INTERVIEW – BUWA Talks to us About His New Single “Emlinlo”

Multi-talented singer-songwriter BUWA has recently dropped his new music video for his single ‘Eminlo’.  This track is the latest single from BUWA’s EP, ‘Olu’, which was released back in December.

We recently got in touch with BUWA to discuss the single, his plans for the future, and the musical roles he’s currently playing! Here is what he had to say.

Hi Buwa! So, you’ve just released a music video for your song ‘Eminlo’. What can you tell us about it? Where did you get the inspiration from?

The concept for Eminlo changed so many times I’ve lost count, but I knew that I wanted something very simple and still talked about the message of the song. I didn’t want there to be an obvious villain or good guy, all that should be left for interpretation. I also didn’t want too many things distracting from the emotion and message I was trying to express. We decided to deal with raw emotions, mostly headshots, us coming back from a dinner event and being exhausted with the negativity in the relationship and knowing it’s time to walk away but definitely not an easy decision to make.

Who are your musical inspirations? And is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the future?

I’m inspired by a lot of people. I’m heavily inspired by Jill Scott & India Arie, their artistry really speaks to me. Others are Whitney Houston, Bruno Mars, Billy Porter, Aretha Franklin.

I would absolutely love to write with Jill Scott, India Arie, and Omawumi. I would like to have a song with Beyoncé and Common.

Can you describe your songwriting process for us?

My songwriting process usually starts with a melody in my head and/or a title. Sometimes I record it on my phone so I can come back later and work on it, other times I drop everything I’m doing and write the song. Different songs take different times to write. I also create the structure before I start writing the song so I know where I’m going. I usually have an entire story and scenario in my head. It’s almost like watching a movie and picking what parts you want to use for your summary. I also don’t get stuck on something so the song can also evolve while I’m writing it. Some songs also get rewritten over and over again even after I’m done recording lol!

What was it like working with SizzlePRO when producing “Emlino?”

Eminlo was pretty much one of the easiest songs I’ve ever written. SizzlePRO actually had part of the beat made and a chorus. As soon as I heard it, I knew where I wanted it to go and how I wanted it to sound, and I wrote it in a few minutes. Where I wrote it is a whole other story that I’m not ready to talk about hahaha!

What is the biggest thing you want to achieve in your music career and why?

I’d like my music career to grow to a point that the world would focus on Africa and our music and realize that we’re not a monolith or the single-story they’re used to. I’m honestly very passionate about Nigeria and Africa and I’d like my career to reflect Africa and her greatness. I’d also love to get to a point where I can give back and give people chances in the same way I was given a chance.

You’ve done your fair share of stage production work. You’re currently starring in “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Vancouver. Which do you prefer? Theatre or making your own music? How do they differ?

Honestly, I don’t know which I prefer lol, they’re both fulfilling in very different ways. I really enjoy creating my music as I have full control of where I want to go creatively and the sound I’m looking to achieve. The visuals and direction are my ideas and always convey the message I want to. I am in full control which I love, and the emotions I want to explore are emotions I’m willing to explore. With my music, it’s seeing or hearing what I want and finally figuring out how best to create it to be very similar to what was in my head.

With theatre, you’re trying to get someone’s vision on the ground. It’s a mix between the director’s vision as well as the writer’s vision. Theatre does push you to be a better performer all round as you’re singing, dancing and acting at the same time. You’re also exploring complex emotions for longer periods of time and have to live what you’re acting to ensure the audience believes and feels it too. For example, I’m in Jesus Christ Superstar playing Judas and I’ve broken down on stage a few times due to the heavy emotions I’m having to deal with.

So yeah they’re different and fulfill me in different ways.

What is one musical you would like a part in and why?

Kinky Boots!!! Why? Cos I’m completely obsessed with it hahahahaha!!

What is the future looking like for you? Can you tell us any plans you have for the rest of the year?

This year I’ll spend more on theatre and self-growth. I’m working on the concept of another video from my EP: Olu, so fingers crossed on that. But this is the year I’ll spend more time writing and exploring other creative ideas and avenues as well as do more theatre. I’d definitely not want to be in the same place I was when I created this EP, Change is the only fun thing about life.

Big thank you to BUWA for having a chat with us! We wish him the best of luck. You can watch the music video for ‘Elminlo’ here: