Boya
and Saskilla together played their part in the development of underground garage
music into what we know today as grime. Both burst onto the scene in a big way
in 2002 by featuring on the critically acclaimed Lord of The Decks 2 DVD. Boya
is best known for Gash By Da Hour, produced by Striver, which
smashed the Channel U video chart and was the turning point in his musical
career. I met up with Boya while he was kicking ball on a cool, dark Thursday night in a place called F-Street…
You’ve done the whole Gash By Da Hour thing but come on, you now have to prove you’re not a one hit wonder…
Our next track is on a French vibe, it’s called Ooh La La. It’s basically self-explanatory; it’s all about good vibes and having a good time. The video is going to be shot soon. That’s an exclusive for you right here, right now.
Tell me about Boya. Who’s his mum, who’s his dad, where’s he from?
I’m just on the road side you get me, Southeast London, I’ve been doing this for years.
[Phone rings] You know what that’s not serious…
I know sorry! I was in a little crew before this called Offlimit and now we’re just blowing up road. Now we’re Nu Brand Flex and taking it into the new generation for 2007. We’re due to do a few collaborations with people like Sway, Flirta and Snakeyman. Our first mix tape is out right now called Rangoose Vol 1.
For those who don’t know what does “rangoose” mean?
If you’ve seen the Gash By Da House video you’ll know what rangoose means. It’s basically female shenanigans, that’s what we’re on amongst other things.
You went to Ayia Napa this year, tell me what happened?
We just blew up the stage it was nuts. They didn’t let us perform all of the raves though because we had beef at one of our sets. We’re going back next year with more hits so we can do a whole concert. If anyone wasn’t there I don’t know where you were. It’s all about the sun, sea and sex.
How far are you looking to go, have you had any interest from major labels?
Yeah we have, from a couple of majors. It’s a case of consistency though. We’ve had big UK artists in the past like Dizzee, Craig David and Mark Morrison. More doors are open so who’s to say it won’t happen again. There are a few swag MC’s which makes the game look swag too but it’s not all like that. The Grime scene is strong and it’s doing it’s ting. Some people are pushing the scene forward but most UK artists are broke and don’t do the legwork.
Yeah, that’s why you need to get to interviews and concentrate…
That’s what I’m saying, that’s why I need you in my life. Big up K7 everytime, holla at me.
What about the haters?
That comes with the territory. If you’re doing your thing of course there’s gonna be haters and it’s part of the lifestyle. You either ignore them or face them head on but I don’t know about that…
What do you do in your spare time other than music?
I just sex girls. Nah, I don’t really. Well I do sometimes; did you see the condoms on the wall in the video?
We saw the condoms but does that mean you actually use them?
I definitely use them and promote safe sex to the max.
Are you ever going to be on the wifey thing?
I’m not looking for a wifey right now, girls these days are too complicated and want all your time. They can’t have me right now. If the right girl comes along and understands me then I would stay with her but right now it’s all about the music?
Where’s Striver?
He’s in the studio doing work. That’s where he should be and that’s what he does.
Any shouts?
Big up K7, Babyphat, Boya, Nu Brand Flex, on the road side free styling right about now, big up Stamper and the man them.
www.myspace.com/boyamusic
By Rashmi Shastri - Aug 2006