For many, Cobhams Asuquo is a musical genius, a producer, songwriter, and one of the most respected voices in the Nigerian music industry. But beyond the melodies and magic he creates, there’s a man who fiercely protects his happiness, values deep connections, and has a love for country living that might surprise you.
In this week’s edition of BellaNaija Doing Life With…, we caught up with Cobhams for a heartfelt conversation about life, resilience, and the things that truly matter to him.
“One of my greatest achievements is being able to keep my joy and happiness. It’s been threatened more than a few times, but I find that as people grow older, that’s something they lose. I often wonder if one day I will become one of those people. It’s a terrible thing to lose one’s happiness, and I’m acutely conscious of protecting it,” he shares.
Cobhams’ love for music started early. As a child, he created rhythms from anything he could find—metal barrels, forks, knives—turning everyday objects into instruments. With a home filled with music, his path seemed inevitable. Today, his work continues to shape the industry, but beyond the success, he stays grounded in simple joys.
“I like dirt roads, big trucks, a house on a farm, whiskey, guns, Jesus, and barbecue!” he laughs, revealing a side of him few would expect.
A storyteller at heart, Cobhams believes life is best understood through experience. “I know my own history, my successes, my failures, and I can draw lessons from them. If sharing my journey helps someone else, then it’s worth telling.”
He’s also a man of many hidden talents. Besides music, he proudly declares himself an expert in tasting food—“My taste buds are working overtime!”—and has a natural flair for voice acting. “Growing up, I could mimic almost anyone, especially my neighbors’ parents. It was my special way of entertaining my family.”
His daily life is a mix of work, creative daydreaming, and endless music. From Bach to Drake, Cece Winans to Davido, his playlist is as diverse as his talents. Some days are spent in deep work, others hosting barbecues for friends, and occasionally sneaking in some piano time.
When asked about things he’d add or remove from his life, he chuckles, “Most things I would have removed have shaped my most invaluable experiences. But if you have $50 million lying around, I’d be happy to include that in my life!”
Through it all, Cobhams remains intentional about his journey. “Weigh everything on the scales of love and intention. Let it come from a place of love, always mean well, and when mistakes happen—because they will—learn to forgive yourself and others.”
From the studio to life’s big moments, Cobhams Asuquo is proof that success isn’t just about accolades; it’s about staying true to yourself, embracing the journey, and holding on tightly to what makes you happy.
