In Nigeria’s vibrant music industry, instrumentalists play a crucial role in shaping sound and style, yet they often remain unsung heroes. In this exclusive interview with ACJ, an accomplished guitarist, Benjamin Mobolade popularly known as ‘Ben Santos’ shares his journey from drumming in a church choir to mastering the guitar, drawing inspiration from global and Nigerian legends. He discusses the impact of the Nigerian music scene on his playing style, the challenges of being a guitarist in Nigeria, and his vision for the future of guitar music.

Background and Inspiration

Q: Can you share your journey into music? What inspired you to pick up the guitar?

My musical journey began at around age eight when I joined my church choir. My mother was the choir mistress, and I would follow her to rehearsals, where I started playing the clef.

With time, I progressed to playing the samba, bass drums, and eventually the Akuba drum, which was the lead percussion instrument in my church.

During my primary school years, I met a friend, Tayo (popularly known as TYP), who transformed my musical understanding.

He introduced me to the drum set, and by the time I got into secondary school, I was already playing the foreign drum.

I eventually became the official drummer for my church back then in Minna.

My transition to the guitar was driven by passion. My church had a guitar, but no one played it, as many who attempted to learn eventually gave up.

However, I was deeply inspired by a senior friend, Mr. Wale Omoniyi aka ‘Hellshalldie’.

His tone and technique fascinated me, so I picked up the guitar during my pre-degree program at FUT Minna in 2006.

Q: Were there specific Nigerian or international guitarists who influenced your style?

Yes, my style was heavily influenced by legendary guitarist Agboola Shadare, as well as international greats like George Benson, Joe Pass, and Norman Brown.

Q: How has the Nigerian music scene shaped your approach to guitar playing?

The foundation of my music career is rooted in Nigerian styles, especially the percussive guitar techniques commonly used in the Southwest.

This influence has helped me carve out a unique playing style.

Musical Style and Technique

Q: How would you describe your guitar style?

My playing style is a fusion of multiple influences, blending different techniques and genres to create a distinct sound.

Q: Do you focus on a specific genre, or do you experiment with different styles?

I experiment across various genres. I study and play different styles as long as they contribute to my growth as a musician.

Q: How do you incorporate African rhythms and melodies into your guitar playing?

African rhythms and melodies enhance my playing style by giving it a unique identity. They allow me to create a sound that stands out while maintaining a rich cultural feel.

Q: What techniques or practices do you use to improve your skills?

I follow a structured practice routine, focusing on the fundamentals—arpeggios, chords, and timing. Consistent practice is key.

Experience and Achievements

Q: What are some of your most memorable performances as a guitarist?

I’ve had several remarkable performances, including the ‘All Africa Petroleum Dinner and Awards Night’ at the Presidential Villa and performances at ‘Transcorp Hilton’ alongside legends like Mama B, Baba Fela, and Sammy More International.

Q: Have you collaborated with any notable Nigerian artists or bands?

While I haven’t officially collaborated with any major Nigerian artists, I have shared the stage with big names like 2Baba, Johnny Drille, Praiz, and Pasuma.

Q: Are there specific projects or achievements you’re particularly proud of?

I’m proud of my six-track project released a few years ago, as well as my contributions to Sammy More’s latest album, which dropped last August.

There are also many other projects I’ve worked on that I may not even remember at the moment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Q: What challenges have you faced as a guitarist in Nigeria?

My biggest challenge is access to professional equipment.

Quality gear is expensive due to the rising dollar exchange rate, and mobility is another issue—transporting equipment to different locations can be a logistical nightmare.

Q: How do you see the role of guitarists in the Nigerian music industry evolving?

Guitarists are integral to Nigerian music. From traditional to contemporary styles, guitars have shaped many genres, particularly Afro-pop.

The increasing involvement of guitarists has given Afro-pop a more authentic and globally appealing sound.

Q: Do you believe the industry provides enough support for instrumentalists like yourself?

The industry has improved significantly over the years, with instrumentalists enjoying better recognition and rewards than two decades ago.

However, more needs to be done, especially in terms of structured support.

The government should also recognize instrumentalists as professionals and create opportunities for them.

Creative Process and Equipment

Q: What’s your creative process when composing guitar parts for a song?

My approach depends on the song itself—its progression, melody, and overall mood. These elements determine the kind of guitar arrangement I create.

Q: Can you tell us about the gear you use and why you chose them?

