Bukola Folayan a.k.a. B.O.U.Q.U.I. is one of the few female MC’s rocking the mic on the Nigerian hip-hop scene. Her self titled debut album released in 2007 earned her the award for the Best Female Act at the 2007 Awards for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN).
The International Relations graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and ex-Eko FM Lagos presenter just back from the UK speaks to X2 about her upcoming album titled Redefinition.
Q: Tell us about the album?
A: Presently, the album has 14 tracks but we are talking to some people and they say we have to reduce it, so we may likely reduce it to 11. I am thinking that because we have spent money on the songs, we might as well just go ahead and release it. The marketers say it has to be 10 tracks but Redefinition will be released under my record label, B.O.U.Q.U.I.’s PLACE ENTERTAINMENT. It features the UK’s number one crossover band, Four Corners, as well as Cold Steps, a leading funky house group, also in the UK.
Q: The album was originally meant for a February release. What was responsible for the delay?
A: I had to go back to the UK to master and put finishing touches to the album.
Q: Which producers did you work with on the album?
A: I worked with Skillz a.k.a. JJC Tillaman, Cobhams Asuquo and Mix Master Jay.
Q: Why the title, Redefinition?
A: I switched style and that informs the title. I am going to be singing a couple of songs on the album and redefining standards. I am a Christian doing music to worship God and give back the talent which he has given me. I don’t just want to be tagged a Gospel artist and then when you check my life there is nothing Gospel about me. I believe that when you are good in spirit, you will definitely make music that will bless people.
Q: You featured on Jimmy Jatt’s “Too Much” alongside Sasha, Kemistry and Blaise. That wasn’t quite Gospel, now was it?
A: Jimmy Jatt called all of us and said he wanted to do a song for females because he felt women were being relegated to the background, and he wanted to give women a face. I think it would be stupid of me to say I am Gospel, so I cannot associate with these people. I mean, I didn’t jump on the track saying foul or swear words. If you listen to the lines, I wasn’t boasting but I was eulogising God. I also mentioned that I was “priceless and original, can never be a copycat.” That is the scripture.
Q: So you don’t see any of it as contradictory?
A: I take my God-given talent and then turn it into skill to give glory back to Him. It’s not about what the critics say but it is about fulfilling what is topmost in my heart. I am not surprised by what anyone says because people are entitled to whatever they choose or want to believe.
Q: Have you ever considered dropping rapping for singing?
A: A lot of people do not know or understand that I am not really into rapping or entertainment. I am only using my talent to worship God. It is not about whether I rap, do break dance or graffiti, it is about a movement and very soon it shall all be manifested.