Defying definitions and refusing to fit into a box
Some people spend years trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives, but for Olabanji Ibidapo, the answer was simple: everything. Growing up with a deep-seated love for the storytelling and production of hip-hop, Olabanji knew he wanted to explore the music industry. However, with limited practical experience under his belt, the exact destination remained a mystery.
When he discovered the BA Music Business & Production course at the University of Staffordshire's Stoke campus, it instantly stood out. It promised the perfect blend of creative mastery and corporate savvy.
"I saw it as an opportunity to learn about the industry while developing production skills, so I decided to take a chance on it," Olabanji recalls. "The supportive environment and hands-on opportunities gave me the confidence to believe I could build a real career in music."
His passion only grew. After completing his undergraduate degree, he stayed on to earn an MA in Music Production, mastering the delicate arts of mixing and engineering while simultaneously stepping into the university recording booths to find his own voice as an artist. Today, performing and producing under the moniker BANJI cjr, that creative leap has blossomed into a genuine artistic journey.
The turning point: Finding strength in community
While his technical skills thrived in the studios, Olabanji’s biggest turning point at university wasn't an assignment or a module—it was personal growth. Arriving on campus in 2018, he faced significant mental health challenges while navigating university life as an autistic student.
"My first year was a difficult period," he shares candidly. "A major turning point came when I received support from Joanne Howe, a university counselor and mentor. Her guidance had a lasting impact on my confidence, wellbeing, and outlook on life. From that point onwards, everything began to change."
With a renewed sense of self-belief, Olabanji refused to limit himself. He was selected for the University’s BUCS First Team football squad, reigniting his athletic ambitions. He joined campus communities like the ACS and Christian Union, building lifelong friendships. He even began documenting his daily life on YouTube, an endeavor that flourished into a role as a Student Communications Ambassador for the university.
"Looking back, that period taught me that I didn't have to fit into one box," he says. "It gave me the confidence to pursue multiple passions: music, football, content creation, and advocacy."
From the Roundhouse to the classroom
After graduating with his Master's in 2022, Olabanji immediately channeled his skills into the industry as an Event Producer with Wired4Music, co-creating live music jams and inclusive open mic events for emerging talent. Wired4Music expanded his creative network, which eventually led him to the historic Roundhouse in Camden. For over three years, he utilised their professional facilities as a Creative Member, refining his craft alongside industry mentors.
Today, Olabanji defines himself as a true multi-hyphenate professional. By day, he works full-time as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant, dedicating his energy to supporting autistic and neurodivergent primary pupils with their learning and emotional development.
Once the school bell rings, his focus shifts seamlessly back to his other talents. He can be found engineering tracks in the studio, creating content that pulls back the curtain on navigating life as an autistic adult, or traveling across London to train and compete as a semi-professional footballer.
His relentless hustle has yielded incredible results. As an independent artist, he has independently released three self-produced EPs, accumulating thousands of streams and earning airplay on major stations like BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio.
Proud to be Staffordshire
For Olabanji, the foundations for his fluid, multi-faceted career were built entirely at Staffordshire University.
"Staffordshire gave me far more than a degree. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself," Olabanji says. "As an autistic student, university was a place where I was able to grow academically, creatively, and personally. It encouraged me to embrace my different interests and showed me that it was possible to build a career that combines education, music, content creation, advocacy, and football."
For those following in his footsteps, Olabanji advises stepping boldly into the unknown.
"Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. University is about much more than earning a qualification. It's a chance to discover who you are. Pace yourself, be interested, be willing, and engage in anything that is thrown your way."
You can check out Olabanji’s music, content, and advocacy work via his Linktree.
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