Nigeria: Bankulli Osha elaborates on his connection with Beyoncé

Osha made the announcement on social media on Monday: "Watch me on the making of The Lion King: The Giftalbum with Beyoncé," he wrote on Intsagram. "Find your way back and the other side, watch on ABC Network. Beyonce presents ‘Making The Gift’.”

The Lion King: The Gift is a soundtrack album for the 2019 animated remake of 'The Lion King' movie. The album was released in July by Parkwood under exclusive license to Columbia and was produced and curated by Beyoncé. It features such African artists as Wizkid, Bankulli, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salatiel. Other notable artists on the album are Jay Z, Childish Gambino, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Tierra Whack, 070 Shake, Blue Ivy Carter and Jessie Reyez.

Osha wrote three songs on the album and featured as a vocalist on the 'Otherside' song where he sings in Yoruba: ‘Sokale, Oluwa, wa wonu okan mi lo’ (Descend from the heavens, lord and take over my soul)’. The lines, which are a recognisable choruses of Nigerian pentecostal churches, elevate the song.

Bankulli has been instrumental in connecting Nigerian and US superstars and is a strong believer in cooperation and cross-cultural musical exchange. Sharing his positive vision with artists and like-minded people, Osha said on 18 September: "You can miss shining opportunities because you were paralysed by your fear of getting it wrong. You can watch your life pass before your eyes by trying to avoid getting it wrong. You can stay exactly where you are."

Bankulli has been in the Nigerian music scene for a while, before reaching the international recognition he is enjoying. He was one of the first members of Mo’ Hits team and was instrumental in introducing D’banj to US rapper Kanye West.