Spotlight  

James Numbere: Singing For Queen Elizabeth A Dream Come True

By Tobi Awodipe

19 June 2022   |   10:30 am

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James Numbere is an Afrocentric soul artist with music that draws influences from R&B, reggae, world and African music. A human physiologist who quit his job to pursue a career in music, James has over the past few years released his debut EP and has worked with the likes of Gregory Porter, the 1975, Pink…

James Numbere

James Numbere is an Afrocentric soul artist with music that draws influences from R&B, reggae, world and African music. A human physiologist who quit his job to pursue a career in music, James has over the past few years released his debut EP and has worked with the likes of Gregory Porter, the 1975, Pink and Justin Timberlake. In November 2021, he released his sophomore project “A Tale of 2 Cities” to rave reviews. A collaborative effort featuring artists from his home city of Port Harcourt and London, James recently led the London Community Gospel Choir to perform at the closing ceremony of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and conducted the National Anthem.

Breaking into this industry can be tough, how would you describe your journey so far?
Over the years I’ve been through the gauntlet; inspired, discouraged, tired, empowered, lost, won, I’ve gone through it all. While there is nothing unique in my experience that anyone who goes after their dream in this industry doesn’t have to face, in addition to that, I did face the peculiar challenge of having to balance both sides of my audience and the industry in Nigeria and the U.K. I used to hate it but now I’ve embraced it because it’s all part of who I am. This is why my music is so eclectic; you’d see a range from very indigenous to western sounds.

You recently stepped out with your sophomore EP, how does it differ from your debut EP?
The songs on my debut EP were originally different, then lockdown happened and then I wrote, recorded and released new songs all from my room and remotely recording with friends. So the mood was totally different. With my sophomore album, it was all about collaboration with my friends in the cities that have influenced me the most, Port Harcourt and London. I wanted my audience in the UK to experience the richness and musicality of Port Harcourt and Nigeria while simultaneously doing the same for my Nigerian audience with that of the UK.

You recently led the London Community Gospel Choir to perform at the closing ceremony of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, how did that experience make you feel?
Surreal, incredible, an out of body experience, history- there are not enough words to describe the experience. The Queen of England is the longest reigning monarch alive and there would never be another Platinum Jubilee in the UK in my lifetime. So, to perform at the closing ceremony, leading the choir and then conducting and singing the National Anthem as she stood there with members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace? Mind blowing. Still can’t believe it’s this little boy from Dline, Port Harcourt, Nigeria that got to do all that. I know some people may have some reservations due to colonialism but I strongly believe in using whatever platform I have been given to spread love and joy through music.

James-Numbere-performing-at-Bukingham-Palace

What would you say is the significance of this once-in-a-lifetime experience for your musical career?
Right now my CV has been boosted a lot by this. Lots of people reaching out to congratulate, interview and also work with me. It basically has given special credibility to my career – you have people asking, “who is this guy that was good enough to be invited to sing for the Queen’s Jubilee”? “ Oh he must be special then”. I’m basically in the rarefied category of artists (living and dead) who have performed for the Queen.

Would you say your brand of music is well accepted and appreciated in the U.K?
Yes it is especially, with how big Afrobeats is now, you don’t even really have to say much. People love the groove and how it makes them feel.

What should we be expecting from you in the nearest future?
A whole lot. I still have unreleased songs that were meant to be in my debut EP and I am presently recording some more songs and looking at giving fans a properly recorded live experience of me performing.

Tell us your dream collaboration?
I would love to work with Stevie Wonder and Kirk Franklin.

How soon can your loyal fan base here at home experience you live?
We’re working on something for later this year. Please keep your fingers crossed, as it would be totally worth the wait.