NEW VOICE OF AFROFUSION

AM VBYZ: THE ARTIST BUILDING HIS OWN REALM

At OWN Mag, we’re always on the lookout for artists who are not just making music but shaping culture in their own way. When I sat down to speak with UK based-Nigerian artist AM VBYZ, the energy was effortless, equal parts fun and thoughtful. What followed was a conversation full of laughter, honesty, and insight into the journey of a rising Afrofusion act building his own lane in the UK industry.

Duke: Good evening AM VBYZ, I'm Duke from the OWN Mag, really nice meeting you and thank you once again for doing this with us.

AM VBYZ: It's all good my brother, I mean I'm excited to be here so thanks for the invite.

Duke: Before I dive into the artistry, I would like to know the artist, who is AM VBYZ ?

AM VBYZ: Okay well Awele Mitchell is my actual name and I'm a Nigerian artist based in Newcastle. I bring vibes and energy no matter the time and place.

Duke: How did you come you with the name AM VBYZ and the meaning behind it.

AM VBYZ: AM is coined out of the initials of my name Awele Mitchell but together AM VBYZ means that I bring the vibes from whatever time up till the morning hence the AM.

Duke: I mean that's so cool, I love the proper play on words. I have listened to both of your singles 'Oh No' and 'Adura' which I really enjoyed and from what I heard I suggest you make Afrobeats music, but hearing from the horses mouth is best so I'll just ask, what genre of music do you make ?

AM VBYZ: I make Afrofusion, basically trying to blend Afrobeats with a little of pop elements.

Duke: Lovely brother I connect with that and I don't agree less with you on that. I will like to ask as a Nigerian artist in the UK how does this situation help you and affect you negatively generally?

AM VBYZ: Let's start with how advantageous it is. As an artiste here in the UK there are more probable possibilities and chances of discovery because of the exposure the industry here offers and secondly because I keep it original with my sound the working relationship with other Nigerians at home is usually smooth, but on the other hand there's lack of sponsorship and support towards emerging Afrobeats which causes all the expenses involved in music creation to be on the artist.

Duke: Alot of fans don't really understand this aspect of the industry you know, the business part and that's what sustains the industry, because everything has to be paid for and by someone. I would like to take a turn towards your creative part, during your creative process before and while in the process are there any set of rituals you observe or you just go with the flow ?

AM VBYZ: Yeah sure there are a set of rituals I must observe before I embark on a creative process. I must have a good sound sleep and I must have prayed coupled with a specific work in mind and good joint if you know what I mean.

(Both laugh)

Duke: Yeah man for sure I know what you mean and I relate to it trust me. A very clear, inspired and spiritual alert mind is necessary for creation honestly. I'm an advocate of the idea that Men's Mental health matters because it does, and I also believe that the mindset controls everything else in a man. That being said how do you block the noise, stay motivated and keep your mind right ?

AM VBYZ: Well for me yeah the industry is quite wide and spread out like an Ocean, so you can never really stop hearing those voices, in fact I like to hear them cause that's what motivates me to do and want better. I also try to stay neutral and by so doing I know the voices I need for motivation and for creation because most time even family and those you think are close to you don't believe in your dreams and in what you can do.

Duke: Wow that's quite insightful and genuine because in the real sense people never really tired of talking, good or bad they will talk. Well right now at this moment in your career is there anything your excited about exploring in your music and what does growth mean to you ?

AM VBYZ: I'm excited to not just share my craft but also explore more by performing as well as to keep up the hard work that goes into my creation. Basically developing and evolving my sound. For me growth is being a house hold name and being more mature and skilled in the game.

Duke: Definitely man I genuinely believe I you and your craft, we can wait to see how that all unfolds. What is the '4th heaven'concept which I believe is your brain child ?

AM VBYZ: (Laughs) I have been waiting for this one question honestly. Well I try to make music that makes one feel like they are in another realm, my realm '4th heaven'. So my sound conveys you to another realm, my own realm and basically that's the concept behind the '4th heaven'

Duke: That's some creative thought process man, looks like I will be spending most of my time in the '4th heaven' (both laugh)

AM VBYZ: Please do I mean your welcome, the access is always there.

Duke: I'm curious yeah, what does your Spotify listening activity look like ?

AM VBYZ: I try to keep my listening activity wide you know, cutting across borders and genres. I'm a huge Justin Bieber fan hence my love for pop and it's fusion in my music. I love Omah lay I mean his music is peaceful and speaks to me, it literally takes me to another dimension. Victony, Gunna and NBA Youngboy are also up there in my list of favs. While I try to say original with my voice I stay diverse with my ears.

Duke: You really know your stay diverse my bro and that's the beauty of art, knowing that you can travel and transend between different cultures without even booking a flight (both laugh). We are basically coming to the end of this session but before I let you go, please give us some news to hold unto. When's the next single coming ?

AM VBYZ: (laughs) Genuinely I myself don't know when the next one is coming but please stay tuned cause it's soon and it's titled 'Jekamalo'.

Duke: Okay I mean that's something we can hold unto. Thanks AM VBYZ for coming I really enjoyed this conversation and I wish you well in you career and all you do, we at the OWN Mag are excited to see how much the industry favours you, thank you once again.

AM VBYZ: Thank you for having me, I grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you audience, it's a pleasure likewise.