By Rita Okoye
British-Nigerian singer and songwriter, Iniabasi Samuel Henshaw aka Samm Henshaw is renowned for infusing retro soul and gospel influences into his R&B sound.
In this interview, the son of a reverend took us through his journey into music, biggest influence, and future collaboration and lots more. Here are excerpts:
You recently released your first Afrobeats song, Jumoke, how was the reception?
The response has been great. I’m competing with an older version of myself and this is a new version of me, so I’m setting a standard for myself. It’s like this is the new thing. As far as I’m concerned, the song is doing great. The fact that I am new to this and it’s something I’ve never done before; there isn’t much to compare it with. You can’t compare it to someone else, because they’ve done their part to get to that place. As long I have made something and people are responding to it, it will always be a good thing.
What do you like most about being a singer?
I like the creative part the most. I like the fact that my life revolves around creativity. I like the fact that I can wake up in the morning and if I have an idea, I have the ability or the opportunity to bring that idea to life. I love the fact that I get to do that. I never would have imagined that I could do this as a kid. As a kid, one’s life revolves around one’s imaginations and things like this. To now be an adult and be able to still do that and get paid for it is amazing
How prepared are you to penetrate the fiercely competitive Afrobeats space?
I’m not trying to compete. I don’t have anything to compete against. It seems exhausting. I always want to do something because I’m excited by it or because I just want to try it. And it doesn’t mean that I may not get in my head sometimes about it. But my aim isn’t to compete. My aim isn’t to take on anything that anyone else is doing. My aim is to just make something that I like and enjoy it, and I have a feeling someone else might like and enjoy it.
You mentioned that your late uncle was the inspiration behind the track, Jumoke, what would you say to him now about the song’s success?
I’d say he was right.
What next should fans expect from you?
We’re getting ready to drop a music project this New Year, which is going to be fun. I’m really excited about this.
Tell us more about yourself and how your journey into the music industry began?
I started fairly late in the music industry. I didn’t officially get signed until I was 21. And so, I’m still getting used to the fact that it’s the new norm for me. Like I get to be a creative or do music for a living.
Do you think your family background also influenced your career choice?
Yeah, it did. And it still does. I go to my family for everything.
What are some of the challenges faced making music in South London?
I can’t imagine it’s much different to making music in Compton or wherever.
Despite the challenges what keeps you going?
It’s God. I try to keep that consistent relationship with Him. I think prayer, family and friends also. I equally think having a good community is really important, and just wanting to do it. Then again, bills would want to make you keep going!
Do you think that one day you will relocate to Nigeria to do music fully?
I love Nigeria! But my last trip in 2021, I just couldn’t deal with the chaos of Lagos. I used to love Lagos when I was a kid because it was fun, vibrant and adventurous, which it still is. But it’s obviously more chaotic! I would rather spend time in Abuja or Calabar now. I could definitely do longer trips in Naija, but I don’t think I could stay in Lagos much.
Any collaboration in the pipeline?
Yeah, I got a few.
Who are the top three music stars you would love to collaborate with and why?
I’ve got a few but the top three are Little Simz – she’s a bomb, Obongjayar and Olivia Dean.
Who’s your biggest influence in the music industry?
I’m finding it really hard to keep up with everything, but probably Danny Glover, just because I think he’s sick, that he does it all. And yeah, Tyler the Creator. I like the artists that are creatives. I like the artists that are more than just the art.
What else do you do aside music?
Film. I am quite involved in my church and I help a lot with the worship team, and the choir and all of that.
How do you feel about the acclaim and the global dominance that Nigeria’s Afrobeats is enjoying?
I love it. I am always rooting for anyone who is a Nigerian. I think it is innate in us. Whenever one hears that a Nigerian has done something great, we feel proud of the person. It is the patriotism. I am always rooting for us Nigerians. But I am more excited when I see Nigerian artistes doing music genres that are not Afrobeats. Nigerians are always exceptional and dominate in many areas. Outside of Afrobeats, watching Nigerians and other Africans doing well means a lot to me.