Bigz is one of the UK's most recognisable and charismatic talent's both signed and unsigned. Born of Nigerian heritage and raised in the UK, music was his 3rd memorable love as a child after God, family (and food of course).
"Mum was always playing songs by Fela Kuti (BABA 70), Shina Peters, Barrister, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and the king of afro juju King Sunny Ade. It’s what we grew up on in my house".
Bigz has built a reputation as one of the most entertaining and talented artists the UK has to offer, through his mix of witty lyrics, larger than life personality and street credibility. Bigz first entered the music industry with his business partners Tayo 'ESQ' Badru and Olu 'Father' Olabagju, setting up their record label/production company Alliance Records. They then released Bigz debut singles 'Cor Blimey' and 'This Is How We Do' and also co-released Sway's Mercury Music Award nominated album, ‘This Is My Demo'. In 2006 they intended to release Bigz debut album but due to the tragic loss of his older brother Akeem 'Banger' Oriola and both business partners mentioned above in the mere space of 12 months, Bigz took an extended hiatus from the industry.
'I needed time to deal with it, with myself and with my family, now by the grace of God your boy is back'.
During his time away he opened his own studio 'The Loft', launched his new record label 'Fly Boy Records', his entertainment company 'Flyboy Ent' and his ‘Flygerian’ phrase which has now turned into a brand and clothing line ‘Flygerian Ink’ with his business partner and brother, Joey ZaZa.
“Flygerian is my life. It’s what I live by. Its more than a word, it’s a lifestyle, its being confident and respecting all Nigerians who came before me. Music is just the start; I'm going become a fashion icon.”
Bigz is an integral part of UK super group Eurogang, alongside S.A.S (Mega & Mayhem), Villain & Haze and has also collaborated with a wide range of talent including Sway, Keisha Buchanan (formerly of the Sugababes), Terri walker, Skinnyman, JME, Ghetto, Wretch 32, Baby Blue, Professor Green, Nigeria's Naeto C (MTV Africa Awards Winner), Eldee, Rytmus (Czech Republic’s premier Hip Hop artist), Kolsavaz (Germany's premier Hip Hop Artist), Stop Roc from Poland, in which he modelled their clothing line and the Grit Boys of Houston Texas multi Platinum artist Paul Wall group/affiliates. Bigz has performed all over Europe including Spain, Poland, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, Ireland and Switzerland to name a few. During Bigz career he has gained major support from a wide range of figures and media outlets including the likes of Tim Westwood, Semtex, Shortee Blitz, Masterstepz, Rwdmag, MTV Base, Worldstarhiphop.com, Channel U, Onsmash.com, Vladtv.com, Grimedaily.com, Rwd Magazine, Hiphop Connection Magazine and MTV Africa to name but a few. Bigz first solo release since his hiatus is the download only mixtape, 'Flight of the Navigator'.
“I just want people to listen to it. When they do they'll appreciate it, it's going to raise the bar. I'm giving this sort of quality away for free, just wait to you hear the album.”
The 22 track mixtape was completed within a month and includes features from Sway, Professor Green, Baby Blue, Villain, Selah, Talay Riley, G Frsh, Wizzy Wow, Wretch 32, Zaza and Scorcher amongst others. Bigz is set to release his highly anticipated debut LP entitled ‘My Good Musik’ in the first quarter of 2010.
“The title is self explanatory, it's what I believe is good music. Just real, honest, unadulterated tracks.”
Bigz story in itself is one of many joys but also many heartbreaks and struggles which ‘with by the grace of God’ he and his family managed to overcome. Bigz music is second to none and the respect he receives in the streets from his family and peers reflects this. There is a promise of much more to come from one of Britain's most exciting and charismatic talents!
Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.