Ayodele Basil, artistically known as Del B is a renowned music producer, singer and songwriter with decades of experience, plethora of hits and remarkable impact across the African Music industry. Growing up in a strong musical family dating back four generations with a guitarist father, Del B started playing the Bass Guitar at an early age of 11 and proceeded to master the Piano and play the acoustic Guitar. His passion for storytelling through musical composition, crystal-clear vocals and sound engineering led to the pursuit of a career in singing, songwriting and music production. His parents have each played an influential part in shaping his career in musicology. “My siblings and I were choristers and instrumentalists in the church choir where my father who played the electric guitar was the choir leader. While I played the bass guitar, my brothers played the piano and drums, my sisters created heaven on earth with their melodic, harmonious voices, and when we all worked together in unison, it is the most beautiful sound of music you can ever imagine. It was always a delight to listen to those angelic voices in tandem with the strings of the electric guitar either during our daily morning devotions, or rehearsals in church or at home as my father would from time to time hold rehearsals at home. These were the highlights of my childhood memories” Del B said as he reflected on the good old days. His love for the bass guitar earned him the nickname “Bass” and the post of the choir director in his high school. He proceeded to become the choir leader in his youth fellowship while hands-on with the main church choir before relocating to Lagos between 1999 and 2000. “My mother was my number one supported who always encouraged me to practice playing my guitar and musical instruments, reminding me that the sky is my only limit” Following the passing of his beloved mother in 2001, Del B was determined more than ever to make her proud.
By 2002, Del B already had a few recordings credited to him as Producer. He proceeded to hone his skill at MidiCorp Studios in 2004, understudied ace Producer/singer-songwriter “Paul Play Dairo” under Playground Entertainment as sound engineer in 2005, and by 2006 he was engaged as the recording/mixing engineer for the defunct (then budding) Mo’ Hits Record label where he worked on the smash hit “Why me” by D’Banj, and Mo’ Hits “All Stars Cv” album. As resident Producer/Engineer signed to Soul Muzik (now Live Spot Ent.) in 2009, Del B made impactful contribution to the sophisticated “Double Dare” (Rhythm & Beat) Album by Darey Art Alade, as well as other successful projects under the umbrella of Soul Muzik.
Focused on his ambition to push the creative boundaries of African Music, by 2012 he had worked and collaborated on streams of successful projects with various record labels and independent artists delivering hit tracks including “Shake” and “Sweet Tomatoes” by Flavour, “Limpopo” and “Pull Over” by Kcee, “Ayo” by Wizkid. His groundbreaking back-to-back hits certified his creative prowess and secured various award nominations including nomination for “Best Producer of the Year” -Headies Awards (2013), nomination and win for same category at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, Houston, USA (2014).
These celebrated hits were merely basis to the revelations of his musical genius as performing artists, songwriter and producer. He has since ingrained his imprint across the African music scene producing hits for Wizkid, Runtown, Mr Eazi, Seyishay, Orezi, Harrysong, Flavour, Mafikizolo, DJ Neptune, DJ Spinall, Ishmael, Seyi Shay, Runtown, Lauryn Hill, Maphorisa, Popcaan, Sho Madjozi and many others. Notable hits include but not limited to “Mad Over You” by Runtown, “Tilapia” by Mr Eazi, “Gbese” by Wizkid & Trey Songz, “Like” by Reekado Banks and Tiwa Savage, and many more.
Following the feedback from putting out experimental singles and sound packs across various platforms including Splice, he debuted his first EP “Afrodisiac” a mix-tape, showcasing his sonic diversity and ability to vocally entertain solo records and collaborations with other talents. Afrodisiac which was released in March 2019 brandished singles like “Tattoo” featuring Davido & Mr Eazi, “Consider” featuring WizKid & Flavour and the socially conscious single “Penetrate” featuring Patoranking & DJ Neptune released in October 2019.
Gearing for the release of his second EP titled “Del BEAST” Written and produced by him in collaboration with several artists including Hotkid, Camidoh, Skiibi, Reekado Banks and more, the Del BEAST! EP provides further validation to creative prowess of a sound genius with the innovative artistry to stand the complexities of the ever-changing musical landscape. “The most fascinating part of my journey is that music has evolved from childhood days. My inspiration runs wild across different elements and factors, thus enhancing my growth as a creative”
Del B continues to show his collaborative streak as an Artist through his latest EP “Del BEAST!’ which expresses arrays of emotions from both direct and indirect life experiences.
