You can’t put your finger and point at exactly what it is that defines Korede Bello as an artist. Try it and you would fail.
The singer who hit the ground running at the highest level when he was announced as a Mavin Records artist in 2014 has consistently grown at every point in time. From the guy with a guitar and weird hair, to the ‘bad guy’ who loves women, is loved by women, and makes pop music too.
Korede Bello started off as an alternative artiste with pop leanings. He was just a kid who loved his guitar, composed much of his music on it, and hung it around his shoulders as he toured Lagos with hope and a one-dimensional talent.
Before Mavin, his earlier songs has always gone the way of alternative, with love and then patriotism being his best bet for expression.
And it ws the same way when he started. His first singles ‘African Princess’, and ‘Cold Outside’ were love songs designed with the guitar, and promoted in that light.
But he switched.
“Thank God for Don Jazzy, he saw in me what I didn’t see.” Korede told Pulse.
Don Jazzy was responsible for that switch. Don Jazzy saw the reaction Korede Bello received early on, and knew that the young man was more than a niche star. He had the potential to be a fan favorite and amass the greatest acceptance. And so they set to work.
‘Godwin’ still remains his biggest commercial single. Released in 2015, the song transitioned the man from a local artist to a continental wonder.
Korede Bello’s creation shot into every demography and ruled. When a Nigerian song can be listened in both the churches and the clubs, serving both God and Mammon, then we have a mega hit.
Combine that with his playful wink, a face full of smiles, and a clean look. And you have Nigeria’s own Bruno Mars, a rare talent who would be comfortable doing music on his own terms, and in any form that he chooses.
That’s the Korede Bello we have now. That’s the star that’s ready to release his debut album “Belloved.” The album drops on Saturday, March 11, 2017. It is the culmination of charisma, hardwork, and artistry.
But what are the lessons to be learned from all of this? What teachable moments exists from the way the man has gone about his business from obscurity to stardom.
Artistry and the knowledge of self is all that matters here. Away from the profound platform that Mavin Records provided as a springboard, what has helped Korede Bello is his artistry. It all boils down to the final product.
Guided by an army of music experts and producers, he has been able to push through different levels and brought out the best possible music at every point. Also, his eyes are constantly being open to the tremendous potential that he holds, and with that knowledge he has been able to push more.
Sing more. Record more. Perform more.
Artists need this in their lives. Surround yourself with skilled professionals and positivity. People who can push you and guide you as you journey through creativity. And also, when you find out that you can become better at your craft, push yourself to that level.
It is the only way, and Korede Bello have it on lockdown.