Fast rising singer, Akingbenga Akinyemi, popularly known as King Cap Bee, tells Saturday Beats about his career
What does your stage name mean?
My stage name King Cap Bee was formerly Cap B. The ‘Cap’ in Cap B is a motivational acronym I created for myself. It means Comfort Abstains Progress. It is a self reminder to always push forward and never to get complacent in comfort. The ‘B’ was given to me in school. When I studied abroad, my fellow classmates in America couldn’t pronounce the ‘Gb’ in Gbenga and turned it into ‘B’ calling me ‘Benga.’
How would you describe your genre of music?
I would describe my sound as an eclectic and versatile mixture of afrobeats and afropop with some influence of hip-hop and R‘n’B.
Why did you choose to do music?
Since I was young, music had always been a part of me. Music has always been something that came easily to me. I believe I am an embodiment of music.
Why do you need a fan base here since you already have one abroad?
This is my home. This is where I was born and this is where it all began for me. I got arrested by music in Nigeria, so I feel it is only natural that I will build a fan base here.
Do you think you have what it takes to compete in the industry?
By the grace of God, I am certain I do.
What makes you different from other up-and-coming musicians?
I don’t consider myself an up and coming artiste because I already have a fan base in Nigeria and abroad. They have not let me rest since I have been on my most recent hiatus. What makes me different is my unique style and the fact that I am not trying to copy anybody.
Did the negative perception people have about Nigerians abroad affect you?
Not necessarily because people outside Nigeria fall in love with the music before realising or considering your nationality. Music is a feeling, so most times people hear a song and relate to it without knowing what the singer looks like or what his background is.
Have you had any negative feedback because of your race?
No, not at all. I didn’t think about stigmatisation. Most individuals who go against the norm by choosing to follow their dreams typically don’t think of such. My passion, focus dedication, ambition and motivation keep me grounded.
Has there been any time you felt like quitting music?
Yes a few times; but every time I chose to quit I felt unfulfilled. I felt a huge void in my life. At the time, I had a very bad management and was frustrated with the process.
How did your parents react to your music career?
My mother fully supported me because she knew the passion had always been in me. She knew I would be successful in whatever I chose to do because I have the drive. Her only criterion was that I must complete my studies and I did that. I graduated with a Computer Science and International Business degree and was recently working as an unfulfilled EMR Information Technology Analyst in New York.
How did you combine work and music?
For a while, I was unable to combine both. I still feel I can’t combine both. I am an individual who likes to put my all into whatever I choose to do, so when I was working, the music was starving and vice versa, hence my brief hiatus from music. Luckily for me, I was a contractor, so I worked at will. Since I have relocated to Nigeria, I have kissed the nine to five life goodbye. I have. fully relocated to Nigeria since last year.
What are the down sides to being a celebrity?
I really don’t like the fact that you can’t do everyday things like other people. Also if you’re having a bad day, your fans don’t want to know. They always expect the best from you.
How do you cope with female fans?
I cope well with them. I think the female fans are the most important aspect of my success. Females run the world and anywhere the females go, the males follow. They have always loved me even before the music.
Having been based abroad, how were you able to build a fan base in Nigeria?
I had been shuttling between Nigeria and my base abroad since 2011 and releasing singles and videos that circulated. I have songs like ‘Workaholic’ with YQ, ‘She like it’ featuring AyoJay among others and they enjoy massive airplay both on the television and radio.
What is the craziest thing a female fan has done to you?
I had a performance with P-Square in New York and a female fan jumped on stage and grabbed me while performing. I proceeded to perform with her on my back till the security came and removed her. It was funny and she was grabbing all parts of my body even my manhood.
Are you in a relationship?
No I am not. I am currently single and ready to mingle.
What happened between you and your ex-girlfriend?
Things just didn’t work out.
When it comes to women, what is your preference?
Black and beautiful.
