HOW I MANAGED TO RELEASE MUSIC FROM PRISON - B.Cool
HOW I MANAGED TO RELEASE MUSIC FROM PRISON - B.Cool
HOW I MANAGE TO RELEASE MUSIC WHILE IN PRISON - B COOL
There are some uncommon feats, never known and there are heroes never celebrated. The story of BCool, an exceptional musical talent that dared the odd and released music, while in a Nigerian prison as a prisoner, is one that is yet to be told.
Meet BCool!
Rufus Babatunde A.K.A. BCool is a Nigerian that has literarily walked through the valley of the shadow of death, yet, undaunted. He is an unusual musical talent whose star defied the adversity of the prison walls to make history deserving of a Guineas World Records (GWR) as the first person from a developing country to do so.
This is the story of B Cool.
Earlier in his life, he ventured into sport! Sport?! Yes. He was into football. He was a goalkeeper in a football academy. He participated in several competitions with his team traveling across the country. He was the Singing Goalkeeper. Unfortunately, he got injuries that terminated his career in goalkeeping.
Born on the 4th of April 1980, he attended Gbagada East Primary School Gbagada. He also attended Gbagada Grammar School Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria. His tertiary education suffered setback as he ventured into football, joining a Football Academy that made him relocate from Southwest Nigeria to the Southeast. He became a goalkeeper. He abandoned everything to focus on making a career of goalkeeping. He was known as the Singing Goalkeeper. Sadly, Injuries killed his dream of becoming a prominent sportsman.
Hence, he quit the game of football and his goalkeeping role to face music. But first, he needed to regain his health. He returned to Lagos but things were no longer the same. The harsh reality of life hit him hard. No money, no insurance, no support, no welfare and no one offered a hand. In a twist of fate, B.Cool collided with the law and he found himself in a Nigerian prison, in Lagos State. The Ikoyi Prison.
This article is not about a perfect man, who never made a mistake in life. Rather, it is the story of an ordinary young man on the street who strived to use his talents to overcome life challenges and be successful, despite the hostile environment. His world view, struggles and exploits that led to the unthinkable are what are prioritized in this piece.
Prisons in developing countries, especially in the Sahel region of Africa is known to operate very harsh and punitive policies. It is really uncommon to hear some good news of inmates doing exploits. There are scarcely good stories from behind the walls of prisons in Africa. An inmate releasing a musical album is one of such great news. BCool made it in a Nigerian Prison, now, called Nigerian Correction Centre.
How it happened
The journey of reforming the Nigerian Prisons started a long time with several of the leaders of prisons authorities making input at different times to reposition the prisons service.
Between 2011 and 2012, the Nigerian Prison Services Headquarters embarked on certain reforms that will make inmates transition into the society easily. The Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos was in the fore-front of innovations that made Nigerian Prisons remarkable.
Then, Ikoyi Prison, under the leadership of Mr. Bamidele Emmanuel (a Deputy Controller of Prison at that time) encouraged the pragmatic Psychologist of Ikoyi Prison, Mr. Alu Ogbonnaya Alu (a Deputy Superintendent of Prison at that time) and supported his 3R CLUB initiative. The 3R CLUB simply means, The Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re-integration Club. The objective of THE 3R CLUB which was formed by Mr. Alu, was to integrate the inmates in the policy initiation, formulation and implementation in the areas that concern inmates’ welfare/Skills acquisition/talent hunt and talent development.
The 3R CLUB spearheaded inmates’ inclusivity in driving Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re-integration. The initiative promoted inmates’ ingenuity and contributions to transformation programs. Inmates were largely considered as TEAMMATES and not INMATES. It was the first time that inmates were given that opportunity to meet regularly with prison authorities, make presentations and were given the responsibility to rally fellow TEAMMATES into THE 3R CLUB.
THE 3R CLUB under the supervision of Mr. Alu Ogbonnaya Alu, organized re-orientation courses for inmates. And the inmates’ participations were almost total, more than 90% attended those programs. Talents were discovered and encouraged. Opportunities were created for inmates to nurture their creative talents. Competitions were organized with handsome prizes won. The prison authorities liaise with several NGOs and religious bodies, particularly, prominent churches then, who sponsored some of these competitions and provided equipment to stimulate talent development in the prison.
