How I Learnt Music Production From My Brother, Retroboombeats

Imo State-born producer, Okoro Chibueze Clinton, popularly known as Retroboombeats, was born into the family of Mr & Mrs Okoro in the city of Abuja in the mid-1990s, with his early education also in the Federal Capital city.

The ace music producer, whose penchant for music was inspired by his mother, who was a catholic choir member and his dad a music enthusiast, has revealed that he learnt the music production craft from his older brother while he was growing up.

According to him, his passion for music stems from the rich tapestry of music he listened to when his mum directed the choir and filled their home with the Oriental brothers’ sound, Sir Warrior and Oliver De Coque, which was a symphony that set the stage for his musical journey. But the mantle of music mentorship that metamorphosed into music production was taken by his elder brother, who initiated him into the craft.

His foray into music production started with his brother brought home different loops of production software “fruity loop”. He would watch him craft up sounds and they would sound so pleasing to his ears, while he would create things in his head while trying to practice.

The thrill of what his brother does was so exciting that he couldn’t wait and that led him into sneaking on the personal computer to try his hand at music production whenever he wasn’t around.

Speaking on his craft, Retroboombeats said, “Over the years, I’ve produced and worked on numerous tracks, collaborating with both underground talents and A-list musicians. My journey has been enriched by building relationships with industry giants like DJ Big N, Jerry Shaffer, Bella Shmurda, Victony, 1da Banton, and Ucee. These collaborations have not only honed my skills but also allowed me to contribute to the rise of many emerging artists.”

Speaking further, the talented music producer noted that contrary to popular belief not all entertainers draw inspiration from drugs and alcohol.

He said, “There’s a pervasive belief among artists worldwide that inspiration comes from consuming hard drugs. I staunchly disagree. True inspiration, in my view, stems from a deep connection with one’s inner genius.

“As a producer, I’ve often been asked, “What do you take for inspiration?” My answer is simple: I don’t rely on drugs or alcohol. For me, the creative journey is about being fully present and in tune with my element, every moment of the day, even in my dreams.

On what he has in store, he stated: “Looking ahead, I’m working on creating a unique community for producers, musicians, and other creatives. This platform will be a space for sharing ideas, collaborating, and fostering growth. My vision is to nurture a thriving ecosystem where talent can flourish and creativity knows no bounds.

“Currently, I’m collaborating with underground musicians from diverse backgrounds on a project that aims to feature artists from the United Kingdom and beyond. By merging different genres into a single piece, we hope to showcase the versatility of African music and its immersive, joyful experience.

“I have my project out titled ‘Orange’ which showcases all that I have been saying about myself. It’s a collection of urban sounds that is gaining recognition in Nigeria, the southern part of Africa and more worldwide countries. Stay tuned for more as I continue to explore and expand the horizons of African music, bringing its vibrant spirit to audiences worldwide.”