Stepping into the limelight like the gem that her name alludes to is the rising singer, Bagetti. The Lagos-based artist is the first-ever woman signed to Jonzing World, the Nigerian record label that ushered Rema and Ruger into Afrobeats stardom. The release of her debut single “Hard Girl” earlier this month announced her as the newest face of the star-making imprint and gave us a taste of what’s to come. With a seasoned veteran label in her corner, her debut EP New Dawn, which just hit streaming platforms, is a sturdy Afropop jukebox complete with breakup anthems and self-affirmations.
In conversation with iMullar, Bagetti holds nothing back, talking Jonzing World, life-changing DMs, and how she’s planning to take over.
The following Q&A has been slightly edited for length and clarity.
What inspired your stage name?
I actually got the name from the baguette diamond cut. It was inspired by my type of sound. I feel like I’m a gem and it’s not every day you get to hear the kind of fusion of sounds that I bring. Bagetti is the very best name to fit me, my brand and what I stand for.
When did you realise your love for music?
I realised at a really young age. I got the love of music from my dad. He loves music so much, the house is never quiet. It’s either Dolly Parton or a Michael Jackson song playing in the background. He was a director in the church choir. I was part of the youth choir, but growing up, I was even more into dance than music. I was in a dance crew up until university. I found my love for music while in university.
Being Jonzing World’s first female signee, who are some women in the Nigerian music industry who’ve inspired you?
I would say Onyeka Onwenu. She was singing when things were not so great in Nigeria. I would say she was the female Fela Kuti in terms of the messages in her music. Her song “One Love” was a really good song growing up, a song that united people.
The Nigerian music scene is a very male-dominated space. How does it feel to be the new face of such a well-regarded and all-male label?
It’s an achievement. It was actually a prayer answered. I was scouting, I wanted to actually be the first female artist in any label. It was what I wanted. I don’t feel it’s male-dominated because – yeah, there are a lot more men – but women in the industry are not joking. They’ve been killing it for a long time. Every generation always opens more doors for the next. I’m just happy that I get to be a part of that legacy.
“Hard Girl” was your introduction to the world. Tell us about that song.
That song is my song. I’m glad that people are resonating with it and loving it, but I made that song primarily for me.
It’s a little wild. I have never had my heart broken before so it’s a letter to the future me. For someone that believes in karma, I made this song so that whenever it catches up to me I have something to console myself with.
Let’s talk your debut EP New Dawn.
It all connects: the name of the EP, my name, my brand, the kind of songs I make. Growing up, with my dad’s influence, I was exposed to a wide range of music and genres. From jazz to country, Juju to pop, there were no restrictions. The mixture of everything gave me something new, something really fresh. Something you have not heard before and I pride myself on that. Generic is not a word I want to be associated with. New Dawn is exactly what it means. It means you are all in for a new sound and a new message.
What was it like recording this project?
It was eye-opening. I had to reach deep into myself and I found things that I didn’t know existed. It was tough, but I was happy at the end. I got more than what I expected. The making of the song “Dawn” was just epic, because I can tell you for a fact that song wrote itself. It was after that song that I knew I’d made magic. It was an awesome experience.
What was it like to get that call from Jonzing World and D’Prince?
I didn’t get a direct call. It was actually my producer, Wizad, that reached out to D’Prince and he texted back. It was a DM. D’Prince found me on my producer’s page and was like, “Who’s this girl?” Next thing, my producer called me. I thought he was joking until he sent me proof. I was ecstatic. I even got to the office before mv producer. From there, it was time. It was just time. I’m grateful to God for the opportunity. I’m really happy especially with D’Prince because there are cases of labels trying to shape you into something else but I am a lucky girl. I am truly blessed because D’Prince believes in me and everything I stand for. It has been a great journey so far.
How have you adjusted to being in a label?
It’s been eye-opening because D’Prince is actually a genius mind. I learn every day. No day goes by where I’m not learning something. It’s just like being in school. I’m a lucky girl to be here. Challenges have come but I’m a better person.
Are there any Jonzing World artists you’re planning to collaborate with?
I’m putting me out first. Collaborations are definitely gonna come. But you’re gonna have to wait for that.
What comes next?
The goal, venturing into this journey, is to go deeper than the surface with my audience. Aside from the catchy melodies and lyrics, my fans are in for a treat. I like to be unpredictable. I feel like that’s what life is truly about. You can define yourself as something today and tomorrow you might not be the same person. I want to stay conscious of that. Don’t try boxing yourself and your audience in. Live life to the fullest and take everything it has to offer.
