Born and raised in the ghetto of Ajegunle in Lagos, Marc Wilson shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned musician in Germany.
Now a German citizen, Marc’s roots in Nigeria significantly shaped his musical odyssey. In an insightful interview, Marc delves into his early exposure to music, attributing his love for the art to his mother, who was the lead singer of the community women’s wing.
Embracing music from a young age, Marc acknowledges the invaluable gift passed down from his parent’s musical background. His journey into the realm of dance and rhythm started with a local group in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Crafty in their approach, they built drums with transparent nylon around an empty can, created traditional instruments and used makeshift tools like whistles and empty cans. These formative years laid the foundation for Marc’s enduring passion for music.
Despite his early musical inclinations, Marc faced rejection in Nigeria when attempting to launch his career. Labels like EMI, BMG Ariola, Tabansi Records, Polydor and Polygram turned him away. However, it was at Polygram that Marc encountered Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, who suggested a shift towards a more local sound. Taking this advice to heart, he decided to take his musical aspirations abroad.
In 1989, armed with determination and a Business Administration degree from NIESA, Marc set his sights on Germany, marking the second phase of his musical journey. There, he encountered Christian Beitz, a fellow music enthusiast, who provided him with a studio for his first demo. Marriage and fatherhood followed, bringing new dimensions to Marc’s life.
The turning point in Marc’s career occurred in 1993 when he crossed paths with Frank Farian, a renowned producer behind global stars like Boney M and Milli Vanilli. Collaborating on his first song, Jack the City Boy, Marc secured a 10-year contract with Frank Farian. His influence extended to the late Melanie Thornton, leading to the creation of the successful project, LaBouch.
Reflecting on his past, Marc acknowledged the unwavering support of liberal parents and a seamless transition between Nigeria and Germany during his formative years. His standout quality in the music industry is attributed to his captivating stage presence and a genuine desire to entertain his audience. But then, Marc’s journey to Germany was not without its challenges. Initially, his father opposed his move, but circumstances and the allure of exploration eventually led him to his chosen destination. His ability to help friends secure German visas contributed to a smooth transition.
During his career-building phase, Marc found camaraderie among Italians and a few Germans, as the prevalence of black individuals was scarce at the time. His music resonated well in Germany, especially with tracks like Feel My Body and Taste of Love achieving significant sales and chart success.
As Marc Wilson’s single, Bi Ba Bi Le gains traction across Europe, he anticipates continued success. Now a free man in his musical pursuits, Marc promises an evolution in his sound, bringing originality and diverse styles that defy conventions. For him, the future holds the promise of breaking new ground and setting a new musical benchmark.