Where are you based?
I’m based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Where do you work? What do you do?
I work with the #1 Music streaming and download service in Africa, Boomplay. As a service provider, Boomplay houses millions of songs, videos, and entertainment news and allows its users to stream and download their favourite songs and videos and subscribe to access premium features such as ad-free streaming and saving music for offline play. The service is available globally on mobile through the Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS and on the web.
Currently, I’m the team lead for Boombuzz Nigeria, the media arm of Boomplay Music with a focus on curating Entertainment news & interviews for the culture. In my capacity as the lead, I manage the content curation activities and supervise the planning and achieving of set goals and objectives in Nigeria.
What are you listening to?
I’m currently stuck on Victony’s ‘Outlaw’ EP. The project is fresh and youthful with so many records for days. It’s amazing to see Victony’s growth on and off the mic. Very inspiring
How do you discover new music?
My major source of music comes from playlists, movies, social media and radio. I’m quite old school so most times I take my time to search for old records, you know the saying that “old is gold”.
During my Uni days, I recall one of my Lecturer’s spoke about an artist and after some research and listens, the artist ended up being one of my all time fav. I also get first dibs on new music especially since my job requires me to work with artists and their managers. (Perks of working with a brand like Boomplay!).
What formats do you usually listen to? LP, CD, Cassette, Digital, Streaming Services? Why?
My answer is obvious but yes… streaming services. The music ecosystem like every other sector is evolving and moving with the times. Right now everything is online, so digital streaming services have come to stay. For all the ways digital streaming improves and aids music consumption, I think to a large extent the industry is better for it. The emergence of platforms like Boomplay has undoubtedly created platform and access for both music lovers & the industry. So why not?! Streaming music without constraints associated with the traditional format of music listening is definitely more enjoyable and signals growth. So although I’ve always wanted to get vinyl, still, digital is the way to go.
Where do you do most of your music listening?
Music forms a huge part of my daily routine. At work, while I’m home doing chores or relaxing, you name it. Music is life. It’s pretty hard to imagine a world with no music basically. When I was young, we’d only listen to music when our parents spared us some time or at a party but now you get to decide because it’s within your reach. With a simple tap on my Boomplay app, I’m presented with numerous music options to pick from. Trust me to tune to my favourite playlist and my speakers come alive. Lol.
How do you find and listen to pre-release music?
Well, I work in the music industry and sometimes, I’m opportuned to listen to unreleased music and I attend a lot of listening sessions as well. I also review music, so it’s best to listen earlier and have your review ready.
What are your frustrations with listening to music digitally? Any benefits?
As with most innovations, there’s the existence of pros and cons with acceptance and usage. Here in Nigeria, I think with digital streaming, there is the issue of acceptance. While there has been tremendous growth across the music market, we still have a long way to go. The good news is that music consumption data alongside recent discussions around the ecosystem suggests that we are on track.
“Here in Nigeria, I think with digital streaming, there is the issue of acceptance. While there has been tremendous growth across the music market, we still have a long way to go.”
More importantly, I think it is notable that the benefits of listening to music digitally – one of which is accessibility – is very telling and makes a case for how it is driving growth in the music industry. Having options is great too, hence why I’m subscribed to Boomplay music which offers premium features such as ad-free streaming and saving music for offline play.
How do you keep track of everything you are listening to?
There it is! The beauty of digital streaming. It presents numerous features ranging from music history, recently played, song recommendations, playlists and so much more. It is one big bubble.
“More importantly, I think it is notable that the benefits of listening to music digitally – one of which is accessibility – is very telling and makes a case for how it is driving growth in the music industry.”
Do you tip other people off to new music? How?
Yasss! Sending songs to my friends and family is like a love language to me, once I send you a song just know I love and care about you. Even better, when you get a playlist… just know you are special. (lol!)
Anything you want to “promote”?
Definitely! I recently launched Black Crown Media, a media & talent management agency that offers management and advisory services to creative talents. We are open for business and collaborative opportunities. You can check us out on IG @blackcrownmediang.