Currently, I use a Boss GT-10 effects pedal. I own three guitars: a Fender Telecaster, an Epiphone Les Paul, and a Yamaha Stratocaster.

However, I’m trusting God for even better gear this year.

Q: How do you maintain and take care of your instruments?
Maintenance is crucial. After every gig, I clean my guitar and strings to prevent rusting. For electronic equipment like pedals, I ensure protection from power surges.

Proper maintenance is expensive but necessary to avoid frequent replacements.

Advice and Vision

Q: What advice would you give to upcoming guitarists in Nigeria?

Stay focused, aim for international excellence, be creative, and dedicate ample time to practice.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of guitar music in Nigeria?

I want to elevate the status of guitarists in Nigeria so that they are valued and respected.

Guitarists contribute significantly to music, and their intellectual property should be recognized and celebrated.

Q: Are there any projects you’re currently working on or planning to release soon?

Yes, I have several projects in the works. This year, I plan to release a few singles and possibly an album.

Fun and Personal Touch

Q: If you could perform with any Nigerian or international artist, who would it be and why?

For jazz and contemporary music, I’d love to perform with George Benson, Joe Pass, Gerald Albright, Mike Aremu, and Agboola Shadare.

In the Afro-pop space, Wizkid is my top choice—his musicianship, creativity, and compositions are inspiring.

Q: What’s one unique thing about your guitar playing that sets you apart from others?

People who have followed my playing over the years can best answer this, but one thing I know is that I’m unpredictable.

I always strive to blend Western techniques into my sound and avoid sounding repetitive.

Q: How do you balance being a guitarist with other aspects of your life?

It hasn’t been easy. Music is demanding, just like my discipline—Computer Science, which I studied.

Balancing both requires significant effort, but God has been faithful.

However, if one wants to pursue music professionally, it’s best not to combine it with another career.

Thank you for your time!

Thank you for having me.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise TV program, Engr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director of the PCNGI initiative, highlighted the significant strides made in adopting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more reliable energy source.

Since its inception six months ago, the initiative has achieved remarkable milestones, including:

Conversion Centers: An increase from 7 to 123 centers, significantly boosting the capacity for vehicle conversions to CNG.
Dispensing Stations: A surge in stations capable of serving multiple vehicles, rising from fewer than 12 to over 100 currently under development, with 35 launched in the last two months alone.
Mother Stations: Expansion from 23 to 30 stations, with an additional 18 under development by NNPCL and its partners.
Engr Oluwagbemi attributed the success to the inherent benefits of natural gas, which is cheaper, cleaner, safer, and more reliable than crude oil. He also acknowledged the critical support from the government, particularly the allocation of 100 billion naira from the palliative fund through the Ministry of Finance.

In terms of resources, the initiative has ordered over 5,000 vehicles and 500 tricycles and buses, with deployments starting next week. Additionally, 21,000 conversion kits are readily available. Collaborative efforts between state and federal governments are underway to launch similar programs in Abia, Enugu, Rivers, and Minna. Notably, the governor of Minna has already acquired 200 CNG buses to kickstart their program.

Engr Oluwagbemi also discussed the broader vision of the PCNGI initiative. Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, the initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil, fostering a more sustainable and resilient energy future. By championing natural gas, Nigeria positions itself as a leader in energy innovation within West Africa.

Looking ahead, the initiative plans to expand its outreach and infrastructure further. Upcoming phases will include the development of additional conversion and dispensing centers, increasing the availability of CNG across the country. Public awareness campaigns will also be intensified to educate citizens on the benefits of transitioning to CNG.

An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has tragically died in what appears to be a case of suicide at his residence in Abuja, according to reports from PRNigeria.

The deceased, a member of Course 5 at the EFCC academy, was known for his dedication and productivity within the anti-graft agency. Despite being described as hardworking and well-organized, he had reportedly been battling depression and personal challenges leading up to his untimely death.

Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, confirmed the incident and stated that the agency would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC is committed to providing support to the deceased’s family during this difficult time.

“Various factors, including mental health issues and personal challenges, will be carefully examined as part of our investigation,” Oyewale stated. He assured that the identity of the officer would not be disclosed until the investigation concludes and proper notifications are made to the family.

The incident has sparked discussions about mental health support within law enforcement agencies and underscores the importance of addressing psychological well-being among personnel.

“Our priority now is to understand what led to this tragic event and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Oyewale concluded.