Many might subscribe to the idea that innovation is the mother of invention, perhaps they are right. The art of finding newer or creative ways to express, is a catalyst that propels growth in every industry and sector. For Uncle Bubu, redefining DJ mashups into genre-fusion while exploring other outlets of creativity is his way of seeking innovation. His craft goes beyond spinning tracks, he explores different avenues to push musical boundaries and seek artistic expression, often by fusing audio-visual elements to curate immersive sets that transport audiences into his world.
Born Chukwuebuka Okeke, Uncle Bubu is a 27-year-old Nigerian music producer, artist and all-round creative. After studying Civil Engineering in England and eventually returning to Nigeria, he has spent the past few years exploring his childhood love for music and creativity, by pushing the boundaries as a niche disc jockey in Nigeria. His creative performances at Obi’s House, and Element House, are proof of his expertise.
In this conversation with the Culture Custodian, Uncle Bubu talks about growing up in Port Harcourt, his earliest musical influences and his path to becoming peerless in his craft.
What was growing up like for you and what role did this play in influencing your path as a DJ and the kind of music you produce?
My childhood was alright. I like to think I had a good time. I grew up in Port Harcourt but my parents sort of shielded me so I didn’t have the most outgoing experience. I didn’t even get to watch the exciting music stations like Channel O, and MTV when I was younger. But from as far back as I can remember, I remember that my parents would play High Life music, a lot of Marc Anthony tracks during our school runs. I started appreciating the music during this time, mostly because it was all I had access to. In Secondary school, I started listening to R&B, Pop and Nigerian Music, and artists like Akon, Lil Wayne, P Square and Chris Brown were my favorites. Even though I’ve always loved music, I didn’t think much about exploring it as a career. At best, I saw it as a secondary career option, and at worst a hobby. This was also largely because becoming a disc jockey wasn’t a really popular career path. The first time I ever saw a professional DJ was at my Dad’s 40th birthday and I remember being so fascinated by it. In my experience the diversity of music I was exposed to, sort of prepared my mind for the endless possibilities music had, and I think that’s the essence of genre fusion.
Do you think Port Harcourt’s Entertainment Scene contributed to your choice of this path?
To be honest, nope. Other people may have a different experience, but I barely saw Port Harcourt through the spectrum of entertainment because in my case, the city almost felt like a bubble. I didn’t know much about the entertainment scene there but the few artists that inspired me were Duncan Mighty, Waconzy and Burna Boy.
You became interested in being a DJ while in College at Kent. Can you talk to me about what inspired your decision at the time?
In secondary school, I was an acclaimed music guy. I was in charge of music during social events and that was my first ever role as a DJ. In college, I met someone who had a small DJ controller, and I became so fascinated by it that I would watch him play his house music sets so keenly.
I got motivated to download a couple of virtual DJ software and I started playing around with them. In my last year of college, I played for our prom and even though that performance was most likely shambolic; it felt phenomenal. I eventually realized that my degree wasn’t what I wanted to do long-term, and I started taking DJ bookings. I remember my first paid gig was for 30 pounds -50 pounds and I was so excited.
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Why Genre Fusion? What does this represent for you?
Fusion is essentially combining different elements that wouldn’t ordinarily make sense together. Calling it genre fusion took me a bit of time and reflection because I didn’t just want to call myself a multi-genre DJ. People have been doing mashups for years, it’s not new but I just needed to do my thing. I’ve also been quite exploratory with music and I didn’t want to end up in any kind of box. I want people to experience the thrill, like when I played Lorile, a Yoruba Afrobeats song on a trap beat.
Blending multiple styles of music requires a lot of hard work and grit. How do you manage to do it so seamlessly?
I practice a lot. If you do something 200-5000 times, you’ll become a master at it. It’s the same way children use routines to learn new skills. So I kept implementing and working hard. A lot of people watch my sets and think it comes easy, but it doesn’t. There’s so much that goes into that 1-hour set behind the scenes.
What is your process like and how do you incorporate the different elements, especially dance into your DJ sets?
Most of the gestures I make during my sets are based on the general vibe of the audience and whatever song I’m playing at the time. I don’t practice beforehand, I just flow. Music is pretty spiritual for me and when I pull two or three sounds together, I get an ethereal feeling and I like to bask in it.
But for the actual music, I like to curate a list of songs I think will go together with the theme and the audience but eventually, I often just freestyle based on the vibe. The most important thing for me is being able to get an emotion out of the audience.
You’re a DJ and producer right now, but you’ve also described yourself as an artist in the past. In what context do you mean this?
I’m a creative artist and a musical artist. With music I’m very aware of what works. I’m quite particular with things I do, and I pay attention to all the details and I feel like that’s what an artist does. Creating something for people to get on and enjoy, so I embody the persona of an artist through and through.
Starting out as a DJ in a genre that isn’t mainstream would have been daunting. How have you been able to navigate that and what was your biggest challenge yet?
Nigeria itself is a challenge. Then there are also industry-focused challenges. When I moved back from England, it felt wrong in my head to pursue this career because the odds were stacked against me. Even though I had an inkling, I didn’t realize how hard it would be to start from scratch here. I was super young at the time and I didn’t want to rely on my parents financially. So I started taking bookings for ridiculous amounts. That was one of the most challenging experiences for me. Also, getting people to catch up with the kind of music I played was quite interesting, but eventually, my tribe found me.
The Nigerian music industry is currently at an all-time high, when it comes to visibility and opportunities. How has this impacted your craft, and do you have any expectations regarding this?
To be honest, I doubt it has impacted my craft in a significant way. Afrobeats is global, and I love that it’s happening now. But, I’m not stuck to a genre, so it doesn’t affect me. However, in terms of expectations, I’m hoping that the music goes beyond the Latin markets and penetrates into other difficult music markets and that as an industry, we do not sell ourselves short. I love what the music is doing right now. I just hope it doesn’t get diluted.
In the next couple of years, what would you like your brand, as Uncle Bubu to represent? Are you seeking to explore other career paths within the industry?
In the next couple of years, I’d like my brand to get to the level of being revered. I want to attain a legendary status of creativity and build my legacy around my craft. I’d also like to do a couple of shows in space and explore new directions to my craft. Most importantly, I’d like to make timeless music and maybe even dabble in talent management and become a well-established music executive.