Be’Mi speaks on music, resilience and finding her voice

In this exclusive interview, British-Nigerian Afro-Fusion singer and songwriter Be’Mi speaks about her journey into music, the influence of writing on her artistry, and the defining moments that shaped her path.

Interviewer: For readers meeting you for the first time, who is Be’Mi?

Be’Mi: My name is Abimbola Olamide Obafemi-Samuel, professionally known as Be’Mi. I’m a singer and songwriter whose sound blends Afrobeats, Afrofusion with storytelling and melody. I see myself as someone who expresses emotions, experiences and culture through music. My goal is to create songs that people can connect with deeply.

Interviewer: When did your journey into music begin?

Be’Mi: It started when I was about 11 years old. During lunch breaks in secondary school, my friends and I would freestyle, beatbox and play around with rap. At the time it was just fun, but looking back, those moments were actually the foundation of my journey into music.

Interviewer: You’ve spoken before about your love for writing. How did that influence your music?

Be’Mi: Writing has always been very important to me. I loved English Language and Literature in school, and creative writing became a space where I could express myself freely. Sometimes it’s easier to communicate emotions through writing than through speaking. Over time, poetry and storytelling naturally turned into songwriting.

Interviewer: Interestingly, your academic background is in politics and international relations. How did that happen?

Be’Mi: Yes, I studied Politics and International Relations for my undergraduate degree and later completed a master’s degree in Global Politics and Economics. Even though my academic path was quite different from music, writing was always at the centre of everything I did. In a way, both politics and music involve storytelling and understanding people.

Interviewer: One key moment in your story involves Big Brother Naija. What happened?

Be’Mi: During my fourth year at university, I decided to audition for Big Brother Naija. I saw an episode where contestants were encouraged to showcase their talents, so I wrote my first full song called Surulere because I wanted to perform it during the audition. I didn’t get selected for the show, but that moment changed everything for me.

Interviewer: How so?

Be’Mi: Instead of feeling discouraged, I felt motivated. Writing that song made me realise how much I truly loved creating music. After that experience, I started writing more songs and learning how to produce music independently. I also decided to learn how to speak and write Yoruba so I could incorporate it into my music.

Interviewer: Then something quite symbolic happened a few years later.

Be’Mi: Yes, three years later my music was played inside the Big Brother Naija 2023 house. It felt like a full-circle moment. The same platform where I once faced rejection ended up playing my music. It reminded me that sometimes setbacks are actually part of the journey.

Interviewer: Who are some of the artists that inspire you?

Be’Mi: Growing up, I listened to a lot of Rihanna, Tiwa Savage and Nicki Minaj. They’re all strong artists with unique identities and global influence. Their confidence and creativity inspired me to believe that it’s possible to create music that reaches people around the world.

Interviewer: You’ve described yourself as “The Queen of the Night.” What does that mean?

Be’Mi: It reflects the energy I bring to my music and performances. I want my music to create a vibe that lights up any space, whether it’s a performance, a party or someone listening alone at night. It’s about confidence, presence and creating unforgettable moments.

Interviewer: Beyond music, what inspires you creatively?

Be’Mi: I enjoy writing, fashion and travelling. Each of those things influences my creativity in different ways. Fashion inspires the visual side of my artistry, while travel and writing help me see the world from different perspectives, which then finds its way into my music.

Interviewer: Finally, what can listeners expect from Be’Mi in the future?

Be’Mi: Growth. I’m constantly evolving as an artist and as a person. My goal is to continue developing my sound within Afro-Fusion while reaching audiences around the world. I want my music to inspire people to embrace their stories and their dreams.

As Be’Mi continues to build her musical identity, her story stands as a reminder that persistence, creativity and self-belief often turn the smallest sparks into lasting journeys.