Music producer and DJ, Bakare Olubunmi Lawrence, popularly known as Karlyterosbeat, has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Akure, Ondo State, to carving a niche for himself in Lagos’ bustling entertainment scene. In this interview with Oluwadamilola Akinduro, he speaks about his background, challenges and journey into the world of beats and rhythms.
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By OluwadamilolaAkinduro
How did your background influence your passion for music?
I grew up in a large polygamous family where music was always present. My dad would play songs on cassettes and CD players both in his car and at home, whether he was going to the farm or just relaxing indoors. My mum also loved singing traditional songs at family parties. Growing up in that environment made me fall in love with music; it had a strong influence on my career path.
What drew you into music production specifically?
Curiosity, really. I’ve always wanted to know how music was created. Even without access to the internet or a studio back then, whenever I listened to a song, I kept telling myself that one day I would learn how it was done.
When did you get your first real opportunity to learn production?
That came in 2013 when my brother, an artiste based in the UK, returned to Nigeria with a full studio setup. I watched him record songs and it sparked something in me. When he was about to go back to the UK, he said one of us must learn how to use the equipment. I was the only one interested, so he taught me the basics that same day before travelling. After that, I had to figure out the rest on my own without internet and without anyone to guide me.
That must have been tough. Did you ever feel like giving up?
Yes, frustration set in at some point. I even got bored with production until I discovered Virtual DJ on the system. It was fun and easier to learn and that’s how my DJ journey started.
How did moving to Lagos change things for you?
Moving to Lagos helped me refocus. I realised that taking production seriously would help me connect with industry players and it worked.
Tell us about your creative process. How do you approach making a beat?
It depends on two things: the type of song an artiste brings and my state of mind. I always make sure my head is clear and free when creating. That way, I don’t end up sounding like anyone else.
What challenges did you face when starting out?
The biggest challenge was the lack of internet access. Back then, there was no easy access to tutorials or knowledge sharing like now. Today, you can be in your room and learn from someone in another country.
Which project stands out as your most memorable?
That would be Walking Dead by Ayox featuring Zlatan, which I produced in 2022. I gave Ayox the beat and he did an amazing job with it. The song was later leaked in 2023, around the time Mohbad passed away and it suddenly went viral across the world.
What’s your take on Afrobeat’s global dominance?
Nigerian producers and DJs have contributed massively to Afrobeat’s global takeover. Afrobeat has created careers, opportunities and international recognition. The future looks even brighter now that the business side of things is being handled at international standards.
Technology seems to play a huge role in today’s music industry. What’s your view on that?
Technology and social media have reshaped everything. Today, you can create from anywhere and still attract global investors. With AI, learning is easier and that’s a huge innovation.
Outside music, what else inspires you?
Business. I look up to people like Kanye West, Dr Dre, Don Jazzy and Pharrell Williams. These men didn’t just make money from music but from business ventures too. That’s the path I want to follow.
Finally, what’s your long-term vision for your career?
I want to become a producer who discovers, builds, promotes and invests in the next generation of Afrobeat and global superstars. That’s the legacy I’m working towards.