Glorious Boy emerged as a fresh face in the music industry when Jonzing World unveiled him in February, marking another promising addition to the label’s commitment to nurturing talents, and introduction to the global stage. Renowned for being the success stories of artists like Rema and the departed Ruger, Gdzilla, and Bagetti, Glorious Boy’s introduction stirred significant interest among Nigerians, especially with the release of his debut single, Gum Body. This groovy track spotlights unrequited love and resonates with his audiences.
Glorious Boy’s musical journey commenced in 2015 in the ancient city of Kano, with his early influence being Fuji music. He began by creating covers of artists such as Wizkid and Davido. However, it was a bold move on social media that propelled him into the Nigerian music scene. Taking a leap of faith, Glorious Boy reached out to D’Prince through Instagram, a decision that marked his official entry into the vibrant and competitive world of Nigerian music.
With the support of Jonzing World behind him, he is poised to reach new heights and captivate audiences worldwide with his soulful melodies and infectious energy. As he continued to hone his craft and explore new horizons, we caught up with the newest artist on the block about his music and plans for the future.
How did you get the stage name Glorious Boy?
The name Glorious Boy was given to me by D’Prince and it came after he listened to my songs. My real name is Joseph Oluwasijibomi Rowland. I hail from Kogi State and started making music in 2015.
How did your musical journey begin?
I grew up in a family that loves music and as I grew up, I started freestyling. I was freestyling on beats, doing covers, and posting on the internet. I covered a couple of hit songs like Wizkid’s Ojuelegba, and Davido’s Feel. I was confident in my craft, hence the reason I was posting on social media, but wasn’t confident enough for a face-to-face performance, however, people were attentive to what I was doing, and this was around 2018-2019; still fresh out of secondary school. Social media played the most significant role in my rise. From the freestyle to getting my videos to different audiences and expanding my brand, and played a pivotal role in my participation in the open verse challenge of Nasboi’s hit single titled Umbrella.
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How was it growing up in a family that likes music?
Growing up in Kano City, my dad listened to fuji music a lot. He also loved reggae and jazz. I wake up every day to music. He loved music that much and it influenced my love for music. He wanted to do music when he was much younger but he didn’t have the chance, and it was because his parents were against the idea. To a greater extent, it influenced my passion for music, and in secondary school, I had friends who freestyle, I always wanted to join them and I finally did and that’s how I started making music. One interesting thing is that I didn’t pick up the Northern songs. My family is Yoruba, and so I listened to more Yoruba songs. However, my music is influenced by other music. I listen to a wide range of other music. I listen to different genres; Hip Hop, Latin Pop, Drill, and many others.
How did D’Prince discover you?
It was on the internet. Instagram to be specific. I sent him a text and he replied, and he asked me if I could come to Lagos and I said yes, I booked a flight ticket and I flew from Lagos to Kano. Meeting D’Prince was led by God because when I took the leap, I didn’t care if he was going to reply. You lose 100% of the shots you don’t take, so I took the shot.
Talk to me about your creative process, what kind of music appeals to you
For my creative process, I go with the flow. It’s not regimented or controlled. That process created my first single, Gum Body. I was in my room actually, Choke Boy; the producer came to my room playing the beat, and he was trying to make beats and then he played that one, I kept my phone and started writing, and it came spontaneously because I explored different genres of music; Afropop, RnB, and any other genre. I’m versatile, and the fluid creative process aids that versatility.
What was Gum Body about and what message were you trying to pass?
Gum Body is about a guy who is interested in a girl, but she doesn’t care much about the boy and his feelings. The song is not from personal experiences but stems from the experiences of friends. I have friends who have been in that situation, but then it relates to me in a little way.
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How was your music received when you put out your single?
Like every artist, I expected it to go viral, and it was good. It’s still going, and haven’t gotten to where we want. On a scale of 1-10, I would say 8.
Since you signed Jonzing records what changed about you
My confidence has improved. Prior to now, I was a shy person. I have this social anxiety but since I joined Jonzing Records everything about me changed, my personality, the way I relate with people, and the way I see people have significantly changed, and this has impacted the way I make music. Before now, I can’t make music when there are a lot of people around me. I always like to be alone or with the producer, although I still love to be alone with the producer but if there happens to be people in the studio, I don’t mind.
What is the experience working with D’Prince?
It’s fun. He is an amazing person. He is a person that wants you to win. I enjoy every moment around him. It’s been good all the way. Generally, working with other members of the record has been great. Gdzilla is my guy. We just spoke a few minutes ago before this interview.
Who are the artists you’re looking to collaborate with?
I can’t say. I’m open to anyone. Nigerian artists are good. I can’t pick one to work it. If I have the chance, I would love to work with everybody, however, Burnaboy is an artist I want to collaborate with. He is very versatile.
What should your fans expect from you?
The visual for Gum Body is coming soon. Collaborations, and an EP.
If you’re not doing music, what are you doing?
I play football, and I draw too and make comic books. I would have been an artist if I was not a musician.
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