Whoever coined the saying “Success finds those who seek it through their passion” was most likely referring to one Lawal Michael Nasiru Bolaji popularly known as Nasboi who hails from Osun State, Nigeria. The name “Nasboi” reads different personalities in the minds of different people. To some, it is that hysterical clone comic guy, to another group, it’s the wannabe Davido, while to others it’s this rising sensation thrilling the music space with “feel good” music, song by song.
Nasboi gave music his first shot in 2008 as a recording artist, after which he signed a recording deal under veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde’s record label, Redhot Concept in 2014. The singer, in our interview, shared that it was probably not God’s timing for him as that period yielded only one mindful result, which was his pivot to skit making.
Even as he decided to test the waters of the comedy industry, his undivided focus was to draw attention to his first and main love, music. In his own words, “I never wanted to become a comedian. Music is what I am passionate about”. He stepped into the skit making scene as popular singer, Davido’s look alike. This was a successful move for Nasboi, he broke the internet several times and gained millions of followers but sadly, not for music. The singer confirmed that he never fret, it wasn’t just a dream, he was sure music was the true path for him and he was ready to do whatever was required of him.
After over a decade worth of hard work, in 2023, he hit a major milestone in his career by recording one of his biggest hits yet, ‘Umbrella’ with Wande Coal and this served as his official comeback to the music space. Read through this piece to find out all about Nasboi’s fight for passion and his interesting journey to stardom.
Describe who Lawal Michael Nasiru Bolaji is outside entertainment.
I am a self-acclaimed marketer who hails from Osun State, Nigeria. There’s not really so much about me outside my craft. I confess I have been buried in my work lately but I do sneak out time to play table tennis. It’s my favourite sport and I also love to travel a lot.
Why did you start off with comedy and not music?
Because I blew up with comedy, a lot of people think I started off in that path but it has always been music. Along the line I got tired because nothing was happening with my music career. I moved from Port Harcourt to Lagos after getting signed but there was still nothing worthwhile happening. I guess it just wasn’t God’s timing for me. After countless refusal to go with my friends’ advice of going into comedy because I used to be very shy, I finally gave in because they seemed to have faith that I would make it big as a comedian as they found me really funny. Note that I gave in not because I wanted to become a comedian but purely to get Davido’s attention to my music, so I decided to start mimicking him. In the course of trying to get Davido’s attention, people started taking me for a comedian, I just had to keep up.
Are there any significant experiences that can be associated with your passion in music?
Music has always been my passion. Shout out to my mom for supporting my dreams, she helped me put together my first studio when i first started in 2008 and that pushed me to keep recording music and in 2014, I got signed to Redhot Concept, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde’s record label.
“I never wanted to become a comedian. Music is what I am passionate about.”
What was it like introducing your comedy based fans to your music side?
It was difficult and still very difficult. I think if my audience had a different geographics like the U.K or the U.S, it may be different but Nigerians have a way of confining creatives, they want you to do the one thing they know you for. I remember receiving a lot of backlash and negative comments. It was like they were not ready to give me a chance. It was quite depressing. Until ‘Umbrella’ came through and sort of changed the narrative a little bit. Mentally, it messes me up but I know I have to remain focused because I have a goal that must be attained. Even Davido, Fireboy, Wizkid still receive backlash, so who am I?
Are there any links between your creative process in comedy and your creative process in music?
If you know Nasboi, then you know Nasboi is always freestyling. I usually do not go into the studio and just start freestyling but I do the freestyle and write a part whether the chorus or verse beforehand so, whenever I am in the studio, I already have a melody to work with. For the comic side, there’s no straightforward process. Most times I get ideas through intuition and then, I pitch them to my friends to critique them because I know these guys are not one to laugh if the joke is not funny. So, once I get positive feedback, I shoot.
Why do you think your music is receiving a better reception now compared to your first shot?
From the audience I have gained over the years through my comics, I now have more people that love me for my sound and I also have more means to promote my music.
Congratulations on your latest release ‘Short Skirt’! Tell us briefly how you brought this record to life.
Short skirt is one of those songs that are not so conscious. It’s just pure vibes – a feel good song. No particular thing or experience inspired it.
After ‘Umbrella’ blew up, did you feel any pressure to create another hit song and do you think umbrella will be another hit?
I didn’t necessarily feel pressure to create another hit song. The pressure mainly lied in dropping, promoting and the audience reception. My confidence level when creating new music is always at 100%. My main cause of concern is the audience reception. It’s not in my power to determine what song goes viral but it’s in my power to create and push a beautiful sound.
If you ever came to a crossroad where you had to choose between comedy and music, which would you go for and why?
Music! Music!! Music!!! I never wanted to become a comedian. Music is what I am passionate about.
What is one memorable experience you’ve had in the industry?
I have a handful of them. Wande Coal is my idol, so recording with him is one experience I hold dearly. Also, recording with 2Baba. I learnt music through 2Baba, so recording a song with him was definitely a big one for me. If you pay close attention to my sound, you’ll notice I draw inspiration from Wande Coal, 2Baba and Kizz Daniel and I have recorded music with all three of them. I did not see any of these coming, I don’t dream, I just put in the work and let things happen.
