Benue-born artiste urges dialogue over national challenges - Punch Newspapers

Afro-urban music artiste Malex Betaboi has called for a national conversation and dialogue around resilience and the untold struggles of everyday Nigerians. The music act who said his music is built to inspire hope beyond pain, insisted that while his songs may sound personal, their purpose is collective. Speaking during an interview with journalists in Jos on Friday, the Betterboi Mission Worldwide boss stressed, “Like ‘If You Know’_ Any man ft Lyta and many others, I will want them to start a conversation about the struggles people face behind the scenes and the importance of never giving up, no matter where you come from.” The Gboko, Benue State-born singer described music as “my passion, my story, and my way of connecting with people,” further explained that his goal is to take his music and brand to the world. Betaboi traced his love for music to his childhood, noting that what began as passion has now become a career, even as he described his sound as “urban Afro with catchy melodies, with a mixture of English and Pidgin,” adding that his uniqueness comes from “my voice, the honesty and stories behind my music.” He said, “My biggest influence is life itself my experiences, my struggles, my relationships and the people I’ve met.” Continuing, he explained his songwriting process as one that usually starts “with a feeling, an idea or a beat,” and once he finds the hook, “I build the story around it.” Further highlighting the thrill of his music, Betaboi disclosed that his track, ‘If You Know’_ holds special meaning for him because “it tells the story behind the person people see today.” The artist further observed that talent alone cannot sustain a music career in today’s Nigeria, thus adding, “Talent alone jisn’t enough. You need branding, marketing, consistency, good relationships and business sense.” NIPSS tasks public officers to prioritise country above personal interest NASENI mentors 220 Benue youths, women in technical skills Benue blockade: Ominous start to 2027 campaigns He noted that the current economy has forced him to be more strategic because “everything has become more expensive, from production to promotion. It has taught me to budget better and be more strategic.” On staying authentic, Betaboi said: “I make sure the brand reflects  who I really am. That’s why I deliberately create with a mindset that carries my identity, even as i still stay close to the trend to some extent.” While addressing artists who love to speak on social and political issues, Betaboi pointed out: “Yes, if they genuinely care about the issues, fine. But I believe artists should speak from understanding and authenticity, not pressure.” On his recent EP, ‘Pain & Purpose’, he explained that it is meant to remind listeners that “pain is not the end of the story. There is always hope and purpose beyond it.” He later addressed a common misconception about his work, clarifying, “People might think some of my songs are only about pain or heartbreak because of the lyrics. But it’s actually about my real-life experiences, resilience, and how I’m turning my pain into purpose.” Looking ahead, the music act said his journey keeps him grounded, as such, his fans should “expect more music, visuals, performances and a bigger Malex Betaboi brand.” Furthermore, he announced a new single, titled, ‘Delilah’ which is set for release on September 25th under Betterboi Mission Worldwide. When asked how he handles creative blocks, Betaboi simply said he takes a break and “allows myself to reset. I don’t believe in forcing creativity.” James Abraham

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