I met Josh at a writing camp by Rekodi Music Publishing, at Abbey Road Studios in London last year (2023). I had already worked the first studio room with producer duo “The Fanatix” who have quite a few great achievements under their belts, and had been rotated to the second.
ATG a grammy nominated music producer introduced himself and then said that he would throw some beats on the speakers, and we could say what we liked. I was sucked in by the first and immediately headed to the booth. Josh was the third artist to touch on the song and I remember the room just going CRAZY on his verse. We looked at each other while he recorded, covered our mouths and even jumped out of our chairs in reaction, all while trying not to shriek because the vibe was mad! We replayed it so many times. It occurred to me that I was new on the scene and most of the England based artists already knew each other, however I felt welcomed and appreciated.
I thought that he was of Caribbean decent because his flow reminded me of some of the “rasta” artists back home, but this interview gave me wonderful insight into who he is as a person. I was truly touched by his responses and his lack of timidity when crediting God for everything. I was surely impressed! I followed him on Instagram that night after a long train back to Brighton. I became an honest fan and keep up with his social media content and it is with great joy and respect that I present his interview. Happy Belated Birthday Josh and I hope that we get to musically link again. Blessings and abundance.
- Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Blessings.
May you please introduce yourself for those who may not know who
you are?
I am a British born Nigerian, but a child of God first. Artist, song-writer,
producer, choir lead and a prison music mentor. Music has been the tool I’ve
been given to understand and navigate through life. My relationship with
God started with music. My character building has been heavily influenced
by music. My patience and understanding of time has been molded by
music. Music is life & what is life without rhythm?
- Do you know the meaning of your name and why it was given to you?
My name is AdeJosh (Ade = Crown, Joshua = Leader) which is also a
reflection of my relation (Ade = by blood Nigerian, Josh = raised in the UK)
and that’s what I put into my music, my truth, my environment, the things I
see and hear.
3. What prompted your interest in music and long ago was that?
My truth is that I started singing from a very young age, looking up to the
greats like Usher, Michael Jackson and imitating them move for move,
how they would dance, perform etc. I was drawn from young knowing that
I’ll be just like the greats I see on my TV screen.
4. Did you always know that you could sing?
No I never, In fact I thought my voice wasn’t great at all because I live in a
world where great talents like Beyonce, Adele, Justin Bieber etc exist. My vocal skill set wasn’t anything near what they were capable of doing. The good thing about my personal journey is that I’ve been able to understand worth and value. It took me a while to finally realize that I didn’t need to sound the like best of the best, I just needed to be myself, there’s only one me and that’s enough reason for me to believe that my gift isn’t useless and someone out there needs it. I learnt the art of working with the gifts and
things I have to the best of my ability and found peace in allowing God to do the rest.
I’ve spent countless hours working on my craft, perfecting it to a point where I know
there’s only one me & I’m truly grateful for those who been able to see my
music as a light or source of inspiration.
5. What is your favourite childhood memory concerning music, if any?
Growing up education was top priority in an average UK African household. I
wasn’t the greatest at school so it was difficult to really make my parents happy.
Fast-forward to 2014 When I released my first song on SoundCloud,
‘Silver & Gold’ my father couldn’t believe it was me and it was the first time I
ever heard him say “Son, I’m proud of you” that’s a memory I’ll never forget.
6. What comes easier to you, writing or recording songs (Or producing
maybe? (You definitely give off producer vibes)
Recording songs, because with music I have to feel it in real-time. It easier
for me to correct potential mistakes during the recording process, than the
writing process. I like to personally write and record in the same session.
With that all being said, I still need to work with a beat I can feel (maybe
that’s my first point of connection)
7. What is a fact that many people don’t know about you?
Growing up I use to do gymnastic, I was actually really good, won some
awards/competition but the only downside is that they had me wearing
leotards and summersaulting.
Mel here, Just to laugh at that last response. LOL!
8. Does your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state affect your
quality/quantity of work, or do you strive to deliver great stuff despite
what’s going on in your life?
I’m in a place where I understand each stage in my life still produces what I
have to say. A few months back I was in a dark space, and I noticed that a lot
of my music that I was creating in that time period was a reflection of me
searching for answers. I do believe and have come to terms with understanding those
bad/hurtful emotions, and that they produce the greatest music. I hate the fact to stay
this but I surprise myself when I’m hurt.
