HABO: THE JOURNEY, THE MUSIC & WHAT COMES NEXT

Afrobeats singer Habo recently released his official debut single, “Jaiye,” marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his musical journey. Earlier this week, we sat down with Habo for a quick Q&A to get to know the person behind the name, learn more about his journey into music, his influences, creative process, and the experiences that have shaped him so far. We also spoke about the story behind “Jaiye,” its visuals, his journey as a new artist, and finding his place in the evolving Afrobeats scene.

photographed by yaf.inyourface

Who is Habo, and what was growing up like for you?

Habo is an artiste, someone who loves everything that revolves around art itself. Growing up for me was not that hard tbh, i’m from a very religious family, I was taught how to have Faith, love God and that stuck with me for life.

What’s your full name?

My government name is Abdullahi Habeebullahi Olagbolahan (long a** name)

Is it Habosupa, or is “Supa” just for socials?

My stage name is Habo. The Supa is just for my socials which obviously indicates Superstar!

Can you remember the first song you ever recorded?

The first song i ever recorded was “Faaji” I recorded that song when I was 15.

How many songs have you recorded this year? Would you say 10–15, 15–30, or 40+?

I have made about 10-15, this year I’m really taking my time to record, no rush, no pressure.

Who were some of the artists you listened to growing up, and who would you say influenced your sound the most?

Growing up I had access to mobile devices so I listened to the BIG 3 quite a lot and i picked one or two from their success, I don’t have a particular person who influenced my sound because my sound evolves.

What inspires you the most when you’re making music?

People around me inspire me when I’m making music, my life choices inspire me too.

Melodies first or lyrics first?

In this new age, I will pick melodies over lyrics because people don’t even wait to hear your lyrics again they just want you to convince them in split seconds or they skip so I will pick melodies.

What’s the longest it has ever taken you to finish a song?

 *Laughs* This question is nice, the longest it took me was 1 year plus, trust me I wasn’t lazy, I just forgot about the song then I got tapped in to it again I realized I wasn’t done with it.

Who’s your favourite producer you’ve worked with so far, and what makes working with them special?

Permit me to mention two names, my favorite producers to work with are Osebeatss and Sammymadethis, they really give me whatever I expect from a record, shout out to them.

If you had to describe your sound to someone hearing Habo for the first time, how would you describe it?

I will say varieties, you don’t know what to expect.

How did “Jaiye” come about? Take us through the story behind the record.

Jaiye (my baby) I wrote Jaiye December 2025, that was the last song I wrote in 2025, We had a detty December that was proper and I just happened to hear the beat and I made this beautiful record.

What has the reception to “Jaiye” been like since its release?

Mehn love love love love, beautiful reception.

You worked with director Mailey on the “Jaiye” visuals, right? What was that experience like?

Mailey, that’s my Day 1 right there,working with my Mailey is a beautiful experience because it’s not just professional all through, we were good friends before we even started our careers professionally, he is someone with a proper vision and I just had to let him do his thing and I know we can see it, proper visuals.

Has there been a moment this year when you seriously thought about quitting music?

Nah, never in my life thought about quitting, this is literally the best thing I can do with my life so it’s a do or die affair.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since deciding to pursue music professionally?

Music is Spiritual, don’t play with it, connect to it and you will see how beautiful it can be.

In your opinion, what does it really mean to be an artiste?

An artiste is an act who either composes a song from the scratch or knows how to deliver a written song, someone who understands what it takes to create and can create something from where there is nothing is an artist/artiste.

What’s one principle you’ve always lived by, both in life and in your career?

Always show up and like Nike JUST DO IT (the good things obviously)

What songs are currently on your rotation?

Jaiye by Habo of course *Laughs* also I have ‘Sugarcane’ by Oladapo, ‘Typo’ by Victony & attention! by FOLA. I listen to these songs everyday mehn, beautiful records

Finally, what’s next for Habo? Should we be expecting a body of work before the end of the year?

Hmmm I have a Bomba after Jaiye, crazy record, after that record I think I’m done dropping for this year, but Next year a body of work is coming and like Ola of Lagos will say (You will love it).

Wagwan everyone, I’m Habo and you guys should have a good time, LOVE YOU!