Nigeria’s latest Afro-Pop sensation, Tyler-Vybe took Abuja by storm at his music listening concert held at the ATW Center Studios. The sell-out concert on Dec 27 had a huge turnout of friends and fans to witness the exceptional talent of the new kid on the block.
Fifteen years old Gabriel Oluwadamilare Ifechukwude Mogaji, better known as Tyler-Vybe was born in the United States of America, and moved to Nigeria when he was 7. Born to a Yoruba father, and an Igbo mother, Tyler Vybe is a proud Nigerian-American, who loves his African roots and Nigerian values.
The new kid who is in Secondary School (SS1) in Abuja started singing when he was 10 and had his first EP at Thirteen titled “Thirteen,” which has garnered over 90,000 streams on Spotify.
During the concert, young, talented Tyler Vybe delivered vocally on live stage his new songs with a level of charisma that assures that African music is in good hands. He performed seven new tracks from his forthcoming EP Album in 2023 titled “HOMEWORK.”
While speaking to the media, Tyler Vybe said he draws inspiration from his surroundings. “I actually have multiple ways of inspiration because I’ve been writing and singing. My Dad had some select artists a few years ago, about six to seven of them in different genres, who did amazing music. But eventually, some of them left because they wanted to be solo-artists. So one day I entered the studio, and one of them said, “Hey Gab can you help with this song, I need vocals”? And I did some vocals with them, and my Dad was like who is this person that is singing and they said it was me and he was shocked. That was when he noticed I could do better and started supporting me.”
On competition in the music industry, he said “Most Nigerian musicians have the tendency of repeating, copying songs, but I want to make sure that I make unique music that is not too diverse or coarse. I want it to be unique in a way that anyone can relate to it.”
Asked about his music and academics, he maintained that his music career will not interfere with his academics as he has been able to strike a balance.
Speaking about Nigerian artists he would love to perform with, he mentioned Burna Boy, Wizkid, adding that in the 5 years, he would love to see himself at the O2 Arena with them and many other big artists. He said he is also inspired by songs of 2face Idibia and Davido.
Also speaking, Tyler’s Mum, Buchi Mogaji, CEO of CORRE said he is multi-faceted, but music seems to be the thing that helps him to be who he is. “He has his own Youtube channel for animation and also has interest in technology. At 10, he walked into a studio himself and did his first single. When I heard it after it was mastered, I was in tears, you mean this is my baby sounding this beautiful? So that’s how I started encouraging him, like every money I get, we put into it. It’s quite expensive to build this kind career, but it’s something that helps him create a balance.”
Speaking further, she revealed that Tyler is an A-straight student. “He is a science student. So the things I asked of him are if you want to do this, you have to put in your best. There are two types of things he has to learn; he has to learn the music itself, which is the creative part of it. We are also teaching him the business of music. I am a business woman, so naturally, he works with me. So he is transitioning that knowledge of business into the business of music. So those are things we are looking at to give him the platform that I and the father never had.
Mrs Mogaji said In 5 years she prays and expects him to be big in everything he does. ” I’m learning to give him all that I can give to him. All I’m doing is giving him the platform to be who he wants to be and put in his best.”
Tyler is currently under the management of HASHTAG Entertainment, owned by his father, Mr Bola Mogaji. When asked about the basis for this concert at this young age, he said the concert is a visual document to showcase Tyler’s talent, which he intends to present to top record labels and global distribution companies who may be interested in partnering with them on Tyler Vybe’s music journey.
The concert was supported by a premium music production by Jojo Band, and a visual & event production by ATW CENTER STUDIOS.
Feedback from the audience after the show was of high praises. They encouraged him to remain focused and consistent while wishing him success in his music career.
