical place such as Lagos where most artists come from or later find their way to. Would you say the city of Kaduna influenced your creative side?
With my state of origin, I like to be honest. Kaduna gives you the freedom. I started exploring arts as a filmmaker and the beautiful part of that is making our films. Our first exploration of film was science fiction. The thing about Kaduna is you can do the weirdest stuff where no one really questions you compared to Lagos. Kaduna gave us the freedom to imagine and create. Everything is becoming so decentralized and we are coming to that age where everything leans to the internet. It’s now marketing to get your art to people. People are now getting to choose the most popular songs. As you said, some years ago, I would have needed to be in certain spots like Lagos to get where I am but most of the videos I shoot now are based on where I am. You really just have to make music that people can connect to.
How would you describe your music?
I like to describe it as good music because that’s the aim of it. I feel my music is a product of what I consume and I consume a lot of music. I will leave the categorization to people who listen to it. I am at the point of exploration.
What was the inspiration behind the EP, “Road to Nirvana?”
It’s an exploration of grief and soul searching as a young boy. I was in a very particular place when I made that project which I don’t necessarily relate to now. It was a personal project. I have realized that the music that I made at the time was very personal to me. I necessarily do not feel that way now. I had so much grief in me during that period and turned that grief into love which I gave back to myself. I had a friend who told me that grief is love that has nowhere to go. I made the music and gave it back to myself which deepened the healing. Now I find myself wanting to make love songs.
You have an upcoming single, “Abeke.” Do you want to shed more light on that?
Once you hear it, you will know it’s an Afrobeats song. That was the first time I ever wrote a song from a beat that was sent to me. This was a song made with Kitschkreig, a Berlin-based producer duo which was a fun experience. It was a fun experience making this kind of song with such intensity, tone, and speed. “Abeke” is an exploration of self-doubt, gaslighting, and heartbreak merged into one character. It’s not a happy song but once you listen to the lyrics, you find it interesting.
I will trace back to your signing with Sony and Columbia Records, how did that come about to be?
This is an interesting story. I had traveled to Germany with my brothers at that time and visited a museum called the Museum of Modern Arts. Our exhibition was the exploration of the massacre which happened in Benin where they stole a lot of artifacts. The process of doing that exhibition was where I met my manager. I wanted to know more about him, especially being an Ethiopian man and doing so well for himself. I mentioned that I made music and he had worked in music for a very long time. From there, our connection grew, and we did a few studio sessions. Conversations started with Sony and France was that city that explored the arts. France fit that destination to start my journey of music and a few months along the line, we signed with Columbia. It was something sort of a fairytale. It’s a lot of work and something I really enjoy doing.
Congratulations on the Colorsxstudios on the song, “Home.” How was that feeling?
That was a surreal moment because when I was trying to promote my EP, “Road to Nirvana”, I was trying to recreate a Colorsxstudios in the back of my room. When the chance came to do Colorsxstudios, I was happy to see what the setup looked like. It was a full circle back moment and a beautiful opportunity for me. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Would you mind telling me more about the film company, “The Critics Company?”
We are a film collective made in Kaduna and consists of 5 members which are my brothers and cousins. I am the oldest member of the team and we found out we loved movies and games. We grew into wanting to make movies. We have since made a few number of short films and working towards our first feature film. One of our biggest projects is called “Ogunla” which I worked on whilst working on my EP. It’s about the god of metal and war in Yoruba mythology., which is Ogun. It was a big moment for me because we got to work with Morgan Freeman’s production company and got him to do a voice-over for the trailer. It was an important part of my career and our careers as filmmakers. It uplifted everything from ground level to full potential. We are working on our own production company and I am using it as well to make music videos for the album.
You have had mentorship from some big names in the industry, from the likes of Kemi Adetiba, JJ Abrams, Taika Waititi, and many others. How did that feel like?
It was such a huge inspiration. When I talk about leaving school, it’s that same moment I talk about as it came around the same time. We got interaction when Kemi Adetiba made a post about us. We got a lot of traction and donations. When I get really confused, she is one person I can message for suggestions. JJ Abrams also sent us so much equipment and advice as well as made video calls with us. COVID-19 happened which made a lot of things not happen. However, It still was a beautiful time and inspiration. I have that sureness especially when I speak about some things. It comes from that experience as I have seen what can come from nothing. I am very hungry for a lot of it.
Finally, what do you want people to take away when they listen to your songs?
This is a recurring thing I say. It’s two sentences merged into one. Firstly, let yourself feel because the most beautiful things you can create can come from that. Secondly, grief can be love. When you let yourself feel, you can create from that. It can be a positive thing and it’s a sad world we live in. At some point, you realize you are alone in this but you can channel that into something else and not only serve as a reminder that you felt this at some point but also for your growth. A lot of people do not let themselves feel and box it in. I try to do it with my music as it’s based on what I feel. Let yourself do that.