We were lucky to catch up with B’nathaniel Orlu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, B’Nathaniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Looking back, I wish I had started my creative career during high school and stayed consistent with it—especially with my funny content and singing. In high school, I did begin making videos, but I stopped because I was too worried about what my so-called friends and the world thought. When COVID hit, I started making YouTube videos since there was more time to focus on creativity. However, I stopped again because I was graduating and preparing for college. My freshman year at Morehouse was a big adjustment, so I had to prioritize academics.

Even then, my creative journey didn’t stop entirely. During freshman year, I started getting some traction on Snapchat and created B’NateTV. It was so much fun and kept going through my first and part of my second year of college, but the workload became too intense, and I had to press pause again. It wasn’t until my senior year at Morehouse. Right after graduation, that I committed to posting consistently. I made a promise to myself to post every day starting the day after graduation, and that momentum carried me into the next phase of life.

At that point, life was shifting. I was preparing to begin my master’s program at the University of Michigan, and I had just completed my first opera production, The Night Watchman, where I played a significant role. I felt like I was stepping into my potential.

Looking back, starting sooner would have likely built a larger following, audience, and platform earlier on, which could have propelled my goals and dreams at a faster pace. However, starting when I did gave me the maturity and experiences to grow authentically. I don’t regret my timing, but I do wonder how much further ahead I’d be if I had leaned into my creativity earlier, without fear of judgment. Still, I’m grateful for the lessons that came with the journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been singing since I was a young child—my first stage was my church. By the age of two, I was already exploring music, and as I grew older, I began competing in singing competitions during middle school and eventually throughout high school. These experiences helped me build connections and develop relationships that shaped my musical path.

While attending Morehouse College for my undergraduate studies, I became deeply involved in music and performance through the Morehouse College Glee Club. At the same time, I ventured into digital creation, establishing a social media presence to connect with others through relatable and engaging content. My content focuses on everyday experiences, often tied to my life as a student, and seeks to bring humor, inspiration, and authenticity to my audience.

Through my platforms, I provide genuine and inspiring content that resonates with a wide range of people. I am a trained bass-baritone singer, blending classical, choral, and modern music influences to create performances that captivate and connect. On social media, I share stories and insights that reflect the challenges and triumphs of student life and young adulthood, offering encouragement and a sense of community to my followers. As the founder of Black Determined Minds, I am passionate about empowering young people and community leaders while supporting the less fortunate. My work in this space addresses issues like access to resources, mentorship, and building self-confidence.

One thing that makes me unique is my ability to balance and integrate multiple roles: as a musician, student, digital creator, and community organizer. I’m committed to staying authentic in all areas of my life, whether I’m performing, creating, or mentoring. My growth on Instagram is something I’m particularly proud of. Since May, I’ve grown my following from 2,000 to over 9,000 followers. It’s been a testament to the power of staying consistent, connecting genuinely, and understanding what my community values.

To my supporters, I want you to know that I’m here for you. If you’re ever in need of inspiration or advice, you can reach out to me, and I’ll do my best to respond. I also want to emphasize that the content I create is always made with sincerity, and it’s meant to serve the community we’ve built together. Ultimately, I hope my journey inspires others to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams, knowing that it’s okay to grow and learn along the way.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media is a journey that often involves trial and error. When I first started, I experimented with different strategies to figure out what worked best. One of the most important things I learned was the value of consistency. I made it a point to post every day, which helped me determine the best times to share content — moments when people were most likely to be online and engaged. Sticking to a regular schedule allowed me to build momentum and create a sense of reliability for my audience.

I also discovered the importance of staying within a specific niche. Instead of posting random content, I focused on a theme that I was passionate about and that resonated with my audience. This approach helped keep people interested because they knew what to expect when they followed me. Having a clear focus ensures your audience aligns with your content, making it easier to keep them engaged over time.

Patience was another key lesson. Not every post was a hit; in fact, my first few videos didn’t perform well at all. But I didn’t let that discourage me. I kept creating and learning from my results, and eventually, I produced a piece of content that resonated and took off. Building an audience is not an overnight process, and staying consistent even when things feel slow is what makes the difference. Success comes from showing up every day, learning as you go, and being patient enough to let your hard work pay off.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creator for me is reading the comments on my videos, whether they’re on my personal page, creator page, or my community organization page. It warms my heart to see people truly enjoy what I’ve put out. As a creator, I want others to love my work as much as I do. It’s deeply fulfilling to know that the hard work I pour into my art is being received and appreciated by others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/313_bnate?igsh=MWluZ3FpbnF3cHdmag==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-nathaniel-orlu-64ba7025b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@313_bnate?si=ogkcGXL7XMVUQP3V
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/bnathanielorlu_thesinger?igsh=MWZuaG13OHVxZmoxMw==

  https://www.instagram.com/blackdeterminedminds?igsh=ZWswd25zZnRnMGly