Funbi Emiola, known simply as Funbi, first impressed Nigerians as a teenager who held his own alongside rap superstar M.I. on the song “Beg For It.”
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Four years later, in 2016, the Nigerian R&B singer and songwriter solidified his potential with the mega-hit “Hallelujah,” a song so infectious it became a household anthem.
Funbi was riding high in 2018. Fresh off critical acclaim and a chart-topping debut EP, “Serenade,” he seemed poised for even greater success.
However, fans eager for more were left waiting as Funbi retreated from the limelight.
In this exclusive interview with Guardian Life, Funbi opens up about the personal struggles that led to his hiatus and the artistic evolution that fuels his highly anticipated return with the new EP, “LoveLust.”
This introspective project explores the complexities of love, desire, and the human condition.
Music found Funbi early. His first attempt at recording music came as a student in SS1, thanks to his supportive father who funded the studio session.
“Well, I grew up in Kwara state, Ilorin to be specific. I came from a religious background, my mum is Christian, and my (late) dad was Muslim. I chose to follow Christianity.
In my church, as kids, we were all in the choir and it’s only in hindsight that it clicked that I’ve always had something in me musically. I was always chosen to take solos,” Funbi reflects.
The decision to take a break from music. What personal experiences or challenges led you to that point?
A few years ago I lost my dad and that put me in a really dark place mentally. I didn’t know how to cope with it. I did any and everything to try to numb myself. During that period as well I split with the person I was dating and even though I ended it, it was still heartbreaking for me.
So with all of that going on, I needed time to mentally get back into the creative space. I also started a family and I wanted to be fully present, especially for the early years and I must admit, that pushed me into the light.
How did that time away shape your creative process? What experiences did you draw from when crafting this new EP?
This EP “LoveLust” has essentially been in the works for some time now and a majority of what I speak about is from experiences over the years; the conflicting emotions of affection and desire. Also, the longing for connection which is something that I felt I needed during that phase I was away.
The title “LoveLust” hints at a duality between love and desire. How did you explore these themes throughout the EP? Did you find yourself gravitating more towards one or is there a beautiful balance?
I think I would say a little bit of both. I experienced both sides of the coin and they both had their moments in my life.
The Lust came mostly when I was in the dark place trying to numb myself while away from the scene but ultimately love came in with the light. Love, I’ve experienced pretty much in varying quantities over the years. It can sometimes be a fine line between the two.
I’ve had instances where I thought it was love but later found out it was just lust or infatuation and I’ve had moments where it started out as Lust and it morphed into something deeper. So this EP explores both aspects of that.
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This EP feels incredibly personal. Can you delve into a specific song or two and share the stories behind them? What emotions or experiences inspired them?
It is. I think the most personal would be the song titled “Lead Me On”. It speaks about being in that position of uncertainty with the person you’re with.
Only this time, I was the one giving mixed signals because I wasn’t sure how I felt at the moment. In the song I’m drawing inspiration from what the person I was with was feeling, imagining myself on the receiving end.
You seamlessly blend Afrobeat influences with contemporary RnB in your music. Was this a conscious choice? And how do you see your sound contributing to the global music scene?
I guess I’ll say it’s from listening to a wide range of music and finding my own expression. I basically let my spirit lead.
I am however partial towards R&B. That’s the core of my music, everything else is a topping. I feel a lot of people have paved the way for fusion in music, it’s universal and I’m only contributing my quota with the hopes of inspiring more people.
With the surge in popularity of Afrobeats globally, how will this impact other genres like RnB, which has seen a decrease in mainstream attention?
I feel every genre has its space to breathe and every genre has its moment in the sun. I’m glad Afrobeats is so popular right now. It has shed so much light on Africa and the incredible talents we have here. It has also given the opportunity for other genes coming out of Nigeria a shot to shine. So for me, I’m gonna stick to what’s true to me and build on that.
What message do you hope listeners take away from this EP, especially your longtime fans who’ve been waiting for your return?
I have my day ones in my heart and mind always. Even when I’m away I’m thinking about them. So this EP is a love offering, there’s more to come. I’m just grateful they’ve stuck by me and continuously shown me love and support even in my absence.
With this EP, it feels like you’re ready to take your music to the next level. What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
With my EP ‘LoveLust,’ I hope to elevate my music to new heights and take it to a broader audience.
My dream is to embark on a continent-wide and international tour, gracing bigger stages as I represent and nurture the R&B community in Nigeria.
Through my music, I aim to not only connect with listeners but also contribute to the growth and recognition of R&B within my country and beyond.
“LoveLust” EP is due to drop on all streaming platforms on Friday, March 29th, 2024, Funbi promises a journey of vulnerability and growth.
This deeply personal EP is a testament to his artistic evolution and a chance for fans to reconnect with the artist they know and love.
Follow him on Instagram (@funbimusic) and Twitter (funbiofficial) to stay connected and dive deeper into the world of “LoveLust.”
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