For popular singer and entertainer, Segun Johnson, the most memorable moments on stage are often the ones that cannot be planned.
The singer has revealed that spontaneity has remained at the heart of his performance style, explaining that he deliberately avoids relying on rehearsed routines because he wants his entertainment to remain authentic, natural and unpredictable.
Johnson made this known in an interview with Saturday Beats, where he spoke about his creative process, his ability to turn unexpected occurrences into memorable stage moments and how he recovers after demanding performances.
According to the entertainer, his spontaneous approach to performance developed from his ability to create catchy expressions and hype lines in the moment. Although he admitted that he once considered rehearsing ahead of events, he ultimately chose to preserve the instinctive quality that has become associated with his brand.
“I have always been spontaneous on stage and used to create hype lines out of creativity. Later on, I had the temptation of rehearsing before events, but I didn’t do that. I was intentional about being spontaneous. I believe that way, my brand as an entertainer can be authentic, natural and unpredictable,” Johnson said.
Beyond simply entertaining an audience, Johnson believes a performer must be observant enough to recognise unusual moments during a show and transform them into experiences that audiences will remember long after the event.
He noted that some of the most significant moments during a performance could be brief, sometimes lasting only a few seconds, but said the ability to recognise and maximise them separates an ordinary performance from an unforgettable one.
“The difference between just performing and creating everlasting moments is in paying attention to remarkable occurrences. During every event, there is always a moment that requires exploration. Most performers might not be able to identify such moments, but I think this is where I have an edge,” he said.
“Sometimes, such moments last for just 15 seconds during a two-hour performance. It is left to the performer to be attentive enough to know when to maximise an occurrence and turn it into a remarkable moment that will create everlasting impressions.”
With his performances often requiring considerable physical and mental energy, Johnson also disclosed that he completely disconnects from the outside world after an event to recover.
The singer said his post-performance routine involves shutting himself off from communication and other distractions, including phone calls and even listening to the radio.
“After every performance and event, I switch off completely. I don’t even have the tolerance to listen to the radio in the car or receive calls. I always switch off everything, including physically, mentally and socially,” he said.
For Johnson, however, spontaneity is more than simply a performance technique. He described it as a fundamental part of his identity as an entertainer and linked his creative ability to divine inspiration.
Asked what he would do if his creativity stopped flowing, Johnson expressed confidence that such a situation would not arise because, in his view, his talent comes from God rather than from a fixed collection of rehearsed material.
“The creativity will not stop flowing because it was given by God and it wasn’t built on a repertoire. This was my main reason for building the brand on spontaneity, so that the real strength comes from not having a plan,” he said.
Johnson’s comments underline his belief that remaining present and responsive on stage is central to creating the kind of performances that audiences remember. Rather than following a rigid script, he has built his entertainment style around instinct, observation and the ability to turn unexpected moments into lasting memories.