Benjamin Samuel, professionally known as BJ Sam, a multifaceted musician renowned for orchestrating global musical collaborations, recently shared insights into his career, passions, and perspectives in an interview. Beyond his musical pursuits, Sam revealed a keen interest in sports, particularly football. He reminisced about his youthful aspirations of becoming a professional goalkeeper, a dream fueled by his prowess on the field. His love for the sport persists, with Arsenal holding a special place in his heart due to their emphasis on teamwork. Amongst sporting heroes, Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha stands out for Sam, captivated by his mesmerizing dribbling skills. Looking towards the future of Nigerian football, Sam expressed admiration for Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade, highlighting her burgeoning leadership qualities and predicting a bright trajectory for her career.
While acknowledging the Super Eagles’ potential, Sam stressed the importance of eradicating political influences and favoritism within Nigerian football to unlock their full capabilities. He emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the World Cup qualifiers to avoid a second consecutive absence from the global stage. Delving into the discourse surrounding gender equality in sports, Sam advocated for performance-based remuneration, irrespective of gender, believing that superior performance should be rewarded accordingly. Addressing Jamie Carragher’s controversial remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Sam characterized them as a deliberate attempt to devalue African talent, warning that such rhetoric could discourage international investment and hinder the growth of African football.
Shifting the focus to his musical endeavors, Sam elaborated on the inspiration behind his groundbreaking project, “Show Some Love.” The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with its far-reaching global implications, served as the catalyst for this initiative. The song, a poignant plea for peace and an end to global conflicts, features a remarkable ensemble of over 23 artists, celebrities, and vocalists spanning all continents. Sam’s vision was to unite the world through music, believing that a collective voice singing in harmony could transcend conflict and foster peace. This audacious undertaking involved liaising with government officials and fellow musicians to assemble this diverse group of talent.
The intricate process of blending diverse cultural and musical elements into a harmonious whole is a testament to Sam’s unique talent. He described his ability to fuse African sounds with contemporary elements, creating a universally appealing musical tapestry. Having collaborated with over 100 musicians throughout his career, Sam reflected on the rewarding aspects of such collaborations. He highlighted the expansion of his musical knowledge, the growth of his fanbase, increased exposure, and the opening of international opportunities as invaluable benefits of these collaborations. Recently invited to join the Grammy Award voting members, Sam acknowledged the recognition of his skills and efforts, emphasizing that while awards are not his primary motivation, they validate his dedication to his craft.
Looking specifically at the “Show Some Love” project, Sam expressed his hope that it will resonate deeply with global audiences, uniting people across borders and inspiring a collective call for peace. He envisions the song becoming an anthem for peace, echoing across the globe. Offering advice to aspiring artists aiming for global collaborations, Sam emphasized the importance of embracing uniqueness as a compelling force that attracts attention and creates opportunities. He urged artists to dare to be different, allowing their distinct voices to resonate globally.
Reflecting on his career highlights, Sam singled out the licensing of his song “Mon Amour” for the Hollywood film “Heart of Fartness,” directed by Lloyd Kaufman, as a particularly memorable moment. The personal request from Kaufman served as a powerful validation of his artistry. Looking ahead, Sam revealed his current engagement in another global music project titled “Don’t Worry Everything Will Be Fine.” His schedule is already filling up with international festival appearances, further solidifying his status as a global musical ambassador. BJ Sam’s journey, characterized by his passion for both sports and music, his commitment to peace, and his dedication to uniting the world through music, continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide. His innovative approach to global collaborations and his unwavering belief in the power of music to transcend borders make him a unique force in the contemporary music landscape. His future projects promise to further amplify his message of peace and unity, leaving a lasting legacy of harmony and understanding.
