Tipped as one of Africa’s brightest new acts, Joeboy carved his way onto the scene through Mr Eazi’s emPawa initiative in November 2018, and he hasn’t looked back since. His talent is evident from his music, but that’s not his only passion. Like so many young artists, Joeboy also has an affinity for football, so we thought it only right to get his match day playlist ahead of what could be an explosive 2020 for the young man.
For those that are unfamiliar with it, emPawa is an investment programme for 30 artists which offers funding, expertise and mentoring. The initial launch in 2018 received over 10,000 entries from 14 countries, and 100 artists were selected and given a non-repayable grant to help towards developing their own campaigns.
With the second round of emPawa underway this year, we sat down with Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, professionally known as Joeboy, who has become something of a symbol of emPawa's success and potential.
“My favourite team is Manchester United,” he explained to us when we asked about where his footballing loyalties lie. “Growing up, I followed the Nigerian football team and I started following Manchester United because of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was a young player doing it all: scoring goals, fashionable and making kids like me believe that you could reach your dreams. The team as a whole had a synergy like no other winning trophies and trashing other teams. Sir Alex Ferguson was also on top of his game with his tactics and match day decisions.” Sentiments shared by many who will have grown up watching the Red Devils dominating through that era."
Cristiano Ronaldo was a young player doing it all: scoring goals, fashionable and making kids like me believe that you could reach your dreams"
But what about his own match day experiences? “Match day is a chill day for me and the gang. If I was going to play a set of songs on my way to a game or during a game, the list below would be the mood for a winning weekend.”
Nicely teed up, Joeboy.
Joeboy – Beginning
The song signifies the beginning of something you love. So before I start to watch my favourite team play, this song will be apt!
Tems – Try Me
Now the match is on and the opposition is trying our defence and they're testing us. But….
Darkoo – Gangsta
Our defence has been tried but my players are gangster and are attacking back, shot for shot.
Mr Eazi – Leg Over
Players always show great skills with the leg over being one of my favourite moves. So when the players are mounting pressure and playing right, this song definitely comes to mind!
Naira Marley – ISSA Goal
Legover after legover and ISSA Goal! The energy in this song is absolutely over the top.
Blaqbones – Shut Up
I love this song because of its braggadocio. Now the team scores and the confidence builds with every pass. And I can tell our rivals to shut up!
Naira Marley – Soapy
Of course you need to celebrate after scoring, this is the perfect celebration song including the dance.
Mojo x Pretty Boy D-O – Chop Life Crew
Chop life crew! Jaiye x 2. Now we are really celebrating every goal after goal.
WizKid – Joro
The team is winning and I'm loving every last bit of it.
Big Trill – Parte after Parte
What do you do after you win? Celebrate big!
You can listen to the full playlist here.
