Across his latest release titled, Vibrations, B.i.g Wilz plays the romantic loverboy serenading his lover over a groovy Caribbean-pop tune.
His other most recent compilation record, a 10-tracker EP dubbed, Mr Romantic, showcases more of his storytelling skill and diverse mix of genre influences. With every release, the UK-based singer has carved his niche among emerging contemporary voices within the African music scene, pushing his career with show performances across notable venues within Leicester, in the United Kingdom.
Speaking to The Guardian, B.i.g Wilz welcomes us within his world of fusion-driven music, detailing his come-up journey, muses, as well his effervescent pursuit of excellence within the global music scene.
How did you get into music?
Music has always been a big part of my life. Growing up in a Nigerian household, you had to get your degree before doing anything else, and it has been a dream of mine to be a musician for as long as I can remember. When I moved to the UK, music was one thing that kept me going through the first couple of years, and I saw how music connects people across cultures. I knew I had to take it seriously, so when the opportunity to work with a producer friend of mine came along after I was done with my Masters degree, I started to write my songs and record them. My first official single, “Mo Ma Sope,” was that step forward, and since then, I haven’t looked back.
What inspires your music?
It is a mixture of my passion and the freedom it gives me to express myself. People say I have something valuable in my voice, and I know I can add some sauce to the industry by sharing my culture, experiences, ambition, and desires, whether it’s about celebrating success, overcoming struggles, or just enjoying the moment. It all contributes to a course bigger than me, and I hold that dearly. I create music for myself and listeners all around the world.
Tell us about your experience creating your last project, Mr Romantic.
Mr Romantic was a vibe from start to finish. Initially, I didn’t know where I was going with the project, but it all aligned when I started putting the songs together. I wanted to create something that blended Afrobeats with a smooth, feel-good energy. It’s all about expressing love, attraction, and confidence in a way that makes people move, reflect, laugh and dance. Mr Romantic Mixtape is a blend of Afrobeats, Hiphop, RnB, and Reggae; it’s a worldwide project that serves as my introduction to the music industry. It is a mixture of my African roots and sound, with great vibes and storytelling; it expresses my love for music, expression of love with rich afrobeat songs like Totori, the chase for success in tracks like Money, appreciation of beauty and thanksgiving for the journey so far with Mo Ma Sope, and the self-titled track on the project Mr. Romantic taking centre stage. The project is quite personal to me because it is my first, and I worked on it with close friends and producers around the world, not knowing what the reception would be; sharing it with the world has been amazing, and I am looking forward to doing more exciting projects and fusing the afrobeats culture with different genres.
Tell us about your typical creative process.
It usually starts with the instrumental, but it could be anything. The vibe comes to me anytime, so I’m generally ready to record or write down thoughts and ideas with my phone. Sometimes, it’s a melody I hum randomly; sometimes, it’s a beat that instantly sparks an idea. I also freestyle, find the right flow, build the lyrics around the feeling and then go to the studio to record. Sometimes, I am just in the studio and vibing, and it comes.
What’s your favourite part of your artistry, making music or stage performances?
Hmmm, that is a tough one. They are both special, but stage performances if I had to choose. There’s nothing like the energy of a live crowd. Seeing people vibe to your music in real-time, singing along, and just feeling the moment is unmatched. But at the same time, the process of creating in the studio is where the magic starts. It is amazing to come up with the sweet melody stuck in your head for weeks or months and finally see it turn into a masterpiece.
Tell us about your performance at DJ Chicken Live in Leicester.
It was a mad experience for me! The energy in the room was wild, and the crowd showed real love. I came on the stage just before DJ Chicken arrived and performed Money from Mr Romantic Mixtape, and the crowd was hyped. They were singing along to the music. It was a room full of Nigerians and people from other parts of the world, and it was amazing. Performing at an event like that and the joy on people’s faces while entertaining them reminded me why I do music. Being on that stage, representing Afrobeats in the UK, and getting people to sing along, dance and vibe to the music was great. I got to interact with the audience up close, made new fans and received great reviews from the audience on my performance as well.
What are the core messages in your music?
The message in my music touches on love, culture, actual work events, my work, hustle culture, motivation, enjoyment, life experiences, and thanksgiving. I want to share my culture and experiences in my interactions with the world through music. People can get motivated when they listen, whether it’s a song about money, love, or just having a good time; the deeper message is always manifesting greatness and achieving success.
What is next for you?
I’m working on more music, collaborations, and live performances. I want to keep building the B.i.g Wilz brand and take my sound globally. There’s a lot in the pipeline. My team and I just signed a marketing deal for a project with a UK record label called HiTek Records, and that project will be dropping in April 2025, so people should stay tuned.
What is the vision for B.i.g Wilz?
B.i.g Wilz is about greatness, success, showing love and enjoying the moment regardless of the situation you find yourself in. The vision is more than just music; it’s about inspiring people to chase their dreams no matter where they come from. My long-term goal is to establish a strong brand in music and business, tapping into different creative and entrepreneurial spaces, giving back to my community, and supporting courses and charities dear to my heart. It’s about making an impact and showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible.