Nigerian Afrobongo star Humblesmith has made a powerful comeback with his latest single ‘Sochi’, marking a significant turning point in his nearly decade-long career. The artist, known for his hit song ‘Osinachi’, opens up about overcoming industry challenges and his renewed determination to reclaim his spot in the music scene.
On October 1, 2024, Humblesmith released ‘Sochi’ to eager fans across Nigeria. The single, which has been generating buzz on social media platforms, represents more than just a new track for the artist – it’s a statement of resilience and rebirth.
This song reflects my journey and how I’ve overcome the obstacles in my path,” Humblesmith shared during an exclusive interview at his Lagos studio. “Some forces tried to silence and push me out of the industry, but here I am, stronger than ever. The movement has started, and nothing can stop me now.”
Humblesmith burst onto the Nigerian music scene nearly ten years ago with his breakout hit ‘Osinachi. The song’s success catapulted him to stardom, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the Afrobongo genre.
However, the path to sustained success wasn’t smooth. The artist revealed that he faced significant challenges in recent years, hinting at industry politics and personal struggles.
“There were moments when I felt like I was being silenced,” Humblesmith confessed, his eyes reflecting a mix of pain and determination. It wasn’t just about the lack of music or releases—it was deeper. There were people and forces that wanted to see me give up. They tried to push me out, but I stayed grounded because I knew my purpose.”
Sochi’, which translates to “Only God” in Igbo, is more than just a catchy tune. For Humblesmith, it’s a deeply personal testament to his faith and resilience.
The song’s production, led by renowned producer Kel-P, took place over several intense weeks. “Working on ‘Sochi’ was like therapy,” Kel-P shared. “You could feel Humblesmith pouring his soul into every verse. It was powerful to witness.”
Throughout our conversation, Humblesmith emphasized the personal growth he experienced during his time away from the spotlight. The artist believes that the challenges he faced were instrumental in shaping his current mindset and approach to his career.
I had to go through that period to understand the power within me,” Humblesmith explained, his voice filled with conviction. “Now, I’m not afraid of any obstacles. I’ve seen what the lowest point looks like, and I’ve come out stronger. I’m ready to crush anything or anyone that tries to stop me again.
This newfound confidence is evident not just in Humblesmith’s words, but in his demeanor. The artist exudes a quiet strength, a far cry from the bubbly persona he was known for in his early career.
Humblesmith’s return has been met with mixed reactions from industry insiders. While many are celebrating his comeback, others remain skeptical about his ability to recapture his earlier success.
Music executive Chukwudi Okonkwo offers a balanced perspective: “Humblesmith’s talent has never been in question. The challenge now is whether he can adapt to the rapidly evolving Nigerian music landscape. ‘Sochi’ is a strong start, but consistency will be key.”
Fans, however, seem overwhelmingly supportive. Social media has been abuzz with positive reactions to ‘Sochi’. Twitter user @AfrobongoQueen wrote: “Humblesmith is back and better than ever! ‘Sochi’ is on repeat all day!”
As our interview wound down, Humblesmith shared his vision for the future. The artist has plans for a full album release in early 2025, with ‘Sochi’ serving as the lead single.
With ‘Sochi’ climbing the charts and a renewed sense of purpose, Humblesmith seems poised for a career renaissance. As he navigates this new chapter, the Nigerian music industry watches with bated breath, eager to see what this resilient artist will deliver next.
