What can you recall of your background?
I am from a family of three and I am the second child. Though I am from Ondo State, I was born in Ikeja, Lagos. Growing up was a fantastic experience that I will forever cherish. I have many fond childhood experiences. It was a particularly wonderful experience for me whenever my dad picked me up from primary school. For my elementary education, I attended two schools – Blessing Nursery and Primary School, Oshodi, Lagos, and Remade Nursery and Primary School, Igando, also in Lagos. For my secondary education, I attended Baptist Model High School, Ijegun, Lagos, and I graduated with a degree in Law from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
When did you decide to be a musician?
When I was in my first year in the university, I realised that I was very good in rap music. This spurred my interest in commercial music and I recognised that it would be a good idea to pursue it fully. I am a great rapper and I seize every opportunity to improve daily. Finally, I am a very cool artiste who is humble to a fault.
What challenges did you face before releasing your song, Able God?
I had many ups and downs before I finally put out the song. The major one was facing a lot of criticism because my music was not very popular prior to the release of the single. But I am grateful to God because Able God is now a very popular song. You can even say it has become an anthem of sorts.
What has your experience in the music industry taught you?
Sadly, I have learnt that there is no love in this industry. When you are an artiste who is struggling to make a name, people act like you don’t exist; and it’s awful because it is people you don’t expect such from that are guilty of that act. When you succeed and your name is everywhere, everybody suddenly recognises your existence. That is not love. But on a brighter note, the greatest lesson I have learnt is that you must never give up, no matter how hard it seems. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. What you need to do is push until you make it and succeed. One day, you’ll make it, regardless of the struggles and challenges.
What secret did you apply to Able God to make it the hit song that it currently is?
I used the call and response technique. I also studied the market and learnt the kind of music that people were drawn to. Then, I decided to make a commercial song that would apply to the large market. Able God is an anthem because the beat is catchy and the song was well mixed.
If you weren’t a musician, what other profession would you have chosen?
Although I studied law in the university, I wouldn’t necessarily have opted to become a lawyer if I didn’t pursue music. Interestingly, I would have liked to be a motivational speaker. I would also like to have ventured into any lucrative and productive business.
How will you define your style of music?
I major in rap of every type. Because I am versatile in my craft, I can rap in Yoruba, pidgin English and even in my native dialect which is Ikale. This is not to say that I can’t do other types of music. I major in rap music because it comes very easily to me and I enjoy it the most.
Where do you draw inspiration from before making a new song?
Whenever I hear a good beat, I am automatically inspired to jump on it and begin to lay lyrical content. Also, I put my target audience into consideration before I make any new song.
What is your relationship with Olamide?
Olamide is a father figure to me. It is quite hilarious to think that Olamide and I ever had a rift. I find such claims ludicrous because that’s like a son fighting his father. Where is that done? Olamide and I are very good friends and I recently performed at his concert. He is a wonderful guy and he isn’t the kind of person anyone would want to fight with.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy playing video games, especially football. I like to read randomly, eat and make people happy. I also love writing good music and listening to a variety of instrumentals. Lastly, I cherish my serenity and privacy.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I am a simple person; so, my style depicts who I am. I don’t stress myself to dress heavily or extravagantly. My favourite colour is black. I typically wear anything that goes with black.
Copyright PUNCH.
