‘Doro bucci’ means the perfect gentleman

Can we meet you?

My name is Korede Bello, I am a musician, an entertainer a humanitarian, an advocate for peace, a patriot and I am a fun loving person.

How was growing up like?

Growing up was fun for me, so it was a blend of different generations. I began to learn things so quickly and it was like an adventure for me musically and even as a young person going through life. I was opportuned to learn from people around me and I was exposed to foreign music and local music like Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Michael Jackson. Everything was diffused into me and it made me who I am today. The kind of exposure I have in music, I owe it to my days of growing up.

Give us an insight of your educational background?

I attended various schools because we moved around alot. I attended doctor Soyemi nur/pry school, then moved to Tai Solarin, all in Festac then graduated from childs foundation. I also attended Obey College in Mazamaza and Cabil College in Festac and presently schooling at the Nigerian Institute Of Journalism Ogba.

When you started your music career, what was the reaction of your parents?

Well, I can say my parents are one of the best in the world because they were very encouraging; they love to see me happy especially when its something I have a passion for. They have always supported me because right from my primary school I have always had this thing for music, rhythm and art. They dress me up and bought me stuffs so that I can participate in social activities in school and they were there to give me support when I needed it. They were always very proud of me anytime I won prizes for my school, the only issue is staying out late.

How did you meet Don Jazzy?

Like I always say, its God that brought me to Don Jazzy, the truth is that a friend of Don Jazzy heard my song and he was very impressed and he suggested to Don Jazzy to listen to my song which he did. The first song he listened to was ‘Forever’ and he so much loved the song that when he invited I and my manager, he sang the  song word for word from the beginning till the end. We got into the studio, recorded some songs and that was it.

When did Mavins record sign you, and when will your contract with them be terminated?

I won’t like to discuss the terms of my contract, but i will be  in Mavins for a long time. A favourable period of time for both parties. I am happy i’m with Mavins.

How do you feel working with stars like Tiwa Savage, Dr. Seed and the rest?

Its one thing to watch stars on TV, it’s one thing to be in the studio working with them, and its one thing to know them for the person they are. It feels awesome because, it exposes me to alot more than I thought it would be because the industry is not as it seems, its not what we see on TV that really is. Working with them has been a learning field for me, its an academic world on its own, all I can say is that they are really wonderful people and behind the People you see on TV, they are extremely humble and loving People. Don Jazzy for instance is an extremely humble person I have ever met as a superstar, Tiwa Savage is one of the most loving sisters I could ever have, Dr. Seed is the best elder brother one could have Ricardo is my guy and Prince is that Doro guy. The family is a very strong unit and its a big learning field for me. I feel great working with each and everyone of them because they all have their impacts in Korede Bello brand.

What kind of a boss is Don Jazzy?

Jazzi is a Doro boss. He is the Doro bucci. Working with Jazzy is one of the most awesome experiences I could ever have as an Artiste. Few years ago if I had ever dreamt that I will be working with Jazzi in the studio, I would say its a big lie even if someone told me, I will never believe such a person. But here I am working with Don Jazzy himself and you have no idea how the aura, the atmosphere and the musical session with Don Jazzy is. Its like a gift, its beyond music, sometimes we could just be in the studio and along the line crack some jokes and an idea can just comes up and immediately we get in the studio and just cook up some beats and we are on a mega super star hit. Working with Don Jazzi is one of the best experiences that can happen to an artiste because personally I am learning so many things from him he always advices me to be careful, he is like my big brother, he is like my daddy, my official daddy.

The song doro bucci, what is the song all about?

Doro bucci is a result of one of the spontaneous moments with Jazzy, it came as a result of we trying to know who that perfect guy is, how can someone be without fault and we just came up with the word ‘Doro bucci’ thats how it came out and we never knew people would really enjoy the song. We were just trying to do something humorious and as well pass a message and everybody individually came up with their own verses to represent their own version of perfection. lf you listen to my version I said doro mega, doro super, doro star, doro mega super star. So your individual perception of what perfection is or what an expert is thats what doro bucci is all about.

Your version in the song doro mega super star, how did you come up with something like that?

