Francis Bondd isn’t what you would expect someone who moved from Nigeria to scotland only a few years ago to sound like and we love it! Walking his own path as an artist, Francis is making a name for himself in the Scottish music scene. I asked him a few questions about his music and his interests. Enjoy.
So, who exactly is Francis Bondd? Nigerian-born, Scottish-based, engineer, musician, busker, Mr Commando… you’ve collected quite a few identities. Which one do you actually introduce yourself as?
Francis Bondd is a Nigerian rock star and band leader based in Glasgow Scotland. The name Mr. Commando came from a Song released in 2024 off the First EP “Happy Land” where Francis sang about wearing the Scottish Kilt highlighting the Ancient Scottish tradition of True Scot Manship, read more about this lol. Francis is also an Electrical Engineer who has worked in Nigeria, South Korea, Bulgaria and Netherlands for years before migrating to UK for a masters.
You came to Scotland to study Sustainable Engineering, not to become a musician. At what point did Scotland say, “Forget this engineering thing, you’re going back to music”?
While studying, I worked as a Bar tender in various pubs. While working in those pubs and social events, I soaked in the Scottish Music especially during shifts at the Stadiums when the fans would chant the catchy upbeat Scottish music. I also learned a bit of the slangs and the culture of the people. But I couldn’t do anything musical as I had to focus on getting the masters out of the way and get a job to remain in the UK. As soon as I completed that I bought an acoustic guitar and started writing songs all over again as a coping mechanism from the cold and the stress of being a student.
There’s a story about you picking up another busker’s guitar in Paisley while he took a break and basically rediscovering music. Is that story as dramatic as it sounds?
Yes ,I saw Liam, a Scottish busker playing his guitar in front of a popular mall called Piazza. People kept walking by without caring. He got tired and took a break. While on his break he walked up to me and asked me if I would like to play. I was a bit hesitant and then I agreed. I sang “no woman no cry” by Bob Marley and people stopped to watch me. I felt rusty but they loved it a put in more coins in the bag. That’s when I knew I still had some magic left. The ladies asked me if I play anywhere around the area regularly. They said they wanted to come watch me again.
You’ve gone from busking on the streets to millions of views online and performing alongside established artists. What do you think people connect with when they see Francis Bondd perform?
The people connect with me because I’m a happy guy. I love every song I sing, and I mean the words whether it’s original or a cover. I feel it deeply. When they see how much I feel it they feel it too and we all vibrate at the same frequency. Music is spiritual. Some people say it’s my smile, Some the dance steps, some say its my flares. Its everything put together as an entertainer.
Your music doesn’t fit neatly into the Afrobeats box, despite being a Nigerian artist. Was that deliberate, or did you just refuse to behave?
For some reason while in Nigeria, I tried singing afro beat but I just couldn’t fit in. I have always been the guitar guy and being a guitarist, rock music will definitely be a thing. I want the be the first Nigerian rock star like Elvis Presley . I write these songs naturally so its my style. I could sing an afro beat hook but I don’t see myself as an afrobeats artiste. You can look out my afrobeat songs “story for the girl” and “Jah save me”
Bob Marley, James Blunt and Lauryn Hill are three of your influences. That’s quite a combination! What do you think you’ve taken from each of them?
I learnt spirituality and how to sing from the soul listening to Bob Marley and also some dance steps, I learnt how to sing sad, upbeat pop songs and perform live with the acoustic guitar from James Blunt, I decided to play the acoustic guitar after watching Lauryn Hill Unplugged while in University.
You have an EP called Happy Land and another called Rent Is Due. Is that basically the story of your life in Scotland in two titles?
Those two EPs are a documentary of my first 2 years in Scotland as a street singer and as a migrant. Very interesting projects and inspiring. 4 songs each on each project. My favorite is “echoes of George square” I recorded a version with the Glitch African Choir when I travelled to Nigeria in 2024 for my sister’s wedding.
You called one of your songs One Hit Wonder. Be honest: would you rather have one massive worldwide hit or a small but loyal audience for the next 20 years?
I’d rather have a massive one hit lol. Life is not that long and I got kids and bills lol.
You’ve now released a song called Love To Be A Scots Man. At what point did Scotland become more than just the country you happened to be living in?
From the first breath when I landed Glasgow, I felt I had arrived home. I connect with the place and the people like no where else I have been in the world. The people have accepted me and I don’t take that for granted. I wrote that song to let them know I love them and I’ll represent them everywhere I go
Do you feel more Nigerian when you’re in Scotland or more Scottish when you’re in Nigeria?
I feel very Nigerian with a mix of Scots and that mix is the real magic ,so I love both heritages. I was Made in Lagos, finished in Glasgow, exported to the world.
You’ve built a following largely through independent music, busking and social media. What’s been harder: making the music or figuring out how to actually make money from it?
Making the music is easier only because I am writing from my experiences and relationships so no faking, producing it is hard because that requires funding, making money from it takes time so I’m not in a hurry just now. I am still building my catalogue, fan base and brand
You created SoundShare Scotland, which seems to be about much more than your own music. What made you want to use music to bring people together?
I saw a lot of sad, depressed and mentally drained people on the streets when I arrived the city so I understood that music could give life to the people and lift their souls. That’s exactly what I do. Make them happy and create moments that last forever. I am happy when people say they watch my videos and it makes them smile.
Okay, completely unrelated to music: if you were given £10,000 right now but had to spend the entire thing by midnight, what are you buying?
A diamond ring for my wife
Another one because we’re nosy: what’s one completely irrational thing that annoys you, something that shouldn’t bother you at all, but somehow makes your blood boil?
When someone touches my hair
Complete this sentence: “Francis Bondd will know he’s made it when…”
I have saved a million souls with my music
You can follow Francis Bondd on Instagram @francisbondd to learn more about hm and his music
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