Known globally as Mr Bouyant, the journey of Henry Chukwugozie Ngoka is a powerful tale of resilience, ambition, and cultural fusion. From modest roots in Nigeria to making waves on the airwaves of Southampton and the global Afrobeats scene, his rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, Mr Buoyant talks about his bold transition from a structured career in Engineering to the dynamic world of music and media. He reflects on the challenges, breakthroughs, and what keeps him going. Enjoy!
Can you tell us more about yourself and educational background?
I was born and bred in Imo State, Nigeria. I earned an Engineering degree from Imo State University before relocating to the UK. In Southampton, I pursued a Master’s in Digital Marketing at Northumbria University, equipping myself with creative and strategic skills that inform my evolving artistic career.
Inspired by rap icons like Eminem and Snoop Dogg, I began writing songs in 2011. What started as upkeep among friends soon blossomed into professional ambition, despite my early resource limitations.
What inspired your move into Afrobeat media and entertainment?
My passion for African music has always been evident. Transitioning from performing to hosting “Afrobeats with Mr Buoyant” on Voice FM allowed me to amplify stories, contexts, and talents behind the tracks I love. It wasn’t just about playing songs—it was about broadcasting a cultural narrative that resonates both locally in Southampton and globally.
How did your academic background shape your creative journey?
Holding a degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering and a Master’s in Digital Marketing might seem worlds apart from my life today as a performing Afrobeats artiste, but in truth, both fields have deeply influenced how I approach music and content creation. Engineering taught me structure and precision, it sharpened my technical thinking and attention to detail. That discipline comes through in how I arrange my music, manage studio sessions, and even handle sound engineering. It taught me to break down complex systems, a skill I now apply when crafting a track, from beat selection to lyrical flow. Digital marketing gave me the tools to amplify my voice.
Earning a Master’s in Digital Marketing opened my eyes to the power of storytelling, branding, and digital strategy. I don’t just create music—I build a movement around it. Whether it’s how I engage with fans on Instagram or how I roll out singles and visuals, my marketing background helps me position my sound globally while staying true to my roots.
These two fields, one technical, the other creative, have given me a unique edge. They help me operate not just as an artiste, but as a brand and a business, using both logic and passion to push the Afrobeats culture forward.
“Afrobeats – A Music Show with Mr Buoyant” launched in August 2024. What gap were you hoping to fill in the UK music scene with this show?
When the show debuted on August 6, 2024, I aimed to educate by integrating culture, history, and genre evolution beyond just playing music. Also offering a UK‑diaspora platform for both mainstream and up‑and‑coming African artistes. In addition, I aimed to strengthen cultural ties across Southampton’s vibrant international community, positioning Voice FM as a hub instead of just another community radio.
As a Nigerian in the diaspora, how do you balance preserving your cultural identity while connecting with a global audience?
As a Nigerian abroad, I celebrate heritage by featuring Nigerian languages, sounds, festivals, and artistes stories. Bridge cultures by contextualising tracks for international listeners while inviting diaspora communities into the narrative, my show does this weekly by exploring Afrobeats from all African nations. I embody both, keeping roots alive while embracing mainstream UK culture.
What challenges did you face while transitioning from a traditional academic path into the creative and entertainment industry, especially in a foreign country?
Transitioning from a structured academic path in engineering to the vibrant, unpredictable world of music and media wasn’t smooth, but it was necessary.
I started out studying Engineering, driven by the traditional ideals many Nigerians grow up with -stability, security, and family expectations. But deep inside, I knew I had a different calling. Music and creativity weren’t just hobbies; they were a voice I couldn’t silence. Relocating to the UK came with its own set of hurdles. From sorting out visas to understanding new systems. Settling in meant starting from zero – no industry connections and no support systems. I had to build networks from scratch, often learning the hard way.
In the beginning, not everyone understood my journey, especially within my cultural circle. Pursuing music and media full-time didn’t fit the “ideal” career path. But I stayed focused. The lack of support only made my resolve stronger and more intentional.
Afrobeats has become a global phenomenon. In your view, what is fueling its worldwide popularity, and how is your show contributing to its continued rise?
Afrobeats’ rhythm, energy, and blend with hip-hop/R&B appeals across cultures. Streaming, social media, and dance challenges have made the genre viral-ready. Cities like London and Southampton have strengthened their European roots. My show drives the movement by curating tracks from both major hits and underground artistes, educating listeners, and starting conversations through interviews and background stories.
How do you discover and select the music and artistes featured on your show? Do you focus more on established acts or emerging talent?
I balance between established stars and leading voices to anchor listener interest and emerging acts. I spotlight rising talents—my episodes consistently include music “from all African nations”. I also encourage community submissions, where Artists send me demos via email fostering local creativity.
Beyond radio, do you have plans to expand the show into other platforms like podcasts, YouTube, or live events?
According to Voice FM’s listing, episodes are also available as podcasts. From here, I am also exploring YouTube for behind-the-scenes, interviews, music video premieres and live events. I am planning on hosting a show/event series under the “Afrobeats Music Show with Mr Buoyant” brand.
What advice would you give to young Nigerians looking to break into the international creative scene while staying true to their roots?
They should leverage diverse skills. Just as I combined engineering and marketing, this intersection creates unique value. They build authentic platforms, for instance start local—your Voice FM show is proof of concept. Stay rooted, project globally by embracing your culture while learning what resonates with international audiences.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to build with the Mr Buoyant brand, both in media and as a cultural ambassador for Afrobeats?
Looking ahead, the legacy I hope to build with the Mr Buoyant brand is one rooted in cultural elevation, global connection, and creative empowerment.
As a musician, I aim to use my voice and sound to inspire and uplift. My music blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, and motivational themes, creating not just rhythms for dance floors, but messages that resonate across borders. I want people—especially young Africans in the diaspora—to feel seen, heard, and proud of their roots.
As a radio personality, my mission is to be more than a curator, I want to be a connector. Through my show, I’m spotlighting not just the stars, but the emerging voices shaping the next wave. I see the show as a cultural bridge: one that celebrates Africa’s sonic heritage while translating it for a global audience.
In the long term, I want Mr Buoyant to stand for authenticity in storytelling and sound;, access and opportunity for new talent. Afrobeats is a global movement rooted in African pride. Whether through music, media, events, or education, I’m building a platform that goes beyond entertainment—one that amplifies African excellence and leaves a legacy of impact, inspiration, and innovation.
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