The 3R Club was approved by the Controller of Prisons in 2011 for Mr. Alu Ogbonnaya Alu( psychologist) to carry out the under listed reformatory and rehabilitative programs
B.Cool was one of such talents who was so focused and participated in the re-orientation and talent development programs. He attended CHARACTER TRAINING SCHOOL in the prison, sponsored by Joy Bringers International, with Headquarters in South Africa. Joy Bringers Nigeria was founded by Dr. Jude Ememe, this program commenced in Ikoyi prison in 2011 and offers the inmate a total opportunity to re-asses their lives by exposing them to the following courses
(a) character foundation
(b) anger management
(c) Emotional and social intelligent
(d) enterpreneuship/business management
(e) stewardship
(f) purpose driven life
(g) family life
(h) Doing Business God’s own way
(i) Mental health
(j) New beginning
(k) Conflict resolution
(l) Vision, Mission and value
(m) Readers are Leaders
(n) Conscience management etc.
Mr. Alu Ogbonnaya Alu, was the first to anchor and coordinate the activities of the Joy bringers characters programs in Ikoyi prison, but now the program has spread to all the prisons in Lagos.
B. Cool was one of the first graduates of the Joy Bringers Character programs at Ikoyi prison then and was one of the inmates whose transformation and dedication to explore his talents positively spurred the Prison Authorities to sponsor him to release an album while still in Ikoyi Prison. For anyone who understands how the prison structure works, it takes a lot of courage from the hierarchy to get things done.
Only a few officers are bold enough to go the whole red tape to push for the realization of sponsoring an inmate to release music. Getting necessary approvals from the seat of power is not an ordinary task.
While in prison, B.Cool sang powerfully and entertained at different programs. He encouraged and mentored many other talented artistes. He led several rehearsals, voice training and performance sessions in the prison. He was the cynosure of all eyes and a transformation ambassador.
Sometimes in October 2012, as Nigeria was preparing to commemorate 62nd Independence Anniversary, the prison authorities, through THE 3R CLUB requested B.Cool to prepare a special song to commemorate Nigeria’s independence anniversary among the inmates. B.Cool wrote and composed a song, titled, UNITY. The song was highly rated among all. The theme, the lyrics and the melody were worthy of nomination for an Oscar or a Headies Award. The song captured the mood of the nation and called for all the tribes to come together.
The general acceptability of the song motivated Nigeria Correction Service to go ahead to sponsor the first ever music album by an inmate, while in prison. This was an uncommon feat recorded by THE 3R CLUB under the supervision of the Psychologist, Mr. Alu Ogbonnaya Alu and coordinated by the Deputy Controller of Ikoyi Correctional Service, Mr. Bamidele Emmanuel, in the Lagos Command.
According to B.Cool’s narration:
”I was encouraged to explore my talent while in Ikoyi Prison, Lagos, Nigeria, by THE 3R CLUB. I must confess that the club was a game changer for me. It afforded me the opportunity to stay focus. I was motivated to live a meaningful life. Life in the prison was not a bed of roses. It was not a place you look forward to in order to get succor. It is the most unlikely place for any meaningful or purposeful impact in life. Hence, I never anticipated to go to prison. It is the least place anyone will love to visit, not to mention spending time behind the bars. The thought of it will easily scare the daylight of anyone, except those who are given to a crime-life. However, it was in the prison, my own story changed.”
“In a twist of fate, my life took a new and better turn. And that story, I am willing to share any time, any day. I called it, “the unusual twist of fate”. The Nigerian Prison, now, Nigerian Correctional Centre made a positive impact in my life. It helped gave my life a meaning. In my wildest dream, I could never imagine that the orientation/re-orientation and guidance I needed as a young man, I could get in the prison.”
“From my personal experience, I can categorically state that many brilliant young men and women who are in prison won’t be there if they were guided or given appropriate orientation. This is a fact. I have been there. I know exactly what it is like.”
“One of the things that redirected my life were the counseling sessions. THE 3R CLUB was made appealing to inmates. We were received as human beings, I must emphasize. Inmates were encouraged to attend Character Training School or some other re-orientation and counseling programs. We were asked about our skills, talents, aspirations and challenges. They may not have the resources to solve our individual problems, they showed care and attention. And that was the first step towards my healing.”
“Once again, I believed I could still sing. My confidence roared back to life. And I began to train my voice and do rehearsals while in the prison. My consistence and focus drew the attention of fellow inmates and the prison’s staff alike. During free times when inmates were opened to attend any of the programs within the prison yard, I sang. I performed for fellow inmates. I began to get invitations to perform during programs organized inside Ikoyi Prison by NGOs and religious bodies.”
