In an insightful and revealing interview, Nigerian music icon Maxi Kabiesi has shared the influence he had on Burna Boy’s career, shedding light on how he became a mentor to the Grammy-winning artist during his formative years. Known for his iconic track “ChocoMilo,” Kabiesi is one of the trailblazers who helped shape the modern sound of Afrobeat, and his legacy within the Nigerian music industry is undeniable. However, his impact extends beyond his own successes as he acknowledges the role mentorship plays in the ongoing evolution of Afrobeat.
Kabiesi’s revelations about Burna Boy looking up to him as a source of inspiration come as a testament to the interconnected nature of the industry. In his words, “He [Burna Boy] looked up to me, and seeing where he is today fills me with pride.” This statement offers insight into the close-knit, mentorship-driven community that thrives within Afrobeat. The acknowledgment from Kabiesi is not just a celebration of his own career but also a recognition of how his journey helped foster the growth of the current wave of Afrobeat giants.
For Kabiesi, his legacy is not solely defined by his own chart-topping hits, but rather by the profound influence he has had on the younger generation of artists, Burna Boy being among the most prominent. In the interview, Kabiesi spoke extensively about how the genre has evolved over the years, crediting new-age artists like Burna Boy for taking Afrobeat to unprecedented global levels. While he recognizes the importance of the new wave of Afrobeat, Kabiesi also expressed pride in the fact that he was able to set the groundwork for their success.
As a pioneer of contemporary Afrobeat sounds, Maxi Kabiesi can be seen as one of the key figures in Afrobeat’s rise to international prominence. His music, style, and approach to production helped to pave the way for many artists who followed, including Burna Boy. Kabiesi has always been vocal about the importance of mentorship in the industry, stating that, “It’s all about passing the torch. The next generation must build upon what we’ve created.”
Maxi Kabiesi’s impact on the industry goes beyond simply making music; it’s about fostering a sense of community and inspiring the next wave of talent. His own journey was marked by overcoming industry challenges and setting trends, which has now translated into his being seen as a guiding figure for other artists.
The fact that Burna Boy himself acknowledges Kabiesi’s role in his rise provides a fascinating reflection on how artists within the Afrobeat genre influence one another. The mentorship dynamic is often understated in the public sphere, but in Kabiesi’s case, it’s clear that he has played a formative role in shaping the career of one of the biggest Afrobeat stars in the world today.
This deep connection between Kabiesi and Burna Boy adds another layer to the narrative of how Afrobeat, as a genre, has been nurtured, not only by record-breaking achievements but by the guidance and collaboration between veterans and rising stars. With artists like Burna Boy now carrying the torch of Afrobeat globally, Kabiesi’s influence will undoubtedly remain woven into the fabric of Afrobeat’s continuing success.
source: Legit.ng