Nigerian musician Ekenedilichukwu Ijemba, better known by his stage name Humblesmith, has talked candidly about the sources of inspiration for his self-described Afrobongo style.
The “Osinachi” hitmaker stated in an interview on Hip TV that Afrobongo is his artistic synthesis, combining Afrobeats with aspects of eastern Nigerian culture.
According to him, the word “bongo” refers to both his unique vocal technique and the traditional Igbo instruments that shape his sound.
“My music genre is Afrobongo. It is something I created myself, but derived from Afrobeats, just like Afrobeats,” he said.
“Afrobongo is the genre that represents me and the Eastern culture. Anyone who wants to affiliate with it can. The bongo represents the eastern native instruments and my voice. That’s why I tell people I’m the bongo in Afrobeats, Afrobongo.”
The 34-year-old singer claimed that the music of other prominent eastern artistes such as KCee and Flavour, also fits into the Afrobongo category.
He credited legendary highlife musician Bright Chimezie as a major inspiration and mentor.
“I will also classify the songs of Kcee and Flavour as Afrobongo because there is nothing you do today that is new,” he said.
“Bright Chimezie is my mentor and role model, and I looked up to him when I was younger.”