Israel Olawale, better known as Bims, is a Nigerian musician with a deep-seated passion for sports, particularly football. From his school days, Bims excelled in football and endurance races, consistently earning medals for his athletic prowess. Despite his talent on the field, he never considered pursuing football professionally. Music, nurtured from a young age through choir participation and keyboard lessons, always held a stronger allure. While his father initially envisioned an engineering path for him, Bims’s dedication to music ultimately won out. He honed his musical skills in secondary school, forming his own group and performing at school events. The positive reception and financial rewards he received for his performances solidified his resolve to pursue music as a career.
Bims’s commitment to music deepened upon entering university. Friends, recognizing his talent, provided him with equipment, further fueling his belief in his musical aspirations. While his parents initially dismissed his music as a passing phase, their perception shifted upon witnessing his captivating stage presence and hearing positive feedback from teachers. However, a temporary academic setback due to administrative issues, coupled with the discovery of music equipment in his car, led to a temporary rift with his parents, who struggled to reconcile his musical pursuits with his academic responsibilities. Eventually, recognizing his unwavering dedication, they relented, offering their support as he continued to pursue music after graduation.
A devoted Chelsea fan, Bims’s allegiance stems from the passion and teamwork displayed by the club’s iconic squad featuring players like Drogba, Essien, Lampard, and Cole. He contrasts this era with the current Chelsea team, lamenting the perceived lack of passion, though he maintains unwavering faith in the club’s eventual resurgence. Among his sporting idols, Cristiano Ronaldo stands out for embodying the principle of “anything is possible” through dedication and hard work. If given the opportunity to have lunch with any sports figures, he would choose Ronaldo and Serena Williams, admiring her dominance in women’s tennis.
Turning his attention to the Nigerian national football team, Bims expresses disappointment, drawing parallels to Chelsea’s current struggles. He critiques the team’s apparent lack of passion and cohesive play, attributing their performance to inflated egos rather than a unified team effort. While he acknowledges the potential for Nigeria to overcome the odds and qualify for the World Cup, he also expresses reservations about their ability to compete against a passionate South African team.
Bims identifies his latest EP, “Don Pablo,” as his most significant musical project to date, noting the overwhelmingly positive initial reception. He emphasizes his commitment to continuous growth, ensuring that each new project surpasses the last. While “Amapiano Remix” with Zlatan currently holds the title of his biggest song, he predicts that “Dey Play” will soon catch up. Recalling the collaboration with Zlatan, he describes a serendipitous series of events, from Zlatan posting his earlier song on his Instagram story to eventually requesting the beat for “Amapiano.” He expresses gratitude for his label’s support in shooting the music video, which further propelled the song’s success.
Reflecting on the challenges of being a musician in Nigeria, Bims points to the prevalence of artists gaining fame through financial means rather than talent. He argues that this influx of money distorts the market, making it difficult for truly talented artists to gain recognition. He further criticizes established artists for favoring collaborations with those already on the verge of stardom, neglecting those who focus solely on their music without resorting to financial promotion. Despite these challenges, Bims finds immense joy in performing and connecting with his fans, as well as in the creative process of making new music.
Drawing inspiration from life experiences, Bims’s music reflects both past and present challenges. This deeply personal approach allows him to connect with his audience on a profound level. Looking ahead, he affirms his unwavering support for any future children who express an interest in sports, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to prevent long-term injuries that could hinder their careers. This foresight underscores his own experience in navigating the demanding world of professional pursuits, whether in music or sports, and highlights his commitment to nurturing future generations’ talents responsibly.