9. Was it a difficult start for your musical journey and do you feel like you
have succeeded today?
My musical journey felt hard. I never received the support from peers,
friends, industry. I’ve felt like the gatekeeper’s didn’t want to let me in. I’m
grateful for those experiences because again these are the situations that
allowed to understand self-worth without looking for validation. I’ve been
forced to rely on God because man will fail you. This is a reason why I
intentionally show love just in case I’m dealing with someone who has or is
in my shoes. We are all humans & It’s also soften my heart when people selflessly support or show love because I know you don’t have to.
10. Were you ever afraid or doubtful while writing or recording a
song, or producing a beat? Have you ever trashed your work?
Imposter syndrome is a real thing, it’s easy for us to feel like we are not
good enough. Joshua 1:9 ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God
will be with you where you go’ I had to make this verse my screensaver as
a daily reminder never entertain fear or to fall into doubt.
This guy is my tribe! @Josh, let me know when you’re starting your church because…..youze preaching!!!
If yes to the above, what kept you going/writing to still be doing
music today?
Humble truth is God has really got me through the dark times. There’s a
feeling inside you get when you know your time is coming. The main goal is
just not quit.
11. I’ve seen clips of you playing the piano. Tell us a little about that.
My first love is the piano, I was able to understand music through the piano.
Harmonization, timing, different genres and styles of music, rhythms and
time signatures. The love of piano in the Church for me.
12. If you were to meet a music legend (in your opinion), who would
it be and why?
There are so many artists I’ve been inspired by and who they have all
shaped me one way or another. I’d love to meet Stevie wonder, Bruno
Mars, Potter Payer, Robert Glasper, Chronixx, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Brandy.
I’m inspired by creativity, and I respect art. I’m all for bring something new to
the table, experiment with your sound, create music that is 1 of 1, and I
believe all these artists and more do just that!
13. When we had our Abbey Road Writing Camp session, I
observed how well you gel with ATG Music. I especially liked the part
where you guys modified the baseline. Incredible! Your body
language said that you were genuinely happy to be there. How does
good music make you feel?
I started my whole musically journey with ATG in church, from 0 to seeing
him Grammy nominated and working with great talent all across the world.
Shows me everything I need to know about not giving up and putting the
work in because eventually you’ll the fruits of your labor. Music has always
been my safe space, a place where problems pause and melodies and
rhythms flows. There’s a sense of pure connection that produce joy
whenever I’m in a environment where my spirit is allow to be myself.
14. What does spirituality mean to you?
Everything in life is spiritual, everything we see today from the chair in our
rooms to the car on the roads everything was given spiritual first that then
manifested into reality and time. My musical journey has made me realized
in the importance of being spiritually led. Being on the right path allows
your work to have longevity. There’s a lot of artist that are hear today and
gone tomorrow.
- Can you recall one experience where you knew that you were
or are absolutely and undoubtedly connected to source?
I have so many God moments in music, but what comes to mind at the moment is this Mayorkun studio session I was invited to (just to come and
chill). He never knew who I was, and I was basically part of the
furniture (quiet and shy). Cut long story short there was beat he was working on, and I really wanted to jump on, but my heart was beating a
million times faster than normal and I was anxious and fearful of one, looking like
an idiot, two; sounding like an idiot and three; I didn’t want to be too forward and
disrespect the person who invited me (because nobody asked me to come
sing).
I heard in my head ‘closed mouths don’t get fed’ so I wrote a verse and then
I prayed ‘God if this is you, please I dont care if he doesn’t recognize my
talent let him recognize you’
Then I got up, and asked can I drop a quick idea, was expecting them to
say no but somehow they agreed (my heart started beating even faster
now) I go off and record my verse and after recording Mayorkun came to
me and said “Yooo! go back and thank whatever angel gave you that melody you
just recorded.”
16. What do your friends and family think about your music
journey?
My people respect what I’m doing because they have never seen me give
up, they’ve only seen me put in work consistently since starting.
They see the drive I have and taking talent away, I believe that’s what allow
them to be inspired by what I do.
17. Describe yourself/life in three words.
A Servant, A Leader, A King
Dit Mwen Tout (Tell Me All) 
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