Pop Culturalist Chats with Reggie ‘N’ Bollie

When it comes to Reggie ‘N’ Bollie, it’s all about the music. Earlier this year, the Ghanaian music duo parted ways with SYCO Entertainment and formed their own independent label, FROD Music. Now in full control of their sound, the pair have released the first single off their upcoming album, “This Is the Life.” And to no surprise, it’s a massive hit. Pop Culturalist chatted with the guys about being independent artists, their new single, and what’s ahead.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “This Is the Life”.
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: It’s our third official single and the first independent release from our label, FROD Music. We are so proud of it as we’ve put a lot of work into this record. It showcases our style and the direction we want to take with our music.

PC: In February, you parted ways with Syco. How would you compare being independent as opposed to being signed by a major label?
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: Being with a major label has its pros and cons as much as being independent&38212;it depends on what’s important to you as an artist. For us, the most important thing was and is having the freedom to choose our path and direction and to also have the final word on our projects. It’s the freedom every true artist longs for. Nothing comes easy in life, but we are ready and willing to work hard to achieve our goals.

PC: How do you keep the balance between your careers and your family?
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: It’s not that difficult as we have fully supportive families and our wives are very understanding. They push us to keep going and keep us grounded.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being in the industry that you wish you knew earlier on in your career?
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: We’ve learned a lot and are still learning, especially now that we are doing it on our own. It is not an easy industry like any other, but with determination and hard work nothing is impossible. We keep going and keep striving.

PC: Are there any plans to tour internationally this year?
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: Yes, it is in our plans. We want to release our album first and then embark on our own tour. We are truly looking forward to it.

PC: How has Ghana shaped you as musicians?
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: It all started in our home country. We were individual artists back there but decided to join forces when we both moved to the UK. The music style and industry are completely different, but we try to blend both sounds and styles together in our music.

PC: Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: Shaggy, Sean Paul, and Jay Z to name a few. We draw inspiration from any successful person that has made an impact in the industry and society.

PC: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans who have stuck with you guys?
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie: A massive ‘Thank You’ for believing in us and sticking with us. We have more music coming up soon, as well as the album.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Reggie: Strictly Come Dancing
Bollie: Married by Mum and Dad

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Reggie: Titanic
Bollie: Titanic

PC: Favorite book?
Reggie: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Bollie: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Reggie: Hairspray
Bollie: The Jungle Book Musical

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Reggie: Instagram
Bollie: Facebook

PC: A band or artist fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Reggie: Katy Perry
Bollie: Anne Marie

PC: First album you ever bought?
Reggie: Wycleaf’s The Ecleftic
Bollie: Bob Marley & the Wailers

PC: First concert you’ve ever attended?
Reggie: Nana Buckman—a Ghanaian artist
Bollie: Ghanaian group, VIP

PC: Go-to karaoke song?
Reggie: “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy
Bollie: “Ready or Not” by The Fugees

Make sure to follow Reggie ‘N’ Bollie on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and pick up “This Is the Life” on iTunes or Amazon!