Banjo Oluwasemilogo, popularly known as Semzi is one of the producers at the forefront of the new wave of Nigerian music production. Since his introduction into the scene with Bad Boy Timz’s breakout single, “MJ”, Semzi has gone on to produce tracks that were a watershed for artists, including Bad Boy Timz, Mayorkun (’Holy Father’), Victony (’Ohema’) and others.
In this interview, WeTalkSound chats with Semzi, exploring his musical beginnings, dream collaborations, and what’s next for the in-demand producer.
WeTalkSound:. Can you tell us about your journey? How did it all start and how did you get into music in the first place?
Semzi: Yeah, that would be from church. I used to play drums in the church. When I was between 11-12. From there, I loved making digital music and I got into music production in junior school.
WeTalkSound: That’s very interesting. What year was this? Or what period?
Semzi: That will be like 2017-2018. But professionally, I started making music in 2019.
WeTalkSound: So how did you get your big break from that point?
Semzi: Yeah, I think that was during the COVID pandemic, I did “MJ” for Bad Boy Timz. From there, everything just went crazy.
WeTalkSound: Let’s talk about the Bad Boy Timz record. I think that’s a very interesting one. how did you get in contact with him in the first place and how did the record come together?
Semzi: Yeah, it was nothing much. That was from Instagram I sent a couple of messages to different artists, including Bad Boy Timz. I sent it to artists I like and wanted to work with. Bad Boy Timz texted me back and I sent him a couple of beats. We linked up a while after and made “MJ”.
WeTalkSound: That’s interesting. So far from then til now, what would you say is your favorite record that you’ve put out?
Semzi: “Never Forget” by Omah Lay.
WeTalkSound: Can you tell us why? Like, why is it your favorite?
Semzi: Well, I just like the beat. When I made that beat, I was in a different state. I fucked with that song and I really love the beat, aside from the song. I love the beat so much. It’s just one of those special beats.
WeTalkSound: Who’s your favorite person to work with? Or who are your favorite artists to work with?
Semzi: My favorite thing to do is just make music. So anybody is going. But yeah, My favorite person to work with is Oladapo. I made records like ‘Gbe Bodi’ and ‘If At All’ with him.
WeTalkSound: what should we expect from you in the medium term and long term?
Semzi: Well, just more good music, man. I have a few projects scheduled to drop. It’s not even a few. It’s so many, I can’t say how many.
I have solo projects, and I have collaborative projects coming soon. A lot of stuff.
You can expect them this year.
WeTalkSound: Aside from music, what other things do you enjoy?
Semzi: I like swimming, playing video games, cooking, travel, and nightlife (a bit).
WeTalkSound: What’s that one new trend that you can spot happening in the production scene that you think is good for the African and Nigerian music scene
Semzi: Yeah, I like that people are trying to be different now. Everyone is trying to go, like, different with it. There are so many new artists and producers coming in with different kinds of sound right now. Most people think it’s all one type of sound right now, but that is just because they don’t know the ones coming up. They haven’t heard what’s going on in the upcoming scene. It’s those that will still come to become one of the greats. I’m just happy for the new generation of music that is coming up.
People should not be scared to tap into different sounds and own their shit.
WeTalkSound: how do you feel about sampling? I know it’s a very controversial topic, especially in Nigeria. Burna Boy, for example, gets a lot of stick for sampling on his records. What are your thoughts about it?
Semzi: Sampling is going oh! It’s even so hard to sample. I feel like people who sample perfectly are geniuses. Them bad.
For sure, People will always talk, but you can see what his (Burna Boy) songs are doing.
So, yeah, I encourage sampling
WeTalkSound: Yeah, me too. I feel like we don’t even sample enough. We have a lot of rich history that nobody has touched yet. So. Yeah, I agree.
With a blend of talent, dedication, and an openness to fresh sounds, Semzi is on course to leave his mark on the Afrobeats landscape. As the genre continues to push boundaries and explore new territories, Semzi’s vision and production prowess ensure he’ll be a driving force in its ongoing evolution.
