From Sarz Academy to STARDOM
Gimba’s breakout into the music industry is unlike any other. Just three months after graduating from the Sarz Academy, his first-ever track release featured none other than Nigerian music legend Wizkid . It’s a remarkable feat for any artist, but especially for someone who never initially saw themselves at the forefront. Gimba first built his career behind the scenes as a songwriter, never envisioning his voice on the same records as those who inspired him. Yet, his undeniable talent and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeats.
For those who don’t know, the Sarz Academy has been instrumental in shaping artists like Gimba. Founded by the highly influential producer Sarz, the academy has nurtured some of the biggest names in Nigerian music. From producers like P.Priime, Tempoe, Kel-P, STG, to multi-talented creatives like Dunnie, Sarz’s vision for grooming fresh talent has reshaped the industry. As he prepares to introduce his debut EP ‘Amince da tsari‘ to the world, Gimba sits down with us to talk about his journey, the moments that shaped him, and what it’s like to go from a discreet songwriter to collaborating with icons.
Photography: Wale Adebisi
Styling: Senami
Text: Peniel Uma
Interview with Gimba
NTS: Your name, Gimba—is that your government name or a stage name?
Gimba: No, Gimba is actually my government name. It’s not a nickname, haha.
NTS: I was going through your Instagram and saw old videos of you freestyling in your car. Were you trying to create a name for yourself at that time, or was it just for fun?
Gimba: I wouldn’t say it was just for fun, but I’ve always been singing my whole life. I’ve always been a good singer, but funny enough, I didn’t even want to be an artist.
NTS: For real? So what did you want to do?
Gimba: I knew I was interested in music, but I never saw myself at the forefront. I thought maybe I could produce as well. It was during the lockdown when everyone was at home, and my sister was like, “Omo guy, you dey sing; people are just showing their talent, just sing.” So, I just sang. I remember the first video I posted, Adekunle Gold commented on it. I was like, “Mad o!” and thought, if I could get this kind of attention, maybe I should keep on doing it.
NTS: That’s really interesting because starting a music career in Nigeria is not easy. After those freestyles and getting the attention of some notable artists, I saw you got into the Sarz Academy. What year was that?
Gimba: That was the end of 2022. But before then, I was just making songs because I was preparing for my own release. I had never even made a full song before; I was only doing those four-line freestyles. I knew I had to learn how to make a proper song, so I ghosted from Instagram to focus on that.
NTS: Is that what took you to Sarz Academy?
Gimba: No, I didn’t even plan to go to Sarz Academy. My friend 2Factor, who’s a producer, saw Sarz post the application online for talents to apply. Normally, Sarz Academy was for producers, but this time it was for all-round talents. My guy was like, “Bro, won’t you apply?” So I thought about it and decided to apply, and then Sarz picked me—even when I hadn’t dropped a song yet. Everything just took off from there.
NTS: To apply to the Academy, didn’t you need to have a released song? How did that work out?
Gimba: No, you just needed to submit an unreleased song online and fill out a form. I did all that, but I even archived those freestyles I had on my page but just based on the song he heard me send, Sarz probably thought, “Who’s this unknown guy with potential?” and picked me.
NTS: Having a platform like Sarz Academy to build your talent must have been great because many artists find it hard to break into the industry.
Gimba: Yes! Before I even dropped a song, like I said, I got into Sarz Academy. That’s where I met Sarz, my manager, and so many other amazing people.
NTS: Was it at Sarz Academy that you got to be on a song with Wizkid and DJ Tunez?
Gimba: No, that was after Sarz Academy. I met a friend who invited me to a music camp with some Amapiano producers who work with DJ Tunez. I made a song there, and they loved how fast I could write because Sarz Academy really trained me—music became like muscle memory. If I hear a beat, I can just vibe and create something.
NTS: Was that song the one that became “Blessings” with Wizkid?
Gimba: No, it was another song that got DJ Tunez interested in me. Later, I was invited to Eko Hotel to meet him, originally just to write for Wizkid. But when I sang the vibe I wrote for “Blessings,” DJ Tunez was impressed and told me to record it myself. Next thing I knew, I heard my voice on the track.
NTS: That’s amazing—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on a record with Wizkid!
Gimba: Yes, it was crazy! And coincidentally, the day “Blessings” dropped, the first single from Sarz Academy’s project also dropped. It was all God’s plan.
NTS: That track really kickstarted your career because I remember hearing it and wondering, “Who’s Gimba?” Your first-ever release was with Wizkidl—that’s wild.
Gimba: Yeah, funny enough, that was my first official release ever.
NTS: Wow, that’s crazy, haha. So after “Blessings” was released, what happened next?
Gimba: After the song dropped, the attention came. But at that point, I didn’t even have a team or manager—I was just figuring things out on my own.
NTS: So how did you figure yourself out, for someone with their first release with Wizkid?
Gimba: Man, I didn’t even know then. The music was bigger than me.
NTS: I can’t even imagine that; that would’ve overwhelmed anybody.
Gimba: Bro, like, that was crazy.
NTS: Your most recent track off your forthcoming EP, “Tingrado,” features one of the greatest Nigerian rappers of all time, Olamide. How did that collaboration come about?
