Popular Nigerian musician and live band performer Segun Johnson has shared one of the most unusual moments that inspired his music.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Johnson recounted how his hit song Sho Ma Naa Wo Yen Tan came to life during a wedding performance.
“I got the weirdest inspiration for Sho Ma Naa Wo Yen Tan while on stage, trying to convince a bride’s mother to give us all her money, while her sister was on stage resisting the move,” he said, laughing.
Asked about his signature performance style, Johnson credited the originality of his composed songs and the energy he builds around audience engagement. He noted that this is what sets him apart from regular event entertainers and live bands.
On the enduring appeal of live music in Nigeria, the crooner behind O Fine Gan and Ota Lenu explained, “As the name implies, live music itself is life. The liveliness comes through live instruments and vocals. You can’t replicate the human aspect of expression in music— the raw emotion, spontaneous energy, and real-time connection between performers and audience create an unforgettable atmosphere. Live music breathes, evolves, and resonates differently every time it’s experienced.”
For Johnson, the spontaneity of live performance not only fuels creativity but also allows fans to experience music in its most authentic, evolving form.
About the Author
