In the Afrobeat industry, there are numerous emerging acts who seem to give away their best yet receive little or no substantial recognition. These roadblocks have caused set backs for many who desire the spotlight. Especially those with little access to resources that can place them on the map.
The likes of Whobaadblood; have been in the scene of Nigerian music industry—working amongst notable personalities such as Ladipoe and Dremo, including being the DJ at some of their performances before relocating to the UK. Through experience as a sound engineer for radio stations such as Silverbird Rhythm Fm, AKBC Radio and many other media organisations—he’s managed to build a network with music personalities. But these experiences and command in high-profile radio stations doesn’t warrant the spotlight— rather continued engagement does. It’s no wonder his name has just started to echo.
Since the emergence of Afrobeat by Fela Anikulapo Kuti—considered the father of the genre and its various fusions. From pop to reggae and instrumental riddims, the industry has gained global recognition. As at 1980s Sunny Ade had received his multimillion dollar deal with Island Records. Which has somehow been a stigma to the artistic industry in Africa that they are more recognized abroad and valued past the presumptions they receive at home as local talents.
As such, Whobaadblood started to unfurl from his shell in 2018 while continuously working across numerous studios as a freelance, contributing to the success of notable hits in Ghana and Nigeria. However, those behind the studio responsible for the perfection of this creative genre called Afro sounds like Whobaadblood are barely recognized or receive accolades for their time. In previous times, he became a notable DJ, hosting rap battles and creating mixtapes.
Foremostly recognized in Nigeria and Ghana but suddenly has become an international phenomenon following his award from Real Business Entertainment in the United Kingdom during their 2024 Award Ceremony. The same year, he had previously received the League of Extra Achievers Awards (LEAA) in Nigeria. Which was also covered by Tribune Nigeria, one of the country’s most long-standing news outlets.
Many would wonder what changed. Did he suddenly start to do different from what he was supposed to or received the grace to be acknowledged. These questions undoubtedly are rhetoric since the industry is shaped in a way where talent and the right audience give room for recognition.
For instance, Burnaboy had been in Nigerian music industry since 2010 and released an album nearly every year. He was also actively performing but in his country of origin, he was not acknowledged as the best artiste in the Afro sounds until 2018 where someone in America seeking for Kanye West new music on Apple Music typed “Ye” then found Burnaboy single “Ye” released 2018. Intrigued by the symphony and electronic dispensation.
The said person, by X (formerly Twitter) handle Chancy Chady confused Burnaboy “Ye” with Kanye West “Ye.” This slight misconception opened him to international scenes and transformed his career forever. Shortly earning him a Grammy after two years. In a similar stroke of fate, like how Burna Boy’s Ye found global attention, Whobaadblood’s name began to surface more widely in the industry as people sought for Taylor Swift “Bad Blood.”
It’s not a new knowledge to Western Africans of his presence— working behind mixing sounds. Though not given credit for most works as he’s a shadow engineer but he’s managed to build a reputation around his style in mixing. It’s no denial that Whobaadblood had been in the industry since 2013 and has since produced songs still available on websites like www.360nobs.ng but the Afro music industry has shifted from certain eras and come to the idea of westernizing their sound for greater outcomes.
I asked Whobaadblood (aka Ikemesit Nkereuwem-Tim) about his recent win at the RBE Award in United Kingdom and how it’s made him feel. He affirmed it was an honour like a crown for his hardwork, creativity and resilience over the years. The crack in his voice, reverbs years of expectations.
I would say this has elevated his brand to become internationally recognized. It also would serve as a motivation for his work as afrobeat is now a global export, thanks to the talented African producers, sound engineers, artistes, composers and so on— as he desires to join that limelight.
Upon hearing his recent EP “Afrocentric” which ridiculously is known to be adopted as a project name by many Africans including myself in a workshop project. He featured the likes of Spokegizzy, Yomi Boss and A6ixx. I can confirm I enjoyed the flow of the music. As one who’s constantly listening to songs to write about and been in the music industry previously— I know a good sound when I hear one. Especially playing from quality speaker like Samsung S800D, one even without background insights in the development of music would rate it a good production.
The award as a Sound Engineer of the year would serve as an inspiration for Whobaadblood to work harder on afrobeats genre. Since his win it’s reflected on his steady development to carry on— serving as a recognition for all his hardwork and resilience as earlier said. Whobaadblood also confirmed it has crowned all the years of work in music trying different things to establish a brand name for his craft.
But talent is never enough as every form of craft need some sort of support and Whobaadblood says the accolades goes to his fans and the artistes with their followers who have constantly sought for his work.
When I asked him the first time he discovered he had to ability to produce or DJ at events he took a trip to memory lane— confirming it was since his 200 Level. During his studying of Mass Communication at Kogi State University. Where he created Mixtapes to play around with his friends and got introduced to sound engineering with non-linear editing at the University for extra money.
In this knowledge, I asked if there were any specific projects that showcased his talent— he confirmed his single tittled “Ballin” where he rapped and produced/mastered the song. This displays his multifaceted intellect in music. And he acknowledged another— “The Joint” with Van Basit.
According to his preference on sound engineering his technique is EQ Matching. A rarely explored aspect of music production. Which employs frequency response of any track to another. Sort of blending two different components to become a solid sound. He said it requires a good ear to apply this technique. Like Dr Dre, Timberland and even Don Jazzy who are sought for based on their skill in this technique.
He’s confirmed he’d continue working on his next Project which would be completed by May 2025. We hope for the success of this project and use this medium to encourage every other sound engineer to continue in their work. They’d likely get recognized by RBE or other Award.
