R&B artist Bobby V to perform today
Unlike most musicians, Bobby V doesn't have one crystallizing moment when he knew he had made it. There isn't a day that sticks out more than the others, because for him, every day is a reminder that he's successful.
"Every day, I have those moments," he said. "I'm very thankful that I have the opportunity to at least pursue my dream."
The R&B artist will perform at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the IMU Main Lounge. Admission is $20 in advance, $27 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the IMU box office. The all-ages show is sponsored by the Black Student Union; Sid the Kid will host.
Bobby V (formerly known as Bobby Valentino) broke into the R&B scene as a solo artist in 2005 with the hit "Slow Down." His self-titled début album was released the same year and reached No. 3 on the Billboard top 200.
Two years later, he released his sophomore album, Special Occasion, and in 2009, his third album, The Rebirth, débuted at No. 1 on the Billboard hip-hop and R&B chart. He is now promoting his fourth solo album, Fly on the Wall, which is set to be released in October.
In addition to platinum and gold albums, Bobby V has toured the world and collaborated with such artists as Lil Wayne and Ludacris.
Before embarking on his trip to fame, Bobby V attended Clark Atlanta University and graduated with a communication degree. For him, education has always been important, and it is one of the reasons he's excited about performing for University of Iowa students.
"School is very important," he said. "It's important to pursue your education, even higher education."
Bobby V would like to use his reputation as an R&B artist to set a positive example for his fans.
"I think it's important that we as role models get out and let the people know how important school is," he said. "That's the right thing to do."
Gibril Mansaray, a member of the Black Student Union, hopes the show attracts Bobby V fans who are in high school as well as those who attend the university.
"It's an all-ages show, because we want to show the people there are other things to do than go to the bars," Mansaray said. "It's intended to provide students with something they're not used it."
Mansaray and Sid Mali believe that the show will be successful for that reason.
Mali said he wanted to bring Bobby V to Iowa City so that students wouldn't have to go to metropolitan areas, such as Chicago and Detroit, to see an R&B artist.
Mansaray agreed.
"Just because we're in Iowa doesn't mean we have to be all small-town," he said.
And despite the local demographic, the two feel Bobby V's music will appeal to a range of |local people.
"R&B music is universal," Mali said. "We want to be able to cater to all students."
When Bobby V isn't performing, he keeps busy by working on upcoming productions, doing radio interviews, and spending time in the studio. And even though being an R&B artist can be demanding and stressful at times, he doesn't plan to give up his dream any time soon.
"My passion and love for music is what keeps me going," he said.
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