Jola Bello is a Lagos-based music artist from Ibadan who started recording music as far back as 2018. She describes her genre of music as afro-soul, afro-RnB, and has released quite a number of songs so far in her music career. She also narrates how she started her music career while studying at the University of Ibadan.
Jola Bello is currently signed to Djembe Music Group under the MBA for Africa 2022 program.
So ever since you started music what has been your motivation and some of your influences in the music industry so far?
Well.. my motivation is always this for anything in life, I believe that once you start something you should make sure you finish it yeah, so that’s what keeps me going. And for my motivation, well I draw my motivation from my environment, things I listen to, other artists, things that happen to me, my own story, where I’m coming from, cause… This music journey isn’t actually easy so where I’m literally coming from motivates me a lot. You know, I just know I can’t stop, I can’t give up even though the pressure is crazy or everything, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like you plan it. So yes, that’s what motivates me.
And truly the journey in the music industry is not an easy one. Knowing fully well where you are coming from and wish to be is one major drive that propels music artists in their journey to stardom.
And what would you say has been your major challenge so far in the music industry?
Ah! (she exclaims), finances oh. Sponsors, sponsorships, and budgets have been my major challenge so far.
This is quite a common challenge that many talented artists out there face. The financial necessities in the music industry are quite a lot. Passion can drive to an extent, but money, they say, is the bicycle of evangelism.
So when Jola Bello gets in the Afro-soul mood, how does she go about her creative process?
Well, it depends. For me, when I want to write or create, something has to trigger it. My creative processes are much more emotional for me. It has to be triggered by something. I can’t just … Because I like to write based on what has happened to me, or what I’ve perceived, maybe a movie I saw. I could be like OMG! This is so interesting. Or maybe I heard a story from someone. So that’s like my basic process.
Jola Bello explains that her creative process is a reactionary one and usually emotional. Artists draw influence or get motivated by things going on around them to create and I’m not surprised by this.
She also explains how it feels when she’s recording and her choice of producers.
In addition to that, she says I feel like each instrument has its own emotions because music is vast.
I agree with this. Each instrument carries its own emotions and can also have an effect on one’s creative process. For example, if I hear a soft piano playing, I know this is a gentle sound that might bring sadness. It might bring a solitary feeling, It might also bring peace– she chips in.
I like to watch movies, and I like to listen to music, and my favourite food is Amala and Ewedu with Gbegiri- she says amidst smiles as she tells Soot Africa about herself.
You don’t need to double-check to know Jola Bello is from Ibadan with her favourite food mentioned above.
Oh, I love Ibadan, even though I love to drag their people but I love the place, I have this connection to that place.
Don’t drag me I’ll drag you too o… Yes, Ibadan is peaceful, it’s not like here (Lagos).
Hmm okay, let’s not go into that– I respond amidst laughter. We all know how chaotic Lagos can be, you know.
So, how has your experience been so far in the MBA talent project? How did you hear about it up to this moment?
Okay, so first off, my friend Dunsin sent me the MBA stuff like a million times and I didn’t try to do it and there was this day he was like you know what, I need to see a screenshot that you’ve applied. So I had to do something to show an output. So one day randomly, on my last day of driving school, someone just called me to check my email, and then I saw it like OMG!
Oh, that’s great, so shoutout to Dunsi. If not we wouldn’t have had you as Jola Bello here talking to us. That’s great. So what has been your most memorable experience so far?
Here?
Yes, here.
Oooohh, meeting new people and other musicians. Everyone has their stories to tell, everyone has different genres. We have a rapper, different singers, and genres. We even have a band. It’s like the first time I’m close to an actual band. So, it’s been interesting so far. And the executives have been nice, I’ve learned a lot so far.
That’s great. So what should we be expecting from Jola Bello?
Jola Bello is going to bring good music. Because it was good music that brought me here so I’m not going to stop. It’s a moving train. I’ll fly again into the air, I’ll go into the galaxy. It’s not going to stop. Jola Bello is here to stay. Don’t forget that name, Jola Bello. That’s the name.
That’s it folks, you read it right here, Jola Bello is the name you should not forget. If you’re curious to hear what Jola’s sound is like, check out her single 789.
If you liked that, then you’re going to love the upcoming project from the MBA Talent Project Jola is a part of. Stay glued to the MBA for Africa Talent Project space and be the first to know when it drops.