Like I said earlier, its favour, grace, its God that gives the inspiration. Like I said before doro bucci means perfection, an expert, so my individual representation of what perfection is or what I want to be in the future, a perfect Korede Bello brand is a Mega Super Star. I am a Mega Super Star thats what I believe in, thats my doro bucci dream. If you listen to Don Jazzi’s verse, doro jazzi, doro boss, doro money and also Tiwa Savage’s verse doro nado, doro hot, doro fine and Prince is doro baller, doro gallant, doro money spender, and Ricardo is doro flashy, and it goes on like that .

You are now a mega super star with your verse in the song doro bucci, when are you going to release your own songs?

Well my first single as a mavin Artiste is already out, its called ‘African Princess’ and working on a visual for it and very soon the visuals for doro bucci will be out and should be backed up with a new single from me which is the doro song. African Princess is been aired on various major radio station and other social media sites and its been heard beyond the shores of Nigeria.

How have you been able to combine Education with your music career?

To be honest i never thought it would be this challenging because one of the reasons why my parents supported my music career is because I am good academically. My education and music are things I have passion for and I can’t take one over the other because I love education, I love educated people and I also have passion for music, music drives me. The truth is you can never serve two masters at the same time, I cant get the best of both but I have been greatful to God for my understanding and I have been working twice as hard as an Artiste and as a student as well so I make sure I dont lack behind in any area of it, when I have to be in school I make sure I am in school. Most times we do night recording and in the morning I find my way to school and rest later in the day. It makes me feel I’m doing something worthwhile thats going to pay off in the future. 

How have you been able to cope with the fame?

Like I said, I see myself as the doro mega super star but realistically behind that mega super star I see myself as the same Korede Bello of yesterday, I dont see myself as different from every other person I try as much as possible to remain humble. When people see me they say is that not Korede Bello? They expect me to be flamboyant and extravagant in my dealings but I like to be simple, I like to be a mega super star, I like the feeling of it and I also like fame and I also want to be humble about it as well. It makes me feel like I have something that other people are wishing to have and the only thing I can do is  not to be pompous about it but just to be greatful. My fear is not to be carried away by the stardom so its something I’m really working on. I pray everyday to remain sane when the mega super stardom comes.

What advice do you have for upcoming Artiste who are craving to make it to the top?

 One of the cliche things upcoming Artiste hear is when its your time, its your time and your time will come and trust me it’s a hundred percent true when it is your time, it is your time. Many of us make this mistake of trying to fast track this time frame and we end up missing it but if you are actually  patient with God your time will eventually come just keep doing what you are doing and dont add any extra thing. Most of the time its beyond your capabilities just put your trust in God.

Can you describe yourself?

Korede Bello is fun loving, youthful, socially responsible #laughs#. Korede Bello is that person that parents wants to allow taking their daughters out for a date. And also that guy that parents wants their kids to be like. Korede Bello is a humble dude, a funny person and I love my fans.

Apart from the Mavins Crew which othert Artiste will you like to feature in your songs?

I have always wanted to do something with TuFace Idibia, Asa. It’s not easy to please the Nigerian audience but I will like to work with any known or unknown Artiste as far as you do a great music.

What would you like to say to your fans out there?

I thank you very much, I really do appreciate all my fans, they actually call themselves ‘Bellovers’ and I feel really honoured. All I can say is that I will do my best not to dissapoint you, not that it’s in my power but I promise to always remain grounded and give you the very best of Korede Bello. So I love you Bellovers thank you very much.

What other awards have you won so far?

I won Meljenstin youth ambassador. I was also Nominated as Next Rated Music Artiste Peak Awards 2011, I won the Most Promising Young Act Toks Entertainment Awards 2011. I Won the Indigeneous & Revelation of the Year. Two Awards, Tush All Youth Awards 2011, the Most Wanted Artiste, Hype Award 2012.I also won the R ‘N’ B SINGLE (Male) Yem Awards 2012. the won the Young Promoter of Cultural Heritage and the Gong Africa News

Magazine 2012.

I was Nominated for Six Categories at Top Naija Music Awards 2012 and

Won Four which are BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA. BEST SONG WITH A MESSAGE (I Love Naija), MOST PROMISING ARTISTE and the AFRO POP ARTISTE OF THE YEAR.

I was given the Meritorious Award 2013 Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria.