I thought I would become a goalkeeper

The only musician to assemble artistes from every continent for a song, Benjamin Samuel, aka BJ Sam talks about his career, his love for Arsenal and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

While growing up in school, what sports did you participate in?

While growing up, I used to play football and I even thought I would become a professional goalkeeper because I was so good at it. If I had the opportunity then, I would have probably continued and had a football career.

What sports do you enjoy and do you have a favourite team?

Of course, I enjoy football. That’s my favourite sport, and I support Arsenal because I like their team work.

Who would you say is your favourite sportsperson?

Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. Not hard to pick at all, a fantastic footballer for Nigeria and very entertaining dribbler.

If you could go on a date with any sportsperson in the world, who would it be?

That would be Rasheedat Ajibade. She has really grown as a leader in the Super Falcons and I believe she is going to get better and better.

What do you think about the Super Eagles?

I believe they are doing well but they can do better if politics and favouritism is removed from football in Nigeria. Right now, their focus should be on the World Cup qualifiers because we can’t miss two World Cups in a row.

Are you an advocate of equal pay in male and female national teams?

I believe any individual who does better should receive much more irrespective of their gender.

What do you think of Jamie Carragher’s comment that the AFCON is not a major tournament?

I consider it as a deliberate attempt to de-market and undermine African talents and if you don’t kick back, such utterance could further deter and discourage international investors.

What was the inspiration behind Show Some Love, and how did this global collaboration come to life?   

Show Some Love is a plead to all countries engaging in wars around the world to drop their weapons and embrace peace. As fighting in Ukraine lingers, the impact is not just felt within its borders but around the globe, marking an abrupt end to globalization and international co-operation. That’s why I reached out and assembled over 23 exceptionally gifted artists, music icons, celebrities, and award-winning vocalists from all continents of the world to released a global song saying no to war, asking everyone to stop the shooting and drop their guns.

This is because I do believe that if the world can sing with one voice, there wouldn’t be any reason to fight more war.

How did you bring together such a diverse group of artists from different backgrounds and continents for this project?

What I did was to reach out to some top ranking government officials to send some singers to represent their countries on the project and I also spoke to some of my fellow musicians to recommend other music icons for the project.

How do you ensure that different cultural and musical elements blend harmoniously in your collaborations?

God has given me a unique ability to blends African sounds with contemporary elements, thereby making my music globally appealing.

You’ve worked with over 100 musicians, what has been the most rewarding part of these collaborations?

It has helped me to develop a wider musical knowledge, expand my fanbase, boost exposure, and open international opportunities.

You’ve been invited to join the Grammy Award voting members, how has this recognition shaped your career?

Personally, I don’t sing in order to earn awards but I am glad that my efforts and skills have been recognized by the right people. Music has historically played a powerful role in social change.

What impact do you hope Show Some Love will have on global audiences?

My aim for making this global song is to unite the world in such a way that anywhere you find yourself across the globe you will see people sing the song,  calling for peace.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who want to collaborate on a global scale?

Just dare to be unique, your uniqueness will compel the world to you and will give you a bigger platform.

What has been your most memorable moment as an artist?

I will say my most memorable moment as an artist was when I received an email from the American film director Lloyd Kaufman personally requesting for the license of my song Mon Amour as the soundtrack for the Hollywood movie Heart of Fartness.

What’s next for BJ Sam?

I am currently working on another global music project titled, ‘Don’t worry everything will be fine’, and I have been booked for couple of international festivals already and still expecting more.