Major AJ, self-proclaimed militia of melodies, is brimming with a vibrant sound. His African Pop iterations have made him a buzzing voice across the Afrobeats new school, since his 2022 debut opus, Retroverse. The five track extended play showcased Major AJ’s musical strengths, especially his melodic range and songwriting.
Back with his just-released sophomore tape, Bad Boy Major, Major AJ, born Boluwatife Ajogwu, expands his limits with his sonic focus, shifting direction from afrocentric fusions to more percussive-driven and simpler-to-recall melodies. The seven-tracker extended playlist, with a guest feature from Young Jonn on “Kere”, flows as a feel-good project. It’s more melodic than his previous work, but also with relatable themes like anti-abuse advocacy in “Consent”, and the ghetto gospel of “Omo Ologo”.
He tells Net NG about the inspiration behind the project, “I feel like the Bad Boy Major project is just about my journey so far as an artist, from my first project, Retroverse, which dropped two years ago. There’s been ups and downs. There’s been a lot of things I’ve got to learn as an artist. I’ve gotten more confident in how I sound, and I’ve gotten more aware of myself.
“So, this project just tells it all and it touches different topics, from my issues with women and love, to family, to parties and that lifestyle. It touches on gratitude. So, it’s just about where I am mentally right now as an artist. It’s all about self belief, and self confidence.”
Major AJ’s evolution began way before he took up the moniker to tribute his late father who was a major in Nigeria’s army; it began from his early childhood in Niger State, further North of the country.
“So, I actually grew up in Kainji, in Niger State. There were little to no resources to do music – no studios, nothing! I had always gone with my mum and aunt to choir practice in Church. I started getting fascinated by musical instruments. I learned how to play the drums and Piano. I started singing in Church actually. I started singing in Church actually. As time went by, I realised that it was what I loved.
“As a kid, music was fun. I had friends who were dedicated to playing football and running around the school. For me, it was music. When I came to school, I was thinking about writing lyrics of people’s songs and memorising lyrics. So, everything started as a freestyle. Myself and my friend used to rap and do freestyles.
“The first song I ever recorded in my life cost N3000 for the recording session. I had to save for it for like six months. I used to get a N50 allowance to school, daily, then. So, I tried to save N20 then, daily. The song was a cover to Djinee’s Over Killin It. It was the first song I did in the studio.”
After posting his music covers on social media, he found favour in Chocolate City Music who signed him in 2022. Honing his sound from an eclectic mix of influences ranging from Ebenezer Obey to Westlife and Fela Kuti, Major AJ has become a playlist favourite among Afrobeats new school.
On his versatile creative approach, he tells Net NG that his style stems from his sense of euphemism that colours his records as feel-good and groovy.
“Most times, when I’m creating a project, I don’t even intend to sound a particular way. I usually just create music with the way I am feeling. But you can see the difference in vocal textures. I’m doing a lot of pop fusion including Fuji, and I’m here to party. I think my strength as an artist is my versatility. I always like to try new things. I always like to infuse new elements. I always like to just dabble a little.
“On this project, I was concentrating more on myself, in terms of the writing. I’m focused more on what I’m saying, but you can still see me dabble and mix up a little bit of different styles.”
He tells us that he’s finally set to embark on making his debut album, a journey he believes “can literally give your whole career such a strong impact on your legacy.”
His vision remains fueled by the desire for success, with his focus hovering solely on making music that feels like him.
“I don’t want to be an artist that you interview right now but will never hear about again. I want to be the artist that you are seeing sell out stadiums. I’m doing what I love every day, and I just want to be the best I can be.”
