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Why did you choose music?
Naturally I have always enjoyed singing. I joined the church choir while growing up. I have always enjoyed listening to people like Obesere, Pasuma and other fuji artistes. Whenever I listened to them, I’d always want to make my own kind of song and that is how I came up with my genre, hip-hop fuji. Along the line, when I got to UK, I was not fulfilled with the job I was doing. I wanted to do something that would make me happy but I noticed that whenever I switched on the television, new artistes kept emerging. I felt I could do better than they were, so I decided to give my passion a try. I started writing my songs and before long, I began to sing. The first time I heard Obesere sing, I was very young and the time was about 5:30am. I got up and started dancing immediately. I love to sing.
But some people believe that fuji music is not for the elite; why did you choose that genre of music?
That was in the past; not anymore. Right now in the UK, afro-beat is gaining ground gradually. The issue with the people in the UK is that they need to hear what you are saying to be able to connect with you. I live there so I understand what I need to do. I put some words of English language into my song so that they can relate to it.
How has the feedback been?
It has been very encouraging. Television stations in the UK play my songs a lot, especially BENTV. There is hardly any club that you go to in the UK now that they do not play afrobeat. They are gradually accepting it. The fact that Nigerians are plenty in the UK makes it better. There are some places you would go to and think that you are in Lagos.
Do the Caucasians dance to your songs?
Yes they do. The Caucasians love good beats. If the beat is good, they would dance.
What were you engaged in before you began your music career?
I was working at a supermarket but I was not fulfilled. I felt I had the potential of becoming the next big artiste to come from Nigeria and that is why I decided to explore my talent.
Did you quit your job because of music?
I am still working and at the same time I am doing my music. It has not been easy though but I have made up my mind and once I am determined to do something, I go for it. I already have a large fan base in the UK so it is an indicator that I am on the right path.
Have you ever thought of quitting music?
I have never thought of giving up on my musical talent. Although I have faced some financial constraints, it is not enough reason to give up on my dreams. When I started singing fuji in the UK, the concept was relatively new. I did not really think I could do it before but when I started, I began to enjoy it and I don’t want to stop at all.
Why are you bringing your music to Nigeria when you already have a fan base in the UK?
I do hip-hop fuji and it has its roots in Africa. I cannot remove that home factor from it. I want to be accepted here as much as I am accepted in the UK. I am established there and I want to be established here in Nigeria as well.
Has racism affected you or your career?
Racism is a very sensitive issue and the truth is that it can only be curbed, it cannot be totally eradicated. It will always be there and what I used to conquer it is self esteem. Personally, I like it when people underrate me. It gives me the strength to show people what I am made of. I have not faced any encounter with my music but I face it where I work. It is quite difficult for you to rise in your place of work if you are a black man in the UK. They tend to favour the white when it comes to promotion. People don’t complain to preserve their jobs. Since I started my music, I don’t bother anymore because I am on the road to success.
Can you compare the Nigerian music scene with its foreign counterparts?
The competition is quite stiff. I will say that it is easy to do music in the UK while I do other jobs but I cannot say the same if I were based in Nigeria. If you can plan, it is possible in the UK. I have never worked in Nigeria but from what my friends say, I feel it cannot be that easy. For instance, an average Lagos resident leaves his house by 5am and does not come back till after 9pm mostly because of traffic. What time would such a person have to go to the studio to record or think about songs?
What makes you unique from other new artistes in the industry?
To start with, my music genre is different. I believe I have originality. I like to promote my culture and Ibadan, my home, anywhere I am. My songs sound African and original.
Are you in a relationship?
No, I am not but I have two children.
What happened between you and their mother?
I would not want to talk about that.
What appeals to you in a woman?
I don’t like women that pretend. I like it when ladies are ‘original.’ If you are the posh type, no problem and if you are the local type, be yourself. Do not pretend.
If you are to choose between Chidinma, Yemi Alade and Seyi Shay for a date, who would it be?
I think I would go for Yemi Alade. I don’t really know her but she looks simple to me.
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