Gimba: Omo, so I was done with my EP, and it was just me on it. I was like, “Damn, it’s just me on this project,” and I thought, “Well, it is what it is.” After a while, my manager Jumoke said she wanted to introduce me to someone. Turns out it was Olamide she wanted to introduce me to so he could know who I am since she’s working with this new artist. When we met him, his guy was like, “Ahahn, this guy, I know this guy!” Badoo too was like, “Ah ahn, no be this guy we dey on a song with Wiz and Wande wey no fear?” He welcomed me, gave me Casamigos, and showed so much love. We didn’t ask for a verse then, but the next time we met, he was like, “Omo, bro, I fuck with you. I like your sound; it’s different. I don’t mind hopping on your project.” Out of all the songs on that project, he picked that one to be on it.
NTS: Wow, God bless Olamide, fr. Um, your single “Only U” was your first official release after “Blessings” with Wizkid in 2022.
Gimba: Yes.
NTS: So, “Only U,” only who? Do you have a girlfriend?
Gimba: Hehehehe, let’s keep that a mystery, hehe.
NTS: Hahaha, okay. So the song “Only U,” was it about the “mystery”?
Gimba: Ahahaha, no, “Only U” was actually about my ex. I made “Only U” in Sarz Academy in 2022.
NTS: That’s like two years now, right? What took so much time to release it?
Gimba: That one is another P entirely. After Sarz Academy, I got a deal with Sarz. I wanted to put out music, but I needed to acknowledge that I was now working with people. At Sarz Academy, we did shows at the shrine, and we were under artist development. I was with different artists, so I don’t know why they didn’t single me out since I was already out there. But I guess I still needed to develop and find myself.
NTS: You’re obviously a special artist—not everyone has the opportunity to be on a song with Wizkid as their first release. Do you think it was the right approach?
Gimba: Tbh, I’ve thought about it a lot. I was under serious pressure. Everyone kept asking, “Guy, when are you dropping?” and I’m like… it’s crazy, bro.
NTS: Are you still under the deal with Sarz?
Gimba: Yeah, but I’m putting out my EP, and I’m not gonna stop.
NTS: We’re really happy that you’re putting out music right now.
Gimba: Trust me, if you’re happy, I’m happy times 100. I’m focusing on growing. Even the song with Badoo now, it’s very new. I have a strong influence of jazz in my music, and Wizkid likes jazz too—that’s why he likes “Blessings.” I’m deep in that genre. I’m not in a haste to blow up; my music is undeniable. Anywhere in the world, my music will speak for me.
NTS: Apart from being an artist, what else are you into? Do you model?
Gimba: Yeah, I’m into fashion. I modeled for Ashluxe. Fashion is something I just like, and I feel like I look like a model. I want to model and tour the world, walk for Louis Vuitton. I’m open to many things.
NTS: So besides music, would you have been a comedian or an actor?
Gimba: Besides music, I would’ve gone for auditions. I really want to act, so just know if you have a gig, come and get Gimba. I’m interested in that.
NTS: What should people expect from your new EP ‘Amince da tsari‘?
Gimba: My new EP is very personal, ‘Amince da tsari‘ which means ‘Trust the Process‘. Obviously, it’s music for everyone to enjoy, but it’s also very expressive and truly me. It’s like I’m properly introducing myself.
NTS: What was your upbringing like?
Gimba: Bro, I’m Hausa; my mum is Igbo, my dad is Muslim, and my mum is Christian. Growing up in a household like that wasn’t the regular Nigerian household… you get.
NTS: Man, I do! It’s crazy! So did you grow up in Lagos?
Gimba: I grew up in Surulere. I’m a Surulere boy. Na God run am like that, bro.
NTS: You started singing when you were younger. Did you start in school?
Gimba: Ah yes na. My fanbase… like, bro, I went to five different secondary schools, and I used to sing in every one of them. I even won a competition, but not by singing—I won it by whistling (whistles). Singing has always been my thing. I knew I could sing, but I didn’t believe I could sing in Nigeria. Listening to Yoruba music influenced my singing, so I sing ‘Yankee-Fuji.’ That’s what Wiz heard on “Blessings.”
NTS: What do you think of Fuji music?
Gimba: Ah, it’s beautiful. I’m learning it.
NTS: Do you think there’s a rebirth of Fuji music in Nigeria currently?
Gimba: I don’t think it’s a rebirth; it’s more awareness. People like Asake and Seyi Vibez have repackaged it, and Wiz is singing it in jazz. That’s what I did on “Blessings”—I sang it in jazz. Fuji sound doesn’t necessarily have to be talking drums. I’m interested in it, but it doesn’t define me. It’s what made me tap into the Nigerian music scene.
NTS: Who are your ‘big three’ artists across the globe?
Gimba: Drake, Wande Coal, and… someone that’s really inspired me musically is Runtown. Ah, Runtown is global, eh! He’s a sound god; he knows what he’s doing.
NTS: So, final question: as an artist breaking into the industry, what do you think about the competition in the Afrobeats space?
Gimba: For me, I can’t say much because it’s inevitable. The way people compare Superman to Batman, people just like entertainment. They’ll compare, but it’s out of my control. I just want to be mentally strong enough to face it.
NTS: Yeah; that’s a really good mindset. So Gimba, thank you so much for doing this.
Gimba: Yeah, for sure. It’s cool. Thank you for having me.
Photography: Wale Adebisi
Photography Asst: Tomiwa Daniel, Shittu Abiodun
BTS: Shittu Abiodun
Styling: Senami
Set Design: Manuel Oke
LOCATION: Pixxel Factory
Production: Daniella
Written by: Peniel Uma
Art Director: Wale Adebisi
Creative Direction: Manuel Oke, Oluwo Yusuf Gbolaga
