The Compozers, a dynamic quartet of exceptional instrumentalists, are taking the world by storm with their timeless melodies and electrifying performances. Known for their unique blend of Afrobeats and other genres, they have collaborated with major stars like Asake and Wizkid. Many fans may also recognise them from their viral rock rendition of NSG’s hit OT Bop, which saw the influx of fans from a younger audience.
The group consists of David Melodee, Pokes, Charlie Biggz, and SJ, The Compozers exude charisma and brotherly friendship, immediately lighting up any room they enter. With their infectious smiles and inside jokes, it’s clear that their bond goes beyond music. As we sat down to talk over wings, their familial chemistry was undeniable.
Beyond growing up in North London and a love for Ghanaian cuisine, the quartet are united by a shared affinity for music. SJ, a prodigious drummer, fell in love with the instrument at the age of three, and his passion turned into his lifelong career. He took the risk of believing he had what it takes, and it certainly paid off. Pokes, Charlie Biggz, and David Melodee each found their musical callings, mastering the bass guitar, keyboard, and keytar, respectively. Though they all dabbled in conventional jobs and the 9 to 5 grind, their ten thousand hours of practice and destiny ultimately guided them toward pursuing music as a career.
The Compozers origins are rooted in friendship. Charlie Biggz first proposed forming the band during a school reunion with Pokes, and the idea quickly took off. It was almost kismet as they would frequently find themselves booked for the same gigs as individual musicians, so in 2013, it was only right that they made it official. As Pokes’ father is a pastor, the church provided the perfect venue to get rehearsals in. Their creative journey and dive into music production kicked into high gear around 2020, even as the world faced the COVID19 lockdown.
With over a decade together as an official band, they have inevitably had their fair share of band tiffs, not that you could tell from the outside looking in. However, they emphasised that conflicts are always short lived. They give each other space, and any tension is resolved by the time they reunite. Including their manager, Brian, The Compozers consists of five spirited individuals with the same goal but potentially different ideas on the execution. They always manage to keep the atmosphere positive and collaborative.
The Compozers are all about engineering memorable experiences for their fans. Their shows are known for high energy crowd engagement, a feature they have honed over the years with intentional and calculated planning. This approach was not always instinctive, though. It was implemented after some advice from a friend of the band, a necessary turning point in elevating the ambience they were curating. As they prepare for their upcoming show at the OVO Arena Wembley, they are focused on maintaining this high standard and delivering a truly electrifying experience. They are seasoned in the game, boasting 11 fervent years together. Yet, they remain committed to evolving their sound, experimenting with different genres, and collaborating with a variety of artists. They aim to show that live music can continually innovate, and their versatility is evident in every performance.
The Compozers shared different ideas for the pinnacle of their career together, having a journey embellished with brilliant shows. The four are no strangers to adversity but they have emerged stronger each time. For example, at their second annual show, A Night with The Compozers, the event was shut down by the police, but this didn’t dampen their spirits. Or when tickets for their Royal Albert Hall show went on sale, they were in Portugal at the time and almost immediately, they were bombarded with messages about the website possibly crashing, but the reality was that the show had sold out in just two minutes - a dream that was! It’s a prestigious venue which can be hard to sell out so being one of the first bands of their generation to do so was a huge accomplishment but only fitting for virtuosity at their level. They are unwavering in their gratitude for their combined success and the opportunities they’ve received but The Compozers are far from resting and nowhere near retirement. There are still greater heights they intend on taking live music to. They have big dreams for the future, including collaborating with musical icons like Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and Usher; artists they admire for their crowd controlling stage presence.
For The Compozers, live music is constantly evolving, and they are leading the charge. Their passion for pushing boundaries is evident in every show they perform. They have revitalised the spirit of the Afroswing era and continue to thrive in the Afrobeats movement, always staying ahead of the curve.
Their upcoming concert promises to reflect their relentless drive to explore the full extent of their talent. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to holding themselves and each other accountable, complacency is never an option. They’re constantly reaching new peaks and setting new goals.
With decorated schedules, it’s not often that they can sit back and reflect on every one of their achievements. Even after playing in front of the likes of Prince Harry and Kamala Harris, The Compozers feel that they’re still in the early stages of introducing their sound to a broader audience. And they have no plans of slowing down. Their fans, old and new, can expect nothing but excellence from them.
For those wondering what may be next for live music, the answer lies within The Compozers. There’s an exciting aura about them and a sense of FOMO for any shows of theirs you missed before tuning in. They bounce off one another and have an infinite reserve of memories to crack up over at any given time. The Compozers are a quartet with 11 diligent, enriching years behind them as a group and they’re going to continue to excel, taking their eclectic sound to new heights and sharing their artistic flair with audiences worldwide. PWR got a taste of their radiant energy, and both old and new fans will experience it too at their OVO Wembley concert on October 12th later this year.
Words by: Sarah-Dayna Olusegun
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