Gimba’s breakout into the music industry is unlike any other. Just three months after graduating from the Sarz Academy, his first-ever track release featured none other than Nigerian music legend Wizkid . It’s a remarkable feat for any artist, but especially for someone who never initially saw themselves at the forefront. Gimba first built his career behind the scenes as a songwriter, never envisioning his voice on the same records as those who inspired him. Yet, his undeniable talent and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeats.
For those who don’t know, the Sarz Academy has been instrumental in shaping artists like Gimba. Founded by the highly influential producer Sarz, the academy has nurtured some of the biggest names in Nigerian music. From producers like P.Priime, Tempoe, Kel-P, STG, to multi-talented creatives like Dunnie, Sarz’s vision for grooming fresh talent has reshaped the industry. As he prepares to introduce his debut EP ‘Amince da tsari‘ to the world, Gimba sits down with us to talk about his journey, the moments that shaped him, and what it’s like to go from a discreet songwriter to collaborating with icons.
Photography: Wale Adebisi
Styling: Senami
Text: Peniel Uma
Interview with Gimba
NTS: Is Gimba your government name or just a stage name?
Gimba: Gimba is my birth name. I go by Al-Hassan Gimba Chukwubuikem.
NTS: I was going through your Instagram and saw old videos of you freestyling in your car. At that time, were you consciously trying to build a career, or was it just for fun?
Gimba: I wouldn’t say it was just for fun. I’ve always been singing my whole life and have always been a good singer, but at the time I wasn’t thinking about being an artist.
NTS: Really? So what did you want to do?
Gimba: I knew I was interested in music, but I never saw myself at the forefront. I thought maybe I could produce instead, but it was during the lockdown when everyone was at home that my sister was like, “Omo guy, you dey sing; people are just showing their talent, just sing.” So, I just sang. I remember the first video I posted; Adekunle Gold commented on it. I was like, “Mad o!” and thought, if I could get this kind of attention, maybe I should keep on doing it.
NTS: That’s really bold because starting a music career in Nigeria is not easy. After those freestyles and getting the attention of some notable artists, you later got into the Sarz Academy?
Gimba: Yes, at the end of 2022.
NTS: So, how did that happen in detail?
Gimba: I didn’t even plan to go to the Academy, not until my friend 2Factor, who’s a producer, saw Sarz post the application online for talents to apply. Usually, Sarz Academy was for producers, but somehow this time it was for all-round talents. My guy was like, “Bro, won’t you apply?” So I thought about it and decided to apply, and then Sarz picked me, even when I hadn’t dropped a song yet. Everything then took off from there.
NTS: To apply to the Academy, I thought you needed to have a released song? How did that work out?
Gimba: Not really, you just needed to submit a song online and fill out a form. I did all that. I even archived those freestyles I had on my page, but just based on the song he heard me send, Sarz probably thought, “Who’s this unknown guy with potential?” and picked me.
NTS: Having a platform like Sarz Academy to build your talent must have been great because many artists find it hard to break into the industry.
Gimba: Yes! And it happened before I even dropped a song, as I said. That’s also where I met Sarz, obviously, my manager, and so many other amazing people.
NTS: Was it at Sarz Academy that you got to be on a song with Wizkid and DJ Tunez?
Gimba: No, that was actually three months after Sarz Academy.
NTS: Oh okay, so how did it come about?
Gimba: So DJ Tunez got interested in me through one song I had made when I was invited by a friend to Eko Hotel to meet with him; originally it was just to write for Wizkid. But when I sang the vibe I wrote for what would now be “Blessings,” DJ Tunez was impressed and told me to record it myself instead. Next thing I knew, I heard my voice on the track when it got released.
NTS: That’s amazing, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on a record with Wizkid!
Gimba: Yes, it was crazy! And coincidentally, the day “Blessings” dropped, the first single from the Sarz Academy’s project also dropped. It was all God’s plan.
NTS: That track really kickstarted your career because I remember hearing it and wondering, “Who’s Gimba?” Your first-ever release was with Wizkid; that’s wild.
Gimba: Yeah, it’s fascinating that it actually happened like that. I sometimes still can’t believe it.
NTS: So after “Blessings” was released, what happened next?
Gimba: After the song dropped, the attention came. But at that point, I didn’t even have a team or manager; I was just figuring things out on my own.
NTS: How did you eventually handle that?
Gimba: Man, I didn’t even know then. The music was bigger than me.
NTS: I can’t even imagine that; that would’ve overwhelmed anybody.
