Blood Makes Noise recently was able to interview rising musical star Gbeke about her Christmas pop/Afrobeat single and music video "Afro Bells", which can be read below.
Imagine knowing exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life at just five years old. While it seems practically impossible, "impossible" is not a word in Gbeke's dictionary. With her unique voice, vision, and perspective, her work as a talented creative comes naturally. There's no question she was born to prosper in the music industry. For the longest time, Gbeke thought she was not good enough because her music did not sound like the other Afro singers, but once she acquired the courage and confidence to stray from the mold, it turned out that is precisely what she needed to bring fans back for each release. The proof is in the figgy pudding with her newest Christmas pop/Afrobeat single, "Afro Bells," here just in time to make your days merry and bright.
Gbeke's artistic inspiration surrounds her. Piecing together every memory she has from Christmas in Nigeria - the weddings, parties, concerts, beach days, and airport chronicles - "Afro Bells" is her take on the classic "Jingle Bells." It's not a cover; it's a song completely her own with influences from her forever home in Naija and carrying that belonging and heritage wherever listeners go. She playfully captures the spirit of the season in a style never explored before. In just a few weeks after sharing it on Christmas Day 2021, the song was quickly well received, being added to an editorial playlist on Audiomack and garnering over 5,000 streams. When Christmas comes around, Gbeke wants "Afro Bells" to be a pillar of culture and holiday cheer.
The special, sentimental cornerstones for Christmas are on full display in Gbeke's "Afro Bells" visual. Not only does Gbeke rock the Santa suit, taking after the iconic fashion from Mean Girls, but she includes photos and videos with her friends and family to truly portray the important components of the time of year in Naija. She directed the video herself, so she also had fun matching her actions to the lyrics she sang as well as decorating her house to create the themed sets. The music video feels much like a real, authentic video diary of her holiday, with her shining presence performing "Afro Bells" sprinkled throughout. Fun fact: Gbeke finished cooking the fresh batch of jollof rice on the stovetop at the start of the video shoot, allowing for those candid kitchen scenes with her mom. It's a wholesome upbeat music video that's bound to make you dance for Christmastime.
How do your Nigerian background and Arizona roots influence your sound, and why was it important for you to incorporate your culture into your music?
Being from Arizona, I didn’t have a lot of music influences outside of what my parents listened to. My dad would frequently play the likes of Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Sade (his favorite), and Mariah Carey. My mom on the other hand played religious and cultural music by Yinka Ayefele and King Sunny Ade. Both of these influences early on were critical in building the foundation of my Afro-infused R&b taste and sound, better known as Afrofusion. It was so important to me to be able to capture both of my realities in my music since growing up, I felt like I never belonged in either. I wasn’t Black American enough. But I also wasn’t Nigerian enough either. I was me, somewhere in the middle, and thus my sound was born.
What are some of your favorite Christmas memories? How does your latest single, “Afro Bells,” translate to fitting others’ holiday transitions?
My favorite Christmas memory to date was in 2016. This was the first December I spent in Nigeria, and my parents rented out a house in Victoria Island, Lagos (very popping during the holidays). I hadn’t been to Nigeria for 5 years prior, after coming in 2011 to bury my grandpa (rest his soul). I was 18 at the time and I finally was beginning to understand and appreciate my culture more than ever before. I didn’t even want to leave! I had never experienced the celebration of Christmas to that extent before: beautiful Christmas lights decorating the entire city, concerts by beloved musicians, and being surrounded by native Nigerians and diaspora Nigerians like myself. It was magical, and I didn’t want it to end. And I feel this is exactly what I captured in “Afro Bells.” I combined my wonderful memories and the traditional Christmas spirit and joy to make a timeless, Afro-infused holiday groove.
What inspired you to write and produce “Afro Bells”? What makes this twist on a classic unique from other Christmas hits audiences expect?
I was inspired by Mariah Carey, actually. I think she, George Michael, and a few other artists I was exposed to while growing up were the main artists I’d hear music from during the holidays. And I desired to be just like them- but I had to put a new spin on and old take; thus, “Afro Bells” was born. It’s unique as there aren’t too many songs like it; the joyful, familiar feeling of Christmas told from the lens of a Nigerian artist.
What is the story being told in “Afro Bells”? How do you hope listeners react, and what should they take away?
“Afro Bells” is the story of my second most favorite holiday, Christmas, spent in Nigeria. To date, I’ve been to Naija for the holidays 3 times, and desire to continue the tradition yearly. I talk about not only the camaraderie and familial aspect of the holiday, but everything in between- from attending countless concerts, to hitting the beach, to going to the traditional market. I want listeners to understand that Nigeria in and of itself is a blast, yes there is corruption and poverty, but during the holidays, Christmas is a genuine time for joy.
Talk about the visual for “Afro Bells.” What was it like shooting and getting to include clips with your photos and footage with your family and friends?
The lyrics I sang helped me piece together the story I wanted to share visually. From my mom actually making jollof rice, to me spending time with family and friends, I found various memories tucked away in my photo albums, or recreated myself. It felt super authentic and nostalgic to me, like a time capsule of the Christmas fun I’ve had over the years.
With your EP, Love Gbeke, set to release in 2023, what do you want to say to your fans and have them know about your works in progress? Is there anything else you want them to know about “Afro Bells”?
“Afro Bells” taught me that it doesn’t hurt to try new things. I’m constantly exploring different sounds and continuing to infuse Afrobeat into my R&b/Neo-soul sound. I’m so excited to release my EP “Love Gbeke,” which is the rollercoaster I found myself on as I journeyed toward self-love (still getting there!). I laughed and cried while creating this work of art, and I feel like I’ve not only grown in my sound, but was able to incorporate some of my original lyrics from when I first started my music career in 2017. It’s the depiction of my journey: where I started, and where I’m headed. I have a couple singles (“Over it” and “On the Line”) coming out in December and January ahead of the EP release, and it is my hope that they help build the excitement for and spread the message of my upcoming project.
Follow Gbeke:
https://gb3ke.com/
https://linktr.ee/gb3ke