Ekenedilichukwu Ijemba, the Nigerian singer better known as Humblesmith, has opened up about the inspiration behind his self-proclaimed music genre, Afrobongo.
In an interview on Hip TV, the ‘Osinachi’ hitmaker revealed that Afrobongo is his creative fusion, blending Afrobeats with elements of eastern Nigerian culture.
He said the term bongo symbolizes his distinct vocal style and the traditional Igbo instruments that influence his sound.
My music genre is Afrobongo. It is something I created myself, but derived from Afrobeats, just like Afrobeats, he said.
Afrobongo is the genre that represents me and the Eastern culture. Anyone who wants to affiliate with it can. The bongo represents the eastern native instruments and my voice. That’s why I tell people I’m the bongo in Afrobeats, Afrobongo.
The 34-year-old singer claimed that the music of other prominent eastern artistes such as KCee and Flavour, also fits into the Afrobongo category.
He credited legendary highlife musician Bright Chimezie as a major inspiration and mentor.
I will also classify the songs of Kcee and Flavour as Afrobongo because there is nothing you do today that is new, he said.
Bright Chimezie is my mentor and role model, and I looked up to him when I was younger.
Humblesmith recently postponed the Afrobongo Fellowship scheduled to be held in Jos due to the death of his mother.
The singer’s breakthrough came in 2015 with the release of Osinachi featuring Phyno.
That same year, he unveiled the song’s remix, which included Davido.
Since then, the singer has released other notable tracks such as Jukwese, Attracta, and Focus.
