Al-Hassan Gimba: A Voice that demands to be heard
Spider-Man has his webs, Superman his strength, and Al-Hassan Gimba Chukwubuikem—music.
Gifted with an uncanny ability to decode the intricacies of melody and an ear that filters sound like a maestro, Gimba’s trajectory toward a life in music feels almost inevitable. But, as with all compelling stories, his path has its twists.
Gimba’s relationship with music began early, long before he thought to make a career of it. Singing in the choir, performing at school events, or impressing his peers at impromptu sessions, he became a name synonymous with raw talent.
Everyone knew he had "it"—that unquantifiable spark the world needed to hear.Still, the idea of pursuing music professionally wasn’t always on the table. That changed in 2020, a year that rewrote plans for many.
Then 16, Gimba began posting covers of WurlD and Adekunle Gold on social media. The reactions were electric.
Encouraged by the overwhelming positivity, he decided to embrace his craft fully, taking the first step toward what would become an extraordinary journey.
Now 20, Gimba has packed more into the past few years than some manage in a lifetime. His talent has opened doors to collaborations with names like Korede Bello, producer Twitchpapii, and D3an, and mentorship under industry heavyweights like Sarz.
His time at The Sarz Academy in 2022 proved transformative, providing both artistic refinement and industry savvy. It was here that Gimba earned his first big breaks, including a feature on DJ Tunez’s Blessings alongside Wizkid and Wande Coal, and contributing to the Academy’s Memories That Last Forever II compilation.
What sets Gimba apart isn’t just his impressive résumé but the unmistakable texture of his voice and the depth of his songwriting.
Fans liken his vocal warmth to legends like 2Baba, Wande Coal, and Fridayy, while others place his lyrical finesse on par with Burna Boy’s. But as flattering as the comparisons are, there’s no one quite like Gimba.
With his debut project on the horizon, Gimba is ready to take the spotlight. Leading with Only U, a mid-tempo Afrobeats track that showcases both his vocal mastery and emotional depth, Gimba is poised to cement his place as a standout voice in modern music.
In an interview with GQ’s Luthando Vikilahle, Gimba says music is more than a calling—it’s his identity.
GQ: Can you share a bit about your upbringing and the influences that shaped your journey in music?
Gimba: I grew up In Surulere, Lagos. My mum used to take us to church a lot growing up and i was always a singer & deep lover of music. It was always meant for me.
GQ: What motivated you to pursue a career in music, were there any pivotal moments that confirmed this was the right path for you?
Gimba: In 2020, I started putting out singing videos on Instagram & I managed to draw the attention of all the Celebrities/Artists that i sang their songs, it was very rare as at that time and i just saw the need to take music more seriously. Locked in and practiced more behind doors.
GQ: How has your heritage or cultural background influenced your work or perspective?
Gimba: I’m a mixture of different parts of Nigeria. My Dad is Hausa, my mum Is Delta Igbo & I grew up in Lagos, around a lot of Fuji music.
So, I think I’m just familiar with different styles of music and can choose to embody which i choose.
GQ: Looking back, what achievement are you most proud of, and why?
Gimba: In 2023, i made a song with DJ Tunez, it was such a beautiful song that it attracted Global Superstar, Wizkid on it through DJ Tunez’s relationship with him. It was my first song out ever & it was a really beautiful moment, till Date, Forever Grateful.
GQ: What significant challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
Gimba: i feel like pressure is something every artist’s face, it’s normal. But then i always remember to count my blessings & trust my process.
GQ: What inspires your creative or professional innovations?
Gimba: My personal life, i just share my experiences & emotions through my music & sounds.
GQ: Can you tell us about your EP and what excites you most about it?
Gimba: First of all, it’s my first ever project & i’m super proud of it. It represents a solid part of my foundation and career. It also features of Africa’s greatest rappers ever, Olamide.
GQ: What impact do you hope your work has on your audience / or industry?
Gimba: I want to Inspire a lot of young creatives and also boost the confidence of a lot of creatives to do their own thing without fear.
GQ: What advice would you give to aspiring individuals who look up to you and your career?
Gimba: Keep going & surround yourself with the right people.
GQ: Where do you see yourself in the next five years, and what are some goals you are working toward?
Gimba: I want my work to have spoken for me on so many different levels, i want to take the sound to a whole new dimension and create opportunities for new creatives.
GQ: Many people have compared your voice to that of 2baba, how do you feel about it,being compared to such an iconic figure in Afrobeats?
Gimba: Funny how a lot of the time i can’t really understand why cus i never listen to him too deeply, but it just shows me how spiritual music is.
Maybe it’s because we draw inspiration for similar stuff and we like similar stuff, just maybe.
GQ: You've worked with a variety of artists among those, Wizkid, who do you still wish you can work with in the future and why?
Gimba: I would love to work with Rema. he’s really versatile & amazing, and also with Smino, he is an international artiste & I love how he tries out something new every time.