Maths or Music: Dilemma Of A Kano-Born Rising Star

Since the birth of Afrobeat music, not many names have emanated from the ancient city of Kano. Yet, Mukhtar Ibrahim Muhammad, alias “Kingsmart”, doesn’t seem to view that as a deterrent. Having been born and raised in a conservative society that hitherto holds an unapproving stance regarding mainstream music, Kingsmart continues to burn the midnight oil, writing and recording songs with the hope that he carves a niche for himself in the Nigerian music scene.

Speaking to Guardian Music, Kano, Kingsmart, graduate of Mathematics Education from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, reveals his struggles to retain his passion for music, coupled with earning good grades in his academic pursuit. He says that building a music career while in school was not a walk in the park. He has had to travel back and forth, from Kano to Zaria and vice-versa, all in a bid to stay on track in both realms. When asked about his love for music, he had this to say:

“I believe music has been a part of me since childhood. I can remember listening to my father talk about Mamman Shata and many other musical legends in northern Nigeria. I have listened to a couple of songs from the maestro—Mamman Shata. I think my inclination towards doing music was shaped by an early connection that I had with musical icons of my father’s generation.”

When asked about going to the university before delving into music proper, he said:

“Talking about doing music and studying mathematics simultaneously, I would say that it was not easy. In fact, in life, nothing is, but everything worth doing is worth doing well. I believe education has a major role to play in the life of every individual, not just musicians or instrumentalists. However, a university education, I believe, is not a requisite for musical success. There are renowned musical artists in Nigeria that weren’t opportune to go to the university. So, it is not binding. However, I believe education has its own way of polishing whatever career one finds oneself in. That is why I had patiently studied Mathematics at one of the leading tertiary institutions in the country. Now that I’m done, I believe I have ample time to focus fully on my music and hopefully see what comes out of it”.

Kingsmart started music in his teenage years, which had led to his mother building and furnishing a musical studio for him. Despite having all the tools at his disposal, he had not recorded any singles until the year 2021, when he released his first single titled “Standard”. Standard enjoyed a mind-blowing reception from his friends and colleagues in the Kano music industry. He has performed a number of his songs at notable parties and shows. In the year 2021, after releasing “Standard”, he went ahead to release two other singles: “Antidote, which he released in June of the same year, and “Emotionally” in July. Kingsmart is one of the promising artists in the ancient city of Kano.

 

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