Born Henry Chukwugozie Ngoka, but celebrated globally as Mr Buoyant, his story is one of resilience, ambition, and cultural bridge-building. From humble beginnings in Nigeria to the airwaves of Southampton and the global Afrobeats stage, his trajectory is nothing short of inspiring.
🎓 Early Life & Education
Bred in Imo State, Nigeria, Henry earned an Engineering degree from Imo State University before relocating to the UK. In Southampton, he pursued a Master’s in Digital Marketing at Northumbria University, equipping him with both creative and strategic skills that inform his evolving artistic career.
🎶 Musical Genesis
Inspired in his youth by rap icons like Eminem and Snoop Dogg, Mr Buoyant began writing songs in 2011. What started as upkeep among friends soon blossomed into professional ambition, despite early limitations in resources.
🎵 Singles & Global Breakthroughs
With a discography showcasing versatility and collaboration, notable milestones include:
• “Gen Z” (feat. Timmie) – Released in 2023, this song marked his entry into international playlists.
• “James Bond” (feat. Ms Jorji) – Dropped in 2023, the track received global attention. Led by Ms Jorji’s memorable rap, the song positioned Mr Buoyant as a rising Afrobeats powerhouse. It became known affectionately as his “James Bond II” persona.
• “Mandem” (feat. Jstarzzi) – Released on March 11, 2024, showcasing his lyrical finesse.
• “Signs” – His latest single, released on March 14, 2024, gained critical attention and support on BBC Introducing. Its accompanying music video—released on the 18th of April 2025—fused cinematic visuals with his signature melodic flair.
Signs Music Video YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/agZSryQjwFY?feature=shared
🌍 EP: BIG 007 & Evolving Vision
September 2024 marked the release of his debut EP, BIG 007, a four-track testament to his journey and musical growth. Tracks like “King of Feh Feh,” “Slay King, Slay Queen,” and “I Got the Money” merged amapiano and Afrobeats with motivational undertones, highlighting his creative breadth.
🎤 Live Performance Highlights
• BBAM Festival (Southampton) – A standout performance on September 28, 2024, cementing his reputation on the festival circuit.
• Shallipopi Live (Portsmouth) – Headlined on April 21, 2024, delivering high-energy Afrobeats to a packed Southsea venue.
• One-O-Four Cocktail Lounge (Southampton) – Headlining set on March 15, 2025, where he showcased a fresh mix of Afrobeats and Soca for local audiences.
🚀 Global Recognition & Brand Identity
Mr Buoyant’s collaboration with Ms Jorji on James Bond launched him into international markets, tapping into Afrobeats’ global surge. Labelled the “007 of the Industry”, he’s embraced this persona across projects, solidifying his brand both sonically and visually.
📻 Voice of Afrobeats: Radio Career
In August 2024, Mr Buoyant launched “Afrobeats - A Music Show with Mr Buoyant” on Voice FM Southampton, airing Tuesday’s from 10 pm–11 pm and a repeat on Saturday from 8pm - 9pm. The show delves into Afrobeats culture, educates listeners, and amplifies his brand as both an artist and ambassador.
🔄 Between Music & Media
Juggling dual careers, he masters the studio with equal fervour as the radio booth. Hosting “Afrobeats - A Music Show with Mr Buoyant” on Voice FM amplifies his influence—he’s not just performing Afro-inspired music, he’s curating and narrating its story in the UK diaspora.
🎯 Looking Ahead
With the success of BIG 007 and the Signs video under his belt, Mr Buoyant is set to explore:
• New singles and cross-cultural collaborations
• Expansion into music-tech innovation—leveraging his digital marketing background
• Major live events and international tours
🌍 Cultural Ambassador
From Imo State to Southampton stages, Mr Buoyant occupies a unique space—melding Nigerian heritage with UK opportunity. As a rising Afrobeats figure, broadcaster, and tech-savvy innovator, he personifies the new generation of African diaspora creators.
📌 Caption ( headline display)
“Southampton’s Afrobeat envoy, Mr Buoyant (Henry Ngoka), has tracked from Imo State roots to UK airwaves, chart hits and festival stages—‘James Bond’ (2023), ‘Signs’ (Mar 14 2024), BBC Introducing, and BBAM Fest (Sept 28 2024) define a rising star.”
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