What were you doing before you went
into music ?
I started music while I was in
secondary school. I used to sing in
church and other places . While I was
going to school, I was doing music by
the side .
Did you take it seriously at the time ?
No . Back then , I took it as a passion
and a hobby . But I started music
professionally in 2008 .
What project shot you into limelight ?
I gained public recognition after I
released , Expression ( Baba Faye mi
Dabira ) in 2014 . But the album, Next
Level , shot me into limelight .
How many albums did you release
before you attained prominence ?
I released two albums before I started
to get recognition .
What challenges did you face when you
started as a gospel artiste ?
The major challenge one faces while
starting out is financial constraint
and lack of support . People mostly
wouldn ’ t support one as an up – and –
coming artiste . As one grows in one ’ s
career, it becomes better . Though no
one ever had all the money, it ’ s better
than when I started.
Which of your song is your favourite ?
I love Baba Faye mi Dabira . There ’ s no
way I perform without singing the
song. Also , I love So Beautiful, Carry me
Dey Go and Alujo Meta . I can ’ t choose
one but those are my favourite songs .
How did you feel the first time you
performed before an audience ?
I had a very horrible experience. In
fact , it was one of the most horrible
experiences of my life. I grew up in
Ogbomoso , Oyo State and in the
school I attended , we were taught
English in Yoruba .
When I moved to Lagos , I couldn ’ t
speak good English . I found it difficult
to express myself and the teenagers
around me, would always laugh at
me. I was to perform at a place and
wanted to introduce my song then I
said , “ The titled of my song is . ” I
didn ’ t finish the statement before
someone from the back screamed,
‘ Ha ! What is that ?’ When I got home,
my brother told me that I should have
spoken Yoruba that who asked me to
speak in English .
I made up my mind never to lead a
song but will prefer to be back- up
singer. But thankfully , I gained back
my confidence and also learnt how to
speak good English .
Do you still experience stage fright now ?
Every artist experiences a little bit of
stage fright . What works for me is
that I look for a way to engage the
crowd. Once I get their attention , I am
good to go no matter how large the
audience is .
What has fame deprived you of?
Fame has taught me to be conscious of
the kind of life I lead . I can ’ t do
anything just because I want to do it .
I can ’ t just post anything on social
media . I can ’ t stay anywhere with a
pretty lady , I can ’ t go for a date
anyhow. My life is now strictly under
close scrutiny.
Have you ever come under attack on
social media before ?
Yes, many times . One major one I
wouldn ’ t forget was when I did Alujo
Meta and I used a street language , ‘ O
sha pra pra. ’ I was roundly insulted
on the social media . The only thing
they didn ’ t do was to come to my
house to beat me.
How did you manage that moment ?
I just kept quiet and they got tired
then the issue died a natural death .
What have you learnt from being a
public figure ?
It has taught me to be careful , to
watch the way I carry myself because
many people look up to me. Also ,
fame brings one favour ; what other
people struggle to get , one will get it
easily .
What is your advice to up – and – coming
gospel artistes ?
They should believe in themselves
strongly . If they don’ t believe in
themselves , people will change their
vision and purpose for them . They
shouldn ’ t give up on their dreams , be
at their best and be unique . There are
many people out there , but their
uniqueness will stand them out .
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