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.
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