It is safe to say that the past few years have been very remarkable in the Nigerian music scene as it saw the emergence of new talent and the rise to global recognition of existing artistes like Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido among others.
The focus right now is on the new voices that got our attention and have shown no sign of slowing down in 2019. These artistes have unique sounds and special methods of delivery during performances. A lot of them have amassed relatively large fan base due to social media and their online presence which gave followers a glimpse into their lives and their creative process. Whereas some, however good, is still underground grinding and waiting that one day their talent and hard work will be recognized and appreciated. Like the music sensation Smoke.
BABA FRANCIS is an upcoming artiste from Kogi state but currently in Lagos, Nigeria. He goes by the stage name is SMOKE. According to SMOKE, his first love is music hence his choice to do all genres of music except rap. In Francis’ own words:
I do ‘Love music’ for all lovers out there, with the conviction that living is loving nd loving is living. I like to see myself as an inspiration to others, hence my Inspirational and Motivational songs.
BABA FRANCIS music career started in 2010 after he recorded his first single titled “SLOWLY” and since then he has recorded over 10 singles and 20 collaborations. He does music because of the love he has for the craft and in his words;
I want the world to listen to my messages through my music and catch the African vibe.
He is influenced by a great melody and catchy tunes. His latest is due to drop anytime soon and promises to be fire. His unique blend of Afro-fusion with mainstream sounds like Raggae and Funk has given him a blend of good African vibes with some witty flows and delivery.
My friend and I agreed that I should come to Lagos, as at February 2018, I arranged my, bag took a night bus and proceeded for Lagos, as I reached Lagos my guy Stopped picking up his calls, at a point his line was no longer reachable, I was left stranded on the streets of Lagos with no one to turn to, I don’t even have an android phone so there was no medium of communication aside the few ones I have on my contact list , I tried reaching some of my friends but i couldn’t connect, I tried connecting back to Lokoja(HOME) make Dem for fit push me small bread wey I go take fall back….
Even as I know say everywhere no fresh for house…..mehn…nah family nah, Dem no fit just free me like dat….they tried raising small money for me to come back home. inside this issue I meet one real guy who took me in but he is also hustling so I had to go back home, time to return to Kogi, my TP was not enough for a seat, I used attachment to Lokoja…….
My Cry by Smoke(Cover art)
I stand inside bus from Lag enter Kogi all through the night buh my tattered tecno phone, my cry’s instrumental and my earpiece got my back… They were my only company……I was free styling on d instrumental gradually with tears rolling down my cheeks……I got to Lokoja around 11am…..I had to connect ti the house to make sure someone was at home to pay the Okada that took me home..I write d song finish……to record am no money…nah another paddi wey say him like the song pay for my studio session…..
That was how I came about the song my cry.
In the song “My Cry”, Smoke was heard calling the attention of top artists like Tuface Idibia, Don Jazzy, Davido Olamide, and Wizkid to come to his aid. The song is definitely an interesting piece. Listen below.
Watch the video below:
Fran6ixSmoke is ready to carve a niche for himself in a very talented industry, with his delivery, style of music, and great persona. He is one artiste music lovers need to watch out for.
