Video director narrates how she met Bez

Popular music video director Kemi Adetiba has narrated how she met Bez for the first time.

“This man is my FRIEND. MY FRIEND!!! It however started off different. I happened to be one of 3 judges on a finale at a competition for "upcoming artistes". Bez was one of the 5 being judged that day.

“He was shy, barely looking above the guitar he played like it was an extra limp. The music.... Magic!!! He performed "Stop Pretending" which is still one of my favourites to this day. After that round, we dropped him off the list heading into the top 3. Yup!! We told him he didn't make the cut. WE told him... But I thought personally he deserved to WIN!!! However, I was only one of 3 judges (I won't mention their names Ohhhhhhhhh ) and they thought he's sound was too "international" and the general populace wouldn't "get it".

“I was nominated to deliver the blow. Why me??? I actually thought he should win!!! But with pain, I did it. In between my words cutting him out, I included verses building him UP and how l thought he was amazing. And I finished with a little nugget... I told him one day, I would be honoured to work with him on a music video” wrote Kemi Adetiba on her Instagram."

As fate would have it Kemi Adetiba has worked with Bez on several occasions. Bez’s first video ‘More You’ was directed by her.

“It's amazing how words filtered into the universe come true . About a year or so later, I shot @bezidakula first ever video. And it rocked our universes. A few years after that, I shot his third. No they weren't gifts to him, but he, his music and the opportunity to work with him were gifts to ME!!! You will never understand what those videos have done for my career and how much money they have made me by planting a seed in other people's hearts. Today Bez is far from the shy guy with a guitar. He is a "SUPERSUN!!". Have you seen him perform?? It's like Sasha Fierce came into the party. He's our own ROCKSTAR. Jumping around crazy and smashing guitars and I am SO proud of MY FRIEND and all he has achieved.

“The international recognition et al but still remaining the amazing guy after God's heart. May God continue to elevate you and the gift he's placed in your hands, and may you always find favour even in the hearts of strangers. I love you my FRIEND!!! Happy birthday "Benzino". #SuperSun #MoreYou #Say” she wrote.

In an interview with Pulse TV in May, Kemi Adetiba said Bez is one of her muses.

“Every time I hear music from Bez or , I immediately get inspired, I immediately see pictures. Like, I have to stop myself from listening to their songs because I want to do all their music because...my most successful videos have come from them as well. It's a totally different experience when I work with them. It's just effortless" said the music video director.”

Bez is 31 years old today. Watch Pulse TV video for more on Kemi Adetiba.