Bōlají is someone who we have been following along with for quite some time. He's a 20 year-old Nigerian-American artist hailing from Houston, Texas, with a rich cultural heritage and a passion for music that has been brewing since childhood. Growing up in a household where afrobeats and gospel were the soundtracks of his daily life, Bōlají was immersed in a world filled with rhythm and melody, even though he was somewhat sheltered from the broader musical landscape. His upbringing, marked by playing various sports, joining clubs, and various music related activities like choir and piano, shaped him into the person we see today. Despite his early detachment from mainstream music and trends, Bōlají’s natural talent for singing and his faith eventually led him to embrace his musical endeavors and pursue it as a career.
Bōlají’s journey into music officially began in 2020, but his love for the art form stretches back to when he was just 10 years old, writing songs to piano melodies he created. Although his early attempts at music were sidelined due to peer pressure and his focus on basketball, a monumental moment in 9th grade reignited his passion. A spontaneous classroom performance of Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man" earned him the admiration of his peers and pushed him to start recording covers and sharing them online. The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when Bōlají and his sister wrote a song to uplift people, which ended up on the news, marking his first taste of public recognition at a larger scale. This experience fueled his determination, leading him to the studio where he produced his first track, “Homeboy.”
His latest project, "JazzTrapn'B (the genesis)," represents a significant milestone in Bōlají’s career, as it captures the essence of a new musical genre he is pioneering. This project draws inspiration from a wide mix of artists, including Miles Davis, Masego, Migos, Future, Lauryn Hill, and Frank Ocean. "JazzTrapn'B" is more than just an album, it’s a cultural movement, a new wave of music that Bōlají has carefully crafted by studying the greats and infusing their influence into his own unique sound. The project also extends the legacy of his hit single “Lavish,” and with the creation of JazzTrapn’B University, Bōlají invites listeners to join him on this innovative journey.
Looking ahead, Bōlají is focused on elevating his overall craft, particularly in the realm of his production. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Bōlají’s ambition is to create an album that pushes the boundaries of his musical abilities, solidifying his place in this crazy industry and further expanding the world of JazzTrapn’B.
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