Interview · Music · Yaba, Nigeria
The Producer Who Refused To Leave
Three label deals, three refusals, and an argument about what proximity does to a record.
Tunde Bakare turned down three label deals to keep making records in a two-room flat in Yaba. His argument: proximity is the sound.
In short
Tunde Bakare turned down three label deals to keep making records in a two-room flat in Yaba. His argument: proximity is the sound.
- Who:
- Kofi Mensah — Music Correspondent
- What:
- Three label deals, three refusals, and an argument about what proximity does to a record.
- When:
- 2026-08-12
- Where:
- Yaba, Nigeria
- Why:
- Context on music in Africa, reported first-hand.
- How:
- 7 minute read, with Portraits by Ada Eze
Last updated 15 August 2026
The room is smaller than the reputation. A desk, two monitors held up by textbooks, a lamp that has survived four moves.
"If I record in a place where nobody is shouting outside, the record starts lying," he says. He is not being romantic. He means it technically.
Three of last year's most-streamed West African singles were mixed here, between 1am and 5am, when the transformer behaves.
He is building a second room next door. Not a studio — a classroom.
Frequently asked
- What is "The Producer Who Refused To Leave" about?
- Tunde Bakare turned down three label deals to keep making records in a two-room flat in Yaba. His argument: proximity is the sound.
- Who reported "The Producer Who Refused To Leave"?
- Kofi Mensah, Music Correspondent, reporting from Yaba, Nigeria for the PINCHED Music desk.
- When was "The Producer Who Refused To Leave" published?
- Published 2026-08-12, last updated 2026-08-15. Reading time is about 7 minutes.
Related entities
Conversation (2)
Reading is open to everyone. Commenting is moderated — no account needed to read.
- Seyi O.13 Aug 2026
Proximity is the sound. Framing an entire mixing philosophy in three words.
- anon14 Aug 2026Reported — under review
This submission was flagged by readers and is held for an editor.
