About the show
Mr Eazi and Tekno Miles will headline the Bell Jamz West Africa to Kampala concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval tonight. Among some of the curtain-raiser artistes expected are Sheebah, Bebe Cool, Cindy, Ykee Benda, Roden Y, Fik Fameica, Latinum, Fefe Busi, Fille, Bruno K, DJs RPM, BK, Roja & Slick Stuart, among others. MC Kats and Anita Fabiola will be the hosts of the event.
WEST AFRICA TO K’LA: Mr Eazi will be performing in Uganda this weekend alongside Tekno. The Nigerian artiste, who will be in Kampala for the first time, says he looks forward to collabos with any artiste.
What does ‘Eazi’ stand for?
Back in the day, I used to do parties at university and at the end of each party, I would send broadcast messages with the phrase “Be Easy”. So, people started calling me Tosin Easy. I also used to stop fights and would repeatedly tell those who were fighting to take it easy. Before I knew it, everyone was calling me “Mr Eazi”.
Why did you decide to move to Ghana from Nigeria?
It was not my decision. My mother and sister decided for me after high school. I wanted to go to school in Canada but ended up in Ghana.
After school, I found myself blending in and decided to stay and establish myself in business.
A mechanical engineer in music. What inspired this decision?
When I was studying mechanical engineering at university, I decided to venture into business and this included doing parties, concerts and fashion shows. I was constantly around musicians, booking them for my events while they also tried to get me to perform at shows. They say you become a product of your environment. I guess for me it was only natural that I ended up in music. There was music all around me and before I knew it, I was doing music.
Tell us about your style of music.
‘Banku’ music is basically Afro Fusion. I decided to call it ‘Banku’ music. It is a mixture of Nigerian and Ghanaian influences on the lyrics, chords, and drops.
I could decide to extend it and fuse influences of East African music with West African music to find a place where both genres or sounds meet.
What lessons have you learnt in the five years you have been in the music industry?
I have been doing music for one year now because until last year, I was still running my business and music was just a hobby. I have learnt a lot about the music business and other aspects such as recording. I have seen how people change when you become successful. I have seen how powerful a voice you can become, especially on social media. So, you have to be mindful of what you say or do.
You are one of the trending artistes on the continent. What would you say have been your happiest and most embarrassing moments?
The happiest moment I can remember is a year ago when my sister had a baby. I love that guy so much. He is like Little Eazi, I think he is my son. Embarrassing moment? I do not know! (Chuckles) Nothing comes to mind. Everything is a vibe for me!
Music aside, what else do you do?
I am an entrepreneur. That is what I was doing before the music. That is what I keep doing and it is what I hope I can keep doing even after this phase.
Which Ugandan artiste would you love to work with and why?
I would love to work with every Ugandan artiste. As soon as I land, shout out to every Ugandan artiste, whether big or emerging. As long as the music is good, I am ready to work with everybody.
Mr Eazi at a glance
WHO IS MR EAZI?
Born Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, Mr Eazi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who is the pioneer of Banku Music. He shot to fame in 2015 with his song Skin Tight. He is also famed for songs Leg Over, Hollup, and Dance For Me (Shoki Shoki), in which he featured for Eugy.
BEST SHOW
In recent times, the biggest show for me was ‘Life is Eazi Toronto’. It was so dope. The energy was dope. I ended up finding myself in the crowd. The after party was awesome. The energy and everything about it was great. I think the Bell Jamz West Africa to Kampala concert will be another big one. Uganda come through and feel the vibe.
AT THE SHOW
It is Detty Boy Mr Eazi. It will be a ‘detty’ show. Dope dancers. My live band is the best in Africa. Come and catch a vibe. I feed off the vibe of the people and I am sure my people in Uganda are coming to show me love and we are going to have a lovely show.
UGANDAN MUSIC
I love Navio and Bebe Cool. I think Ugandan music is beautiful. I cannot wait to perform here.
