Fast rising singer, Akingbenga Akinyemi, popularly known as King Cap Bee, tells Saturday Beats about his career
What does your stage name mean?
My stage name King Cap Bee was formerly Cap B. The ‘Cap’ in Cap B is a
motivational acronym I created for myself. It means Comfort Abstains
Progress. It is a self reminder to always push forward and never to get
complacent in comfort. The ‘B’ was given to me in school. When I studied
abroad, my fellow classmates in America couldn’t pronounce the ‘Gb’ in
Gbenga and turned it into ‘B’ calling me ‘Benga.’
How would you describe your genre of music?
I would describe my sound as an eclectic and versatile mixture of
afrobeats and afropop with some influence of hip-hop and R‘n’B.
Why did you choose to do music?
Since I was young, music had always been a part of me. Music has always
been something that came easily to me. I believe I am an embodiment of
music.
Why do you need a fan base here since you already have one abroad?
This is my home. This is where I was born and this is where it all began
for me. I got arrested by music in Nigeria, so I feel it is only
natural that I will build a fan base here.
Do you think you have what it takes to compete in the industry?
By the grace of God, I am certain I do.
What makes you different from other up-and-coming musicians?
I don’t consider myself an up and coming artiste because I already have a
fan base in Nigeria and abroad. They have not let me rest since I have
been on my most recent hiatus. What makes me different is my unique
style and the fact that I am not trying to copy anybody.
Did the negative perception people have about Nigerians abroad affect you?
Not necessarily because people outside Nigeria fall in love with the
music before realising or considering your nationality. Music is a
feeling, so most times people hear a song and relate to it without
knowing what the singer looks like or what his background is.
Have you had any negative feedback because of your race?
No, not at all. I didn’t think about stigmatisation. Most individuals
who go against the norm by choosing to follow their dreams typically
don’t think of such. My passion, focus dedication, ambition and
motivation keep me grounded.
Has there been any time you felt like quitting music?
Yes a few times; but every time I chose to quit I felt unfulfilled. I
felt a huge void in my life. At the time, I had a very bad management
and was frustrated with the process.
How did your parents react to your music career?
My mother fully supported me because she knew the passion had always
been in me. She knew I would be successful in whatever I chose to do
because I have the drive. Her only criterion was that I must complete my
studies and I did that. I graduated with a Computer Science and
International Business degree and was recently working as an unfulfilled
EMR Information Technology Analyst in New York.
How did you combine work and music?
For a while, I was unable to combine both. I still feel I can’t combine
both. I am an individual who likes to put my all into whatever I choose
to do, so when I was working, the music was starving and vice versa,
hence my brief hiatus from music. Luckily for me, I was a contractor, so
I worked at will. Since I have relocated to Nigeria, I have kissed the
nine to five life goodbye. I have. fully relocated to Nigeria since last
year.
What are the down sides to being a celebrity?
I really don’t like the fact that you can’t do everyday things like
other people. Also if you’re having a bad day, your fans don’t want to
know. They always expect the best from you.
How do you cope with female fans?
I cope well with them. I think the female fans are the most important
aspect of my success. Females run the world and anywhere the females go,
the males follow. They have always loved me even before the music.
Having been based abroad, how were you able to build a fan base in Nigeria?
I had been shuttling between Nigeria and my base abroad since 2011 and
releasing singles and videos that circulated. I have songs like
‘Workaholic’ with YQ, ‘She like it’ featuring AyoJay among others and
they enjoy massive airplay both on the television and radio.
What is the craziest thing a female fan has done to you?
I had a performance with P-Square in New York and a female fan jumped on
stage and grabbed me while performing. I proceeded to perform with her
on my back till the security came and removed her. It was funny and she
was grabbing all parts of my body even my manhood.
Are you in a relationship?
No I am not. I am currently single and ready to mingle.
What happened between you and your ex-girlfriend?
Things just didn’t work out.
When it comes to women, what is your preference?
Black and beautiful.
No comments:
Post a Comment