top of page
interview by iyin abiodun
photographer hyzick king
February 6, 2019
Her recently released re-Bella EP was an interesting fusion of genres. We discuss her creative process and her journey.
up next
interview series: detailing the creative journey of young nigerian minds.
Bella Alubo, the 25 year old singer from Jos has gone from writing to poems, to rapping to covering song by other artists. Fast forward to the today, she has become one of the most promising artists in the country.
amped: Your birth name is Mabel Oine Alubo, can you briefly explain the transition to Bella Alubo the artist?
Bella: I was born to an Idoma family in Jos, Nigeria. My parents are both academics so I guess that naturally made me write a lot. Writing poetry became rap which became melodies. Most people who know me from school still call me Mabel, I’m not quite sure why I went with the name Bella for my music but it’s a great way to separate the different parts of my life.
amped: When did you start making music?
Bella: The first time I recorded anything was about 9 years ago while messing around at my Ex’s studio session. I don’t think I recorded again till nearly 7 years ago when I put out my Theraflu cover. I was pretty inconsistent with music but after a bunch of covers, I released my first EP in 2015 after Uni, and then another in 2016 during my NYSC. I started making music on a focused professional level in 2017 when I got signed.
amped: I really love your single Aiya. The song has a smooth mellow flow and a catchy ring to it. What was running through your mind when you were writing and making it?
Bella: Well I’m very gangster right? But for some reason I’m also the biggest sucker for love and songs about heartbreak. Syn x was messing with a beat and said we should make a “lamba” song. I freestyled a bunch of melodies and that came because I guess I was fighting Lagos demons at the time.
Watch Bella Alubo's 'Aiya' video.
amped: Do you always write music from your personal experiences?
Bella: In some way yes. Everything I know is a sum of my experiences so yeah...
amped: Your re-Bella EP showcases so many styles and genres of music. The creative process must have been exciting. What fuelled that approach to making the EP?
Bella: Transitioning from Bella who felt like she had to stick to her hip-hop influences to Bella who just enjoys music was definitely interesting for me. I just tried to let go of my inhibitions and go with whatever vibe i was feeling. I love pop and love listening to people like P!nk, Taylor Swift, Tiwa Savage, Raye, Anne Marie, Lorde...I just wanted to feel like the girl that has been hiding, the one who is carefree, sings & dances in front of her mirror. I’m making music that I really enjoy & sharing parts of myself so it’s real and relatable.
amped: Who are your musical influences?
Bella: I have so many influences from Eminem who’s the king of showing emotion through his voice to wonderful writers like Drake & Jhene Aiko. I learnt about writing lyrics that are relatable to the average Nigerian from artistes like Mocheddah, Ajebutter 22 & Mr Eazi. Rihanna & Ycee are great examples of where I learnt to say “cool” things and I also love greats like Brenda Fassie because of how carefree and passionate she was on her songs. Listening to Nicki Minaj also gingers my confidence.
amped: Are you currently juggling anything with making music? How have you found balancing the two?
Bella: I’m currently in London doing a Masters because it has always been one of my intellectual goals & I’m trying to be like a boss mogul tycoon super hero. So yeah...about finding balance, I never stop to think I guess, I just look at all the aspects of my life as one & prioritise them as things I have to do so I don’t freak out or get overwhelmed too much.
amped: You recently tweeted that you’re now an independent artist. What has it been like being independent?
Bella: The only downside is sourcing funds to be honest, otherwise I love it.
amped: It is important for an artist to connect with fans at live shows. Do you have a vision for your live shows?
Bella: I spend most of my hours day dreaming. Most of my daydreams are of gigs where I plan outfits, sets and routines. I love when I see my favourite pop stars put together an actual show. I have never really been a fan of just singing to the mic because it doesn’t translate music and personality enough. My live shows in their full form would be very feminine with organised fun routines.
amped: I think you are one of the most stylish female singers in Nigeria, how would you describe your style?
Bella: My style, just like my sound and general brand is something that has been growing over time and still is getting more and more clear. It’s probably like “cool comfortable girl next door”.
amped: Which other contemporary artists are in your rotation right now?
Bella: I really like Gigi Atlantis’ voice & Waye’s brand.
amped: People are more inclined to define themselves by their Zodiac signs nowadays. What do you think of that?
Bella: Hmmmm tough one because there’s apparently some scientific proof but my religion is against it, so it’s weird, [laughs]. In this cognitively dissonant society we live I admit I google “Leo daily horoscope” sometimes though.
amped: What do you think on the state of Nigeria, as a young person?
Bella: It’s honestly very depressing. I like to stay positive and hopeful but i’m honestly afraid for Nigeria. There are too many things to be heartbroken about. All i can say is we need to do better as individuals and start by holding ourselves accountable in our daily lives. We are the society, we are the government. This is our problem and our doing.
amped: Even though re-Bella EP is relatively new, when can we expect your album or next project?
Bella: One of my goals this year is to write an album. I’m definitely not going to pressure myself to put one out before I feel ready though. It is important to me to have one of the most impressive discographies out of the country and I have to be very calculative.
bottom of page
