B.i.g Wilz: My Journey, Afrobeat, Inspiration, and Aspirations

In an exclusive interview, Nigerian-born UK-based artist B.i.g Wilz shared his story, from his childhood in Nigeria to his current rise in the music industry. With a unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and UK sounds, Wilz makes waves with his soulful voice and inspiring lyrics.

Born in Nigeria, Wilz grew up surrounded by the rich sounds of Afrobeats, Highlife, and Reggae. He began writing lyrics and singing in his church choir, later performing at university events. After moving to the UK for his master’s degree, Wilz was exposed to new genres like Garage, Drill, and Grime, influenced his unique sound. Enjoy excerpt

Walk us through your background and how it influences your music.

I’m a Nigerian-born artist based in the UK, and both cultures have shaped my journey. I was born and raised in Nigeria, and I moved to the UK to study for my master’s, and it’s been home for me ever since.

Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by the rich sounds of Afrobeats, Highlife, Reggae, Dancehall, hip-hop and R&B music. I started writing lyrics here and there, sang in the church choir and then at various university functions and events, which helped me develop my skills.

Since moving to the UK, I have been exposed to a different way of life, culture, people, and sounds, and I have been introduced to genres like Garage, Drill, House, and Grime. That fusion makes my sound unique; it blends my roots and reality.

Walk us through your educational background and how you came about your stage name ‘B.i.g Wilz.’

I have an educational background in Business management. I have a bachelor’s degree in Human resource management from Covenant University, Ogun State, Nigeria, and a master’s degree in International Business and Management from DeMontfort University, Leicester, UK.

I’ve always been a student of music and the entertainment industry. It has always been a dream of mine to become a musician, so after rounding up my master’s degree, I decided to take music seriously, and with my educational background in business, I have been able to invest and manage the brand B.i.g Wilz.

The stage name has always been Wilz; I’m just trying to make it B.i.g. Wilz was derived from my last name, Wilkins; I took the first three letters and added a Z. “B.i.g” isn’t just about size; it is a mindset and a way of life. It is an acronym that means Biggest in the Game of Life. I coined the phrase with my team and close friends. It represents being audacious, thinking and dreaming big.

What’s your creative process for blending genres in your music?

It always starts with a feeling or an idea, whether it’s a melody, a beat, or even a phrase I hear that sparks something in me. From there, I try to develop a concept to focus on and then layer influences. Sometimes, it’s Afrobeats with an R&B hook or a drill rhythm with a Naija bounce, or I can rap all through a song. I let the music and the vibe guide me.

How do you draw your inspiration for your songs?

It is a mixture of life experiences, personal struggles, expressions of love, desire, gratitude, growth, and the stories of people around me in that moment. I like to make music that paints a picture, tells a story, and touches on real-life situations and experiences, whether it’s about success, love, hustle, or just enjoying the moment. The instrument is the canvas, and my vocals are the paintbrush.

How do your Nigerian heritage and UK upbringing shape your musical style?

It’s all about balance. I have lived most of my life in Nigeria. That influence and heritage give my music that African feel and authenticity; the rhythm, the energy, the storytelling, the vocabulary and accent switch, infusing English, pidgin and some Nigerian dialects in my songs, while the UK adds diversity to the sound, the environment allows me the opportunity not just to connect and create with a diverse pool of individuals and cultures, it provides an opportunity for my sound to reach a large and diverse audience as well.

Can you elaborate on using music as a tool for inspiration and upliftment?

For me, music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a way of life. We use music in our everyday lives, which has the power to change and influence an individual’s mind, mood, and actions. In the same way that someone can read a book to educate themselves or get inspired, music is a tool that can be used similarly.

What’s the story behind your debut song ‘Mo Ma Sope’?

‘Mo Ma Sope’ is a love song expressing my gratitude. It was a way of expressing my love, gratitude, and commitment to a love interest, my music career, and the closest people around me, reassuring them of love until the end.

How do you balance creative vision with the commercial aspects of the music industry?

To keep my answer short and sweet, it’s collaborations. I like to do things myself, but I also like to listen and learn from others. Aside from music being a creative outlet, I also recognise it as a product.

I understand I’m in an industry that welcomes creative thinking and innovation, so I’d do a song with a mixture of elements from different genres, infusing current slang, trends, news and sound from all over the world.

It’s truly a fine line. I will stay true to my sound, figuring out what the audience and industry want and how to deliver this in the best way possible. It’s about finding that sweet spot where authenticity meets marketability.

Any partnerships or collaborations so far in your career?

I’ve had the chance to work with talented producers and artists in Nigeria, Ghana, the US, the UK, and across the world. Every collaboration brings a new energy, and I’m always open to working with creatives who align with my vision.

What are some highlights from your live performances?

Some major highlights for me would be performing in November of 2022 at the Afrobeats Stars Concert in Leicester, UK, which was a fantastic event; I also had a guest appearance at Des Talker Live in Leicester in March, which was some months back.

The performances were incredible; my most significant moment was listening to the crowd sing my songs back to me; it was a fantastic feeling. There’s nothing like connecting with an audience in real time.

How do you stay true to your artistic vision while experimenting with new sounds?

I always experiment with sounds, but I always try to remain true to myself and my beliefs; it helps. I’m optimistic and like to express this in my music regardless of the sound or who I’m working with.

Trends do come and go, but authenticity lasts, so I always try to bring out the Nigerian in me. We all know Nigerians are cheerful individuals who like to enjoy life.

What role does storytelling play in your songwriting process?

Storytelling is everything. A song isn’t just lyrics and a beat; it’s a journey. When I write, I see each song as if it were a movie; a good song usually has a great story being told.

Storytelling is typically the backbone of my songs. On several occasions, I have the story beforehand; other times, the story tells itself while I’m writing.

How has your academic background in music informed your approach to the industry?

I currently do not have any formal music education; my music education has been more self-driven. I am learning through practice, observing the greats, and learning how the industry works daily.

It’s not just about the talent or passion I have for music that would get me where I need to be; it’s about having a plan, staying consistent, and being open to change.

What are the benefits and challenges of being an independent artist and producing your music?

The benefit is in the freedom; I control what I can create, when I can release music, and what direction to take the brand. I can experiment with various sounds and swiftly make decisions due to the unpredictable nature of the music industry.

I’d say the challenge is in the grind. Without a major label backing you, you have to handle everything yourself; you cover the cost of production, marketing to distribution, growing and managing a fan base, networking, booking shows and a whole lot more. There are indeed no days off, but that also means I own my journey.

Can you walk us through your upcoming projects and what fans can expect?

My next big project is titled Mr. Romantic, a mixtape that will be released in May 2024. Fans can expect a mix of vibes, high-energy bangers and smooth, love-inspired tracks. It’s all about showing different sides of my artistry.

How do you see your music evolving in the future?

I see it becoming more prominent than myself, being more refined, and reaching a global audience. There will be a lot more collaborations with artists from around the world and more experimentation with different sounds. I want to keep pushing boundaries, fusing sounds, and telling stories that resonate beyond just Afrobeats.

How do you engage with your fans and build a loyal following?

Social media is key, but I also make sure to connect in real life, whether through live performances, interviews, or just showing love back to those who support me. Releasing music regularly has also been a great help with engaging fans.

What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to make a name for themselves?

Anything you want to do, do it; stay consistent, stay authentic, and never stop putting in the work. Don’t wait for opportunities; create them. And most importantly, enjoy the process.