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In the crowded world of contemporary music, where chart positions and streaming numbers often overshadow the art itself, Korede Bello emerges as a compelling anomaly.
He became a global star for his 2015 hit “Godwin,” and has consistently demonstrated an evolution in his music, shaped by a deep commitment to personal authenticity and social impact.
Korede Bello’s approach to music is guided by a principle he holds dear: Be the change you wish to see in the world. For him, the creative process that translates to the music we enjoy is more than crafting catchy tunes, it is more about making a meaningful impact.
“When I’m making music, I’m thinking, does this align with my intention to spread wellness in the world?” Korede Bello told Netng in an exclusive interview.
His goal is to uplift, inspire, and provide a sense of worth through his art. This ethos extends to all his work, from love songs aimed at boosting self-esteem to tracks designed to evoke a sense of joy and community.
if I’m making love songs about beauty, for instance, I’m trying to sing to the girl and tell her that she’s the most beautiful girl on the planet. In that way, I’m improving her self-esteem and self-worth and when she feels better about herself. She can make changes, champion causes, be a great mother, be a great leader, keep the family unit together, and keep society stronger and better.
Rewards are better than awards
In an era where awards and streaming figures often dominate the conversation, Bello offers a refreshing perspective. “Perception is reality,” he observes, noting that the music industry operates heavily on optics.
Fortunately and unfortunately, we’re in a perception business and people believe what they perceive. For the artist and the audience, sometimes, as an artist you have to believe what you perceive.
However, Bello emphasizes that while awards and statistics are part of the game, the true measure of success lies in how well an artist can connect with their audience on an emotional level.
“I don’t think any artist is wrong for wanting to be number one but number one is really a state of mind and a state of service. Number one in serving which type of audience you are, that’s what it is for me.”
“Rewards are better than awards,” he says. “You get rewarded for making people feel better, for giving people joy, for making music that helps them remember times.”
As long as you have service in mind, you are service-oriented, and you have a reason for the type of music you want to make and the type of people you want to serve, you will always be a superstar.
Despite his success, Korede Bello acknowledges the challenge of staying true to oneself amidst industry pressures. “One of the biggest challenges is remaining who you are as you get more popular and it’s easy to be who you are when you’re just starting because. You can be authentic. You can stand out. It’s clearer.
However, as you get bigger, especially in the pop world and you have songs that are popping, you’ll have hit songs in a different genre that might not be your favourite genre, and then it becomes challenging to remain who you are even if the world or the wind is pushing you to to give them more of a certain type of song.
I think that is the real challenge, and that’s the real strength of a true artist. You have to diversify. You have to experiment while still being rooted in authenticity. For me, one of the things I’m happy about is the fact that I can make different kinds of music, and I’ve had different types of songs that have been hit songs.
For Korede Bello, the key lies in balancing commercial appeal with personal authenticity. He describes his approach as creating music that serves the soul, transcending geographical and racial boundaries. His diverse discography, ranging from the euphoric “Godwin” to the introspective “Somebody Great,” exemplifies his commitment to emotional resonance over transient trends.
Korede Bello’s views on collaboration and the industry; ‘The Music is King’
When discussing his collaborations, Bello reveals that the music itself often dictates the choice of partners. His recent collaboration with Don Jazzy on “Minding My Business” highlights this philosophy. Bello’s choice of collaborators is guided by a desire to enhance the music’s emotional impact rather than chasing commercial gains. “The song chooses the collaborators,” he explains. “The music is king.”
Bello’s candid reflections also extend to his thoughts on the industry’s fixation with comparisons. Asked about the “BIG 3” — Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy — he offers a light-hearted response, preferring to focus on his own musical journey rather than engaging in comparisons.
Korede Bello’s favourite song by Korede Bello
As for his personal favourite from all his released songs, Korede Bello remains ambivalent, noting that his latest project, KoreDay, holds a special place in his heart. Each song from the album is infused with intention and personal significance, reflecting his ongoing evolution as an artist. Maybe the last song on the album will be my favourite song at the moment because it’s personal, Korede Bello says.
However, for songs that underperformed or were “slept on,” he says “there’s so many of that I feel were slept on, but it’s art, it’s subjective, so I don’t expect everybody to receive every song that I make in the same way that I conceive them. There’s so many of them, to be honest. I think Somebody Great is a big song, it’s an important song. Real Man is bigger outside of Nigeria than it is in Nigeria or Africa
Looking to the future, Bello envisions a legacy rooted in authenticity and emotional connection. His aspiration is not just to achieve fame but to create work that genuinely reflects his values and serves as a testament to his integrity.
“I want to be known as one of the greats,” he says,