“I sing Afro beat, hip hop, high life and country side music. The prison authority began to invite me to perform in the prison functions. Though behind bars, I began to see the beauty in my voice and talent. I was encouraged to pursue music as a career. I saw the reason to live purposefully and contribute meaningfully to my society.”
“I thought about how best I could use my song to address the situation happening in the country as the country was preparing for the October 1, Independent Anniversary. It was in year 2012. There were agitations and insurgency in some parts of the country. Boko Haram have been rampaging the North East. There was tension in the Niger Delta and in some parts of the country.”
“I took my time to meditate on the lines, lyrics that will be suitable to address our challenge as a country. I composed UNITY. The song advocated for unity among the various ethnic nationalities in the Nigeria. It highlighted the many challenges facing the country and advised that working against one another will not help the country to grow. It emphasized the need to work together as one. That song was a beautiful piece. I performed it at different functions in the prison to the admiration of all.”
“After one of my performances, Mr. Bamidele Emmanuel sent for me. He eulogized me and said many kind words to me. I expressed my appreciation to him and the prison authorities for the encouragement, guidance and support I received so far that has transformed my life.”
Without even thinking, casually, I said “Sir, I would love it if this song could be made into an album, but I no get anybody to help me o”. He laughed. He said, “B Cool, I like your spirit, determination and aspiration. I will support you. The Prison will support you”. I was startled. I became transfixed on the spot. I could not believe what I just heard from the head of the prison authorities in Ikoyi. My eyes were fixed on him like someone who was in a trance.
As if he knew, I was struggling to believe what I heard him say, he repeated his statement. This time emphatically. ”B Cool, the Prison Authority will support you to record and release your music.” It was this reassurance from him that jolted me back to life. I fell on my knees, with tears of joy in my eyes, I look up to heaven, I said, “Thank you Jesus”. I went closer to Mr. Bamidele, I knelt down and held his feet, lost for words, I was just praying for him, blessing him with tears from my eyes.
His Personal Assistant came forward to stop me, as I was considered too close to the DCP. In a simplistic manner, Mr. Bamidele motioned to him with his hand to leave me. He was a father figure. He could read through my emotion. He saw a heart bewildered by kind gesture and overwhelmed with gratitude. It was too good a news, I could hardly believe. Inside prison!
True to his words, the prison authorities did all the needful. And for the very first time, an ordinary prison inmate, from within the wall of prison, released a musical album courtesy the support of the Nigerian Prison Service, now Nigerian Correctional Service.
with approval of the prison authority, A mobile studio was consulted, by TH 3R CLUB FOUNDER(Mr.Alu Ogbonnaya Alu) my voice/song was recorded. The song was mixed by experts in the musical studio. Viola! UNITY was ready. And that was my first album. Anytime I remember that I set that pace. I could not stop thanking God for the impact the prison had in my life.
The album was launched at the first graduation ceremony of Character Training School. There were special guests from within and outside the country, particularly from South Africa at the launch. Some of the guests were, Audrey, a musician based in South Africa, Dr. Jude Ememe, Founder, Joy Bringers Character Training School, Nigeria; Pro Olasupo Jegede from University of Lagos, Controller of Prison in Lagos State Command, and host of others. At the time of the launching of the album in the prison, I was also a special guest.
I cannot stop praying that the Nigerian Correctional Service should have the likes of Mr. Bamidele Emmanuel and Mr. Alu Ogbonnaya Alu, who supervised my transformation and the transformation of lots of inmates in the prison. Now that the name of NPS has changed to NCS, it is important that the strategies adopted by Mr. Bamidele Emmanuel and Mr. Alu Ogbonnaya Alu be re-enacted to reproduce the unprecedented successes recorded then.
I understand that prison authorities periodically transfer and redeploy staffs. Hence, different officers have taken over at different times. It is important to revisit THE WINNING FORMULA so that more success stories can be made from the prison.
“I am proud to the first Ambassador of THE 3R CLUB (The Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re-integration Club) and Joy Bringers Character Ambassador. The prison system changed my life. “The Nigerian Correction Centre can leverage on the feat.
This record breaker, awesome singer, B Cool, has released another album, titled, OLUFUMILAYO.
It is available online, (you tube, spotify, deezer , tidal, apple music, boomplay, angamy, amazon music, and on serval stories).
For further enquires contact us.
Editor: Emmanuel Egwuo (Cheeze Entertainment)
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