Meet Henry Ngoka aka Mr Buoyant

From performing at Southampton's BBAM festival in Guildhall Square to his debut EP "Big 007", hear how Henry Ngoka is making a name for himself in music.

What does creativity mean to you—would you describe yourself as creative?

Based on my body of work, creativity for Mr Buoyant means pushing boundaries—blending Afrobeats and other genres, channeling bold confidence and street-smart narratives, and crafting a distinct voice rooted in my identity and culture. I usually mix Afrobeats with UK/African-influenced Amapiano and other genres.

I’m not just creative—I embody it. Inventive soundscapes are my way of merging genres, and I’ve carved out a clear voice of confidence and swagger, which is hard to sustain without creative intention. For me, engaging storytelling is part of that intention; every track is purpose-driven, not generic.

How long did it take to bring your latest project to life? (From idea to it being out in the world)

Bringing my debut EP to life took more than just time—it took intention, collaboration, and a lot of belief.

For starters, I spent about three months planning the project, just mentally locking in on the idea and vision. I knew I didn’t want to just drop songs. I wanted a cohesive project that felt like me, so I took time to carefully craft the sound and the theme I wanted to represent, both sonically and lyrically.

Usually I write my songs with my wife, she’s not just my co-writer but also my number one critic. She keeps it honest and helps me shape the message in every track. That partnership means everything because she understands both the artist and the man behind the mic.

Even after recording, it didn’t drop immediately. I held onto it because I wanted a serious platform to launch it from—something that would really do the music justice. I wasn’t just putting out a project, I was building a foundation for Mr Buoyant as a brand, as a sound, and as a force in Afrobeats.

And now that it’s out, the rest is history. Every step, every delay, every session… it all built up to something I’m truly proud of.

Of all the creative avenues available, why music? What makes it special for you?

For me, music isn’t just an art—it’s a calling. It’s the one language that connects hearts, tells stories, and breaks boundaries. Out of all the ways I could express myself, music gives me the deepest sense of purpose.

I chose music because I want to leave a legacy—not just songs, but a sound that lives on, a message that inspires. I want my children's children to look back and say, “Our grandfather made a mark. He didn’t just pass through Earth, he left impact".

Through music, I get to speak my truth, represent where I’m from, and inspire others to rise above limitations. Whether I’m delivering a bold anthem or a song of hope like “Signs”, my aim is always the same: to create something timeless.

Music is my vessel. My mission. And it’s how I’ll be remembered.

Can you share a challenge you had to overcome or skill you had to learn, to get to where you are today?

One of the biggest things I had to learn was how to network and build the right connections. As an independent artist, talent isn’t always enough—you need to know how to move smart, reach out to the right people, and position yourself to go from Point A to Point B. That was a challenge at first, but I had to step out of my comfort zone and start building those bridges.

On top of that, I took it upon myself to learn skills that would push my brand forward. For example, I design all my song artworks—that’s me behind every cover you see. I also learnt to edit my own social media clips because I knew I had to create content that represents my identity and engages my audience consistently.

These aren’t just side skills, they’re part of the hustle, and learning them made me more self-reliant and more focused. Everything I’ve picked up along the way is helping me shape Mr Buoyant into more than just a music artist, into a full movement B.

Who/where in Southampton has helped you most?

Southampton has shown me real love on this journey, and I’ve got to give a huge thanks to MC Coco P—he’s been supportive like hell, always looking out, sharing opportunities, and pushing me to level up. That kind of support? You don’t take it for granted.

Also, massive respect to the Voice FM family, especially Xan, the station manager. He’s been solid, always giving me room to grow and making sure I’ve got a platform to showcase my sound. Same goes for Kelly from Unity FM. He’s constantly been in my corner, helping me stay sharp and get ready for each next step in my career. These people didn’t just give me chances, they believed in the vision. And in this game, that kind of backing is priceless.

What advice would you give to other emerging artists?

My advice? Stay hungry, stay humble, and stay learning. This journey isn’t just about talent; it’s about consistency, patience, and being intentional with your moves.

Don’t wait for opportunities, create them. Learn the business, build relationships, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people who can help take you from where you are to where you need to be. That’s something I had to learn myself, and it changed everything.

Also, master your craft beyond the mic. Learn how to brand yourself, design your content, edit your visuals—whatever it takes to keep your vision moving, even when resources are limited.

And lastly, believe in your own sound. Trends will come and go, but if you stay authentic, your time will come. Your story matters. Make it count.