Gimba: Bro, like, that was crazy.
NTS: Your most recent track “Tingrado,” off your forthcoming EP, “Amince da tsari, “ features one of the greatest Nigerian rappers of all time, Olamide. How did that collaboration come about?
Gimba: So I was done with my EP, and it was just me on it. I was like, “Damn, it’s just me on this project,” and I thought, “Well, it is what it is.” After a while, my manager Jumoke said she wanted to introduce me to someone. Turns out it was Olamide she wanted to introduce me to so he could know who I was since she’s working with this new artist. When we met him, his friend was like, “Ahahn, this guy, I know this guy!” Badoo too was like, “Ah ahn, no be this guy we dey on a song with Wiz and Wande wey no fear?” He then welcomed me, gave me Casamigos, and showed so much love. We didn’t ask for a verse then, but the next time we met, he was like, “Omo, bro, I f*ck with you. I like your sound; it’s different. I don’t mind hopping on your project.” And out of all the songs on that project, he picked that one to be on it.
NTS: Yooo, that’s mad. But you’re obviously a special artist; not everyone gets to feature on a Wizkid record as their first official release. Looking back, do you think that was the right way to be introduced to the industry?
Gimba: Tbh, I’ve thought about it a lot. It put me under serious pressure. Everyone kept asking when I was dropping even when I wasn’t necessarily ready; it became crazy, bro. But at the same time, I can’t lie, it helped put me in the limelight, so I’m grateful for it.
NTS: Are you still under Sarz?
Gimba: Yeah.
NTS: We’re really happy that you’re finally putting out music right now.
Gimba: Trust me, if you’re happy, I’m happy times 100. I’m focusing on growing. I’m not in a haste to blow up; my music is undeniable. Anywhere in the world, my music will speak for me.
NTS: Apart from being an artist, what else are you into? Fashion?
Gimba: Yeah, I’m into fashion. I modeled for Ashluxe recently. Fashion is something I just like, and I feel like I look like a model. I want to model and tour the world, walk for Louis Vuitton maybe. I’m open to many things.
NTS: What should people expect from your new EP ‘Amince da tsari‘?
Gimba: My new EP is very personal; ‘Amince da tsari‘ means ‘Trust the Process‘. Obviously, it’s music for everyone to enjoy, but it’s also very expressive and truly me. It’s like I’m properly introducing myself.
NTS: What was your upbringing like?
Gimba: I’m Hausa; my mum is Igbo, my dad is Muslim, and my mum is Christian. Growing up in a household like that wasn’t the regular Nigerian household.
NTS: Hmm, I can understand that. And you grew up in Lagos?
Gimba: Yeah. I grew up in Surulere. I’m a Surulere boy.
NTS: (Laughs.) Okay, I think that connection with Wizkid is starting to make sense now. Were you one of those kids who were always singing in school?
Gimba: Ah yes o. That’s still my fanbase… I went to five different secondary schools, and I used to sing in every one of them. I even won a competition, but not by singing—I won it by whistling (whistles). But singing has always been my thing. I knew I could sing, but I didn’t believe I could sing in Nigeria. Listening to Yoruba music influenced my singing, so I would say I sing ‘Yankee-Fuji.’ That’s what Wiz heard on “Blessings.”
NTS: Do you think there’s a rebirth of Fuji music in Nigeria currently?
Gimba: I don’t think it’s a rebirth; it’s more awareness. People like Asake and Seyi Vibez have just repackaged it.
NTS: Who are your ‘big three’ artists across the globe?
Gimba: Drake, Wande Coal, and… someone that’s really inspired me musically is Runtown.
NTS: So, final question: as an artist breaking into the industry, what do you think about the competition in the Afrobeats space?
Gimba: For me, I can’t say much because it’s inevitable. The way people compare Superman to Batman, people just like entertainment. They’ll compare, but it’s out of my control. I just want to be mentally strong enough to face it.
NTS: Yeah; that’s a really good mindset. So Gimba, thank you so much for doing this.
Gimba: Yeah, for sure. It’s cool. Thank you for having me.
Photography: Wale Adebisi
Photography Asst: Tomiwa Daniel, Shittu Abiodun
BTS: Shittu Abiodun
Styling: Senami
Set Design: Manuel Oke
LOCATION: Pixxel Factory
Production: Daniella
Written by: Peniel Uma
Art Director: Wale Adebisi
Creative Direction: Manuel Oke, Oluwo Yusuf Gbolaga