By Rita Okoye
Bright Imaruo Osawaru popularly known by his stage name, Supabrainbeatz, is a multi-faceted talent, excelling as a music producer, artist, and songwriter.
Born in Benin City, Edo State, he is currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Supabrainbeatz has collaborated with numerous Nigerian and international artists and producers, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
In this exclusive interview with Sunday Sun, the rising star, who is gearing up to release his latest project, shares his passion, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as a Nigerian artist navigating the global music scene.
Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing in Benin City and how it influenced your musical journey?
My upbringing was fun. I was born into a wonderful family of eight children and I’m the second to the last child of my parents. My parents are from Edo State. I was born and raised in a place called Upper Sakponoba, Benin City. It’s a place where we have most of the talented youths in Benin City and growing up in this part of the city influenced my musical journey.
How did the local music scene in Benin City shaped your early career and helped you develop your unique sound?
Benin City has always been known as the home of entertainment in the Nigerian music industry. Growing up back then in Benin, there was a TV show called “Bethat and Laugh” It was aired every Saturday on EBS TV. It’s a show where talented youths in Benin City come to showcase their talents and watching the show helped to shape and develop my early music career.
When did you first discover your passion for music production?
I first discovered my passion for music production when I recorded my ever first song in the studio. After the recording, I didn’t like the outcome and I had spent all my savings. The producer refused to make corrections, he asked me to pay for another session. It was then that I said to myself: ‘Why don’t you learn how to produce music? So, you can produce songs to your taste’. That was how my journey started as a music producer.
What inspires your unique sound?
I like to listen to old-school music and fuse it with the current genre of music to create my unique sounds.
How has your experience in Dubai impacted your music career and your perspective on the global music industry?
Dubai is a land of opportunities, I am opportune to meet people and talented artists from all over the world, learn their cultures and share ideas.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing African music producers and artists in the global industry?
I think African music, especially Afrobeat, has a big market in the global music industry. In terms of challenges, I think Africa should have its digital streaming platforms.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases?
I have a music single, and its videos are dropping on the 15th of December. The title of the single is Nwayo (Slowly). It will be available on all digital marketing platforms. I am also planning to release my first album next year 2025. I have released singles that are making waves so far in the market and I have fans all over the globe streaming my songs.
How has the public accepted your songs?
The public perception and comments on my songs are overwhelming. This is a huge motivation. I am thrilled to drop an album next year.
How do you feel seeing your music video gain millions of views on YouTube?
I feel happy and grateful to see my songs and collaborations gain millions of views on YouTube. And it has impacted me by making me keep believing in my dreams and stay focused on my career.
Can you mention some major producers/artists you have worked with?
I have worked with some Nigerian celebrities and producers like Wande Cole, Masterkraft, Naira Marly, CDQ, Deetunes, Pasuma, Qdout, Baddyoosha and Portable. Internationally, I have worked with artists like Ntosh Gazi from South Africa; Lana Rose, a Dubai-based artist; Wido Prince also, a Dubai-based artist; Desiree from Brazil; Alan J Roberts, from Canada, based in Dubai. I have had the opportunity to work with an American producer, Emile Ghantous.
He is a Grammy-nominated producer. I met him through an Artist who featured me on her song. We have more projects we are currently working on.
My experience working with these producers has opened me to learning more about music production and the monetization aspects of music. I am looking forward to working with more celebrities in the future.
Artists and women: What’s your relationship status?
I’m currently single, but I have a lot of fans all around the globe, especially female fans.
Any marriage plans soon?
I have no plans of getting married for now. I’m married to my career.
What advice would you give to aspiring music producers and artists in Africa?
My advice to aspiring music producers and artists in Africa is to keep focusing on their careers, never stop believing in themselves, stay humble, and be open to new ideas.
