Afropop singer and songwriter, Mr Julz is gradually becoming an internet sensation. In this interview he explains his growth in music and everything in between.
How would you describe Mr Julz to a prospective fan?
An Afropop singer and songwriter
You recently spoke about listening to Michael Jackson, Sisqo and co while growing up. Tell us more about your musical journey so far.
I started off doing hip hop and rapping. That was what I was drawn to at the time in the university. But because I grew up on melodic pop music and RnB. It was only a matter of time before I started singing. I first recorded a track, which has never been released till date. My first official single was ‘Bruce Lee’ and it was a collaboration with three artists. Two songs down the line, I released ‘Go Down’, which changed the story for me. I took a break as I wanted to invest more time to learn about music promotion and online marketing. On my return, COVID happened. This forced me to set up my own home studio and learn how to record myself, which was the best thing I ever did music wise.
How challenging was it at the start of your career?
Finance was a big barrier at the start. Even though that shortage of finance made me plan a lot and try to learn music marketing, which till this date is one of the things I do outside of being an artiste. I also had to find my sound and what style of singing worked best with my voice. Building a team was also a struggle. But the growth has been steady, and I am super proud of how far Mr Julz has come.
What was that moment that convinced you that ‘music’ is the one?
I never believed I could make it in music. After the success of Go Down, it opened my eyes to a lot of things and showed me the possibility that this could work. I had initially uploaded the song for free download on SoundCloud. I later on discovered that everyone was asking about a link on DSP, so had to upload it and take down the free download on SoundCloud.
Tell us about the music making process for you?
I am always out listening to beats from different producers. When I get a beat that stands out, I start creating a melody. I then record a sketchy version of the song and later build a chorus. After a song is mixed and mastered, I then start comparing it with my already recorded songs to see if it is a good fit to be released and I myself and my team start building a release strategy.
‘Go Down’, ‘Gandala’, Slow Down and a few more songs have been released by you so far. Which was the most challenging song till date?
Ya Bam Bam was challenging. I was not happy when I got the initial mix. I had to go back and forth with the sound engineer and even the final version, I still had some things I wanted changed. But I had to pull the plug and go ahead with the release due to release deadlines.
Speaking of “Ya Bam Bam” we hear a lot of similarities with P Square’s latest song ‘Jaiye’. Rumours online say the beats were stolen from you. How did that come to happen?
The beats are made by the same producer Beatz Vampire from Ghana. He created something slightly different for P Square. It just happens to be very identical to mine.
Tell us about Go Down and the records it achieved.
Go Down was a blessing and still is. I remember driving five hours to the studio to record that song. I had a slightly different chorus in my head but during the recording the present chorus just stood out. After the song was released it kind of picked up fire. The love and feedback I received internationally was amazing. Without Go Down I probably would have given everything.
What are your thoughts about Afrobeats in the UK?
I am super excited with the growth of Afrobeats. I remember a few years ago it was almost impossible to find anyone who knew about the genre in my city Exeter. But guess what, today I am doing a monthly Afrobeats show in a 90% British town and the turn up is impressive.
With Afrobeats going wild in the UK, how do you intend to stand out from the pack?
I create music that can cross over and that can be appreciated by pop and house music lovers. My lyrics are not very heavy on the broken English side, so a lot of people can sing along and sometimes make out what I am saying.
You’ve shared the stage with some big names. Who’s that artiste you look forward to working with?
I would love to work with Skales, Buju, Maleek Berry, Davido
What’s the plan of extending your music to the Nigerian market?
I am plan on working with more artistes, and getting my music more on radio, TV and subsequently gigs in Nigeria.
Tell us about your latest release with Egar Boi.
“You Are Mine” is the title of the song. The beats were produced by Skimzea Beats. “You Are Mine” is a slow tempo love song with a guy affirming his love to his one and only girl. I wanted a song where people could listen to even at a wedding and dance. That is the reason why I added a lot of soft harmonies to the chorus. “You Are Mine” is that summer jam that you do not want to miss.
Any more singles before the end of 2022?
Probably would be dropping another single by September.
Plans for an album or EP?
The plan was to drop an album or EP this year. The growth has been phenomenal, so now thinking maybe it is best I stick to singles.