Nigerian record producer Bolatito Obisanya, also known as BMH, the engineer behind charts-topping and record breaking song, ‘Emiliana’ by CKay talks about his love for Manchester United, Michelle Alozie and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
So when you were in school, what sports did you play?
I liked football and in primary school, I was into gymnastics, that was the sport I liked the most then.
Was there ever any time in your life where you felt like you would pursue sports?
Well, I was playing football but I knew I could not play football because I was always a goalkeeper for any team I played on. Why will I want to be a goalkeeper as short as I was?
What made you pursue music?
I have always been music inclined, ever since I can remember, but when I decided to say ‘yes, I want to do music’ was when I entered university, because I did not want to be a 9-5 person, I didn’t want to be thinking after school, what’s next? So I had to think about it for a long time so when I left, I decided to do it professionally. That whole thought process in school was what helped me know that music is what I wanted to do, and since my 100level in University till now, music is what I have been doing.
What are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished as a musician and producer?
I would say the biggest thing I have accomplished is seeing people from different races singing my music. That was a very big thing for me to accomplish, let’s just say people accepting what I created in my bedroom. I would go outside at times and see people dancing to my music, that is the biggest achievement among other things I have achieved, even though this is just the beginning.
Who would you say are some of the biggest names you’ve worked with, and what are some of the biggest things that you are hoping to work with?
Well, of course CKay because he was the first, then Davido, Mayorkun, Ayra Starr, and for those I still want to work with, names like Drake, Ed Sheeran, Travis Scott, and more big names like that.
Do you watch the Super Eagles?
Sometimes, and I am a fan of them when they are doing great things, like when they beat Sao Tome 10-0.
We have one of the best attacks now in Africa heading into the AFCON next year, what do you make of the Super Eagles chances of winning a fourth AFCON title in Tunisia?
Well, I know many people don’t like to count on the Super Eagles but Victor Osimhen is there and if he is fit, I know I can count on Osimhen. He is a wonderful player, and I can give them a chance of winning the Africa Cup of Nations if he is there, as long as Osimhen is there, they have a good chance.
What football club do you support?
I am a Manchester United fan.
Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left, Man United have not achieved success similar to his time, do you think the glory days are over?
Obviously not, and I personally don’t think that Erik Ten Hag is the right man to coach the club. However, I believe that Man United is just in their drought season and every club has to pass through that drought season in one period or other. I know this is the tenth year since we last won the Premier League title, but I want you to believe this, when Man United is coming back, we will come back stronger. We just need to structure some things, both the management and everything. It may take another ten years of drought, but we will still come back stronger. Trust the process.
In your opinion, who do you think is the greatest man United player that ever ?
For me, it is a tough choice between David Beckham or Cristiano Ronaldo, I did not really watch Beckham for that long in Man United, he had moved on to Madrid then, but I know he did a lot of very great things at the club. For Ronaldo, I know I watched him a lot, so based on who I watched the most, I would say Cristiano ‘ororo’ Ronaldo, just a very amazing player all around.
Was he the one who made you fall in love with United?
Yes, it was Cristiano Ronaldo. I think I started watching him in 2008 and in that Champions League that year, he was just so amazing. He also scored in the final against Chelsea, although he missed the penalty, but I was very glad that they could win that UCL trophy. It was a very good season for us and I was so happy then.
Who is your favourite Nigerian player?
It can only be Victor Osimhen o. I mean, he is their best player, who else? It is very obvious he is their best, when he does not play, you can see the difference in the team. I mean he was ranked 8th on the Balon d’Or list this year, no one else can compare right now.
Do you think he can win the Balon d’Or one day?
Yes, I think he can, nothing is impossible. He is a very good footballer, there are many good footballers right now but if he keeps on going at this pace, and gives his all, he can win it. I don’t think it is impossible for him.
Osimhen is your favourite, but in your opinion, who do you think is our greatest Nigerian player ever?
It’s between Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha. They both brought very different things to the Super Eagles but the end result was always scoring goals. For Okocha, a lot of footballers around the world talk about how he inspired them even Ronaldinho who is one of the greatest payers every. Kanu represented Nigeria well at home and abroad, everyone seems to be able to relate with his ‘grass to grace’ story. He is up there, the two of them are up there among the very best Africa has ever seen.
What do you think that Nigeria needs to do to the level of Morocco who got to the World Cup semi-final in Qatar?
We already have the players that are on their level, if you ask me. I don’t think it’s the players, I think it’s the government. If they are not giving the players the support they need, they won’t play at their best. The players need to be in the right state of mind to play the football in a way that the country will be proud of them.
If you had a chance to go on a date with any female sports person, who would it be?
I would go with Michelle Alozie.
Speaking of Alozie, what do you think of what the Falcons achieved at the Women’s World Cup?
I was very proud of them, I know Alozie even missed a penalty but I was very proud of her and the girls. They locked England down and could have won that game. I am sure they will do better in future tournaments. They look like they have it better figured out than the Eagles.
If your child is interested in playing football, are you going to encourage him?
Why not? I think I already have plans to do my own ‘Project Mbappe’ actually. If my child can play like Kylian Mbappe, I will go and register him in a football academy very fast.
Who do you think is the GOAT, Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
It’s Messi. I know I said Ronaldo inspired me to like Man United and I think he is their greatest player but that is at a fan level and I have to be honest with myself. Messi has just done a lot of things that you cannot say he is not the GOAT. Everything is just pointing to him being the greatest player of all time. And I can relate to Messi’s story, aside us being around the same height, his drive and heart and just to see the fact that he doesn’t do any other thing than focus on the football. It is very great to see.