Singer Joeboy has explained how a cover of Ed Sheeran’s song led to his discovery by Mr Eazi and helped launch his music career.
In an interview with CNN, Joeboy said he began his journey without industry contacts and used social media to gain attention.
“We didn’t have any access to the industry. We believed the best way for us to be seen or heard was to do covers of popular songs,” he said.
One of the covers he posted on Instagram was Sheeran’s hit ‘Shape of You’. The video quickly went viral.
“It went viral… and a friend of mine tried to send the video to a bunch of established artists. Mr Eazi was one of them and that’s how we started talking,” Joeboy explained.
He said the viral moment transformed his career. “I got signed to Mr Eazi through social media,” he added.
Reflecting on Sheeran’s song, he said: “I thank God for Ed Sheeran for making that song. Who would have known?”
Joeboy also warned artists against chasing sudden fame online. “Virality is not something you should chase,” he said.
Mr Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade, is a singer and founder of emPawa Africa, a platform that supports emerging African artistes.
Joeboy started his career in 2017 after the viral cover and released tracks like ‘Baby’ and ‘Beginning’ under emPawa Africa. He has since launched his own label, Young Legend, in partnership with Warner Music Africa.
