Fast-rising creative singer cum producer, Bolaji Babatunde Arowa, popularly known as Bjay Lawrenz is leaving no stone unturned in the Nigerian music industry as the talent musician is set to take over the music scene with his new EP that will be dropping soon.

In this interview, he spoke on his journey into music and his relationship with other notable musician in the industry.

*Who is Bjay Lawrenz?*

My name is Bolaji Babatunde Arowa also known as Bjay Lawrenz,
I’m a Musician, Artist and a music producer. I was Born and raised in Lagos. I’m from Ekiti state Nigeria.

*What is your background like educational wise?*

My journey into the music world started as a child, played various musical instruments(recorder, piano, guitar and so on). I Had a classical background in music, i attended a classical music institution and also taught music in schools way back. I studied Business Administration at Lagos State University.

I Released my debut single Fly Away in the year 2015. Got signed into a rec label GREENPAGE RECORDS 2017 and dropped AYO NI with a debut music video, followed by GBOTEMI which was shot by Clarence Peters.

*Why do you choose music instead of other things?*

I chose music because it comes naturally to me , and it runs in my family.
Also i chose music because it is a way of expressing my creativity and my deepest thoughts.

*You are a music producer What does it take to be one?*

As a Music Producer you must have Passion for creativity and consistent Learning.
You should be able to play one or more musical instrument (it’s an added advantage if you play more than one), even though these days things have changed.

*Namely How many Artists have you produce?*
As an Artist and producer I’ve worked with artists from different backgrounds of music, local and international: Tuface, Face, Victor Uwaifo, Davido, Waje, Patoranking, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Sir Shina Peters, Jesse King Buga, Dare art Alade, Run town, Biyi Samuel, Mike Okri, Salawa Abeni, Bunmi Omije, Sound Sultan, Aduke Gold, Timi Dakolo, Mike Abdul, Dare Justified, Felix Liberty, Sophia Olisa amongst others.

*How many songs do you have as a musician?*
I have recorded hundreds of songs… lol, but I have only released about 10 songs.
I’ve released three songs since i parted ways with my formal record label(Greenpage Records), after that i haven’t officially released any songs. I’m working on an EP and I’ll be dropping a single from the EP soon.

*What is the most difficult situation you ever had?*
Having to deal with depression at some point in my life, didn’t express or tell it to anyone and i kept showing up as though it was nothing.

*What have you been up to since you dropped your last single?*
Since i parted ways with my formal record label I’ve been busy producing music for artists(Gospel and Secular), Movie projects and also I’ve been working on advert projects for brands… e.g Adron homes, True caller, La farge and many more.

If you can turn back the hands of time what should you have don’t?
If i could turn back the hands of time, one thing I’d do differently would be to Avert my Dad’s death… He died when i was a little boy.

Businessman and Show Promoter, OluwaMayowa Solarin, the founder of Maysol Entertainment, recently celebrated his 10th anniversary in the music business. As someone who has worked with top talents such as Olamide’s Younger Brother & Ybnl Nation’s Official DJ EniMoney, Sean Tizzle, Lil Kesh, Demmie Vee, Dremo, Mayorkun, Small Doctor, Pepenazzi, and others, he emphasized the importance of artists and their labels maintaining strong and respectful relationships.

Solarin highlighted the need for artists to carefully consider the contracts they sign and to honor their commitments to their labels. He stressed the significant financial investment required for promoting music and urged artists to show appreciation and make necessary sacrifices. Solarin also voiced concern about a growing trend of artists publicly criticizing their labels after their contracts expire, warning that this could deter potential investors from supporting new talent.

“Music business Requires a lot of funds and promoting music now is not small money. The recording, distribution, media rounds, and video, all cost lots of money. So for someone to invest his resources and time in all that it takes grace. So artists should remain grateful and they should also make sacrifices.”

The graduate of History & International Relations from Olabisi Onabanjo University also noted that the issue of Artiste calling out their labels after their contract expires is gradually becoming a trend that will make other intending investors run away. He emphasized the need for artists to understand that every penny a label invests in promoting their work is aimed at making a profit. He suggested that artists seek legal advice to fully understand their contracts and ensure they fulfill their obligations to prevent unnecessary disputes.

“Artists calling their promoters and label bosses out is becoming a dangerous trend that will make talents wallow and waste away. This trend if not curtailed, will chance away investors in the music business because most artists pay their labels back with evil and also pay them back with unkind words. I have examples but I won’t call names here. They should desist from it. This will make our industry lack sponsors and investors if they keep towing the path of paying back kind gestures with evil.”

“We must understand that every penny a label spends in promoting your work is an investment and nobody does a business without the aim of making a profit. So artists coming out to say their label shortchanged them is alarming. They should get lawyers to interpret their contracts and also not fail to deliver on their side. This will save lots of issues and also make the industry more structured.”

Looking forward, Maysol expressed his commitment to working with more talent and creating a more structured industry that protects both artists and investors, ultimately reducing conflicts and fostering a healthier music ecosystem. (more…)