( ENSPIRE Feature ) Alex Boyé Discusses New Song, Suicide Prevention, and Music in Interview
ENSPIRE Contributor: Amitha Bhat
An alum of “America’s Got Talent,” Alex Boyé is truly a multicultural, multigenerational, global talent. An independent artist with over 1 billion views on his YouTube channel, Boyé’s diverse blend of African-infused pop music and vibrant dynamic visuals have captured a loyal legion of online followers turning him into a viral sensation. While his viral videos of Africanized pop covers have been featured on Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Jimmy Kimmel, and more, Alex loves to use his music to champion important causes. He has received the Didi Hirsch “Erasing the Stigma Award” for his work on mental illness initiatives for the youth and was recently made an official ambassador by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Recently, he released a song entitled “2020 Class (Forever),” a tribute to this year’s graduating class.
1) Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m originally from London, England. I was raised by my Nigerian mother who was a single parent. In 2000, I moved to the US to pursue a music career.
In 2014, after trying to get a label deal unsuccessfully, I started a YouTube channel and started posting my music videos regularly. I now have almost 1 billion views and built a worldwide fan base through my music as an independent artist.
2) What was your creative process while writing “Class of 2020 (Forever)?”
I am also a motivational speaker for youth events, including performing and presenting in high schools and colleges all across the country. So when I heard about the high school graduation class of 2020 being canceled all over the nation, I really wanted to share a message to grads everywhere that could inspire them. That’s how the song came about. I put a message online asking people what they were going to miss about school, and I just put those responses to music.
3) Through “Class of 2020 (Forever),” what message did you want to send to the class of 2020?
To just keep moving forward and don’t look back. They will gain so much more than they have lost. They are already part of history that will never be forgotten. Nobody is talking about the graduation class of 2019.
4) You advocate for Suicide Prevention. Why are you so passionate about this cause?
I was homeless at the age of 16 and had many mental health issues I was dealing with on my own with no one around to help me. I’ve developed a great love and respect for youth after learning firsthand more about the challenges and issues they face on a daily basis, to which I can also relate to.
5) As an America’s Got Talent alum, what advice do you have for singers who want to become successful?
Have patience. Have A LOT of patience. Don’t compare yourself to other artists, it will steal all your energy and individuality. The law of averages says you will get your break if you never give up on your dream.
6) Why do you feel that it is important for us to destigmatize mental illness?
We live in a shame culture world which also seems to demand that we be perfect and have it all together at all times. That’s not reality. When we can be ok with not being ok, and not beat ourselves and others for thinking they are “less than,” it might lead us to more acceptance, tolerance, and understanding of each other.
7) What does music mean to you?
I once heard that music can touch us emotionally where words alone can’t. It’s such a blessing that I get to use music to be heard and to use it to connect with others in ways just words are not able to. Not many people have that luxury, and I consider myself truly blessed and fortunate.
8) Who or what is your biggest inspiration to create music?
TikTok (Just kidding!). I have too many influences to list, but I have to say I just recently watched a Garth Brooks documentary on Netflix and he blew me away!!! His raw passion, appreciation to his audience, and relatability inspired me greatly!
Watch the music video:
To learn more about Alex, visit his website: https://alexboye.com
