Rapper Olamide Adedeji keeps pushing the boundaries in the Yoruba rap genre in the Nigerian music industry, using a style of delivery made popular by late music superstar, Da Grin. In this interview he speaks with Halimat Ozomata on his growing up, music, relationship with popular producer, I.D Cabasa.
Except…
Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Olamide Adedeji. I’m a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State. I was born and bred in Bariga, Lagos. I’m from a family of seven.
How did you start out as rapper?
I discovered music was in me while growing up. In 2003 I started writing my own lines and performing at shows and the rest today is history.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was not that rosy neither was it that bad. Growing up in the ghetto was quite challenging because you’re looked down on by kids from upscale neighbourhoods. In the ghetto I was given ghetto orientation which is never to look down on myself no matter what.
Tell us about your love life?
I have nothing to say about that.
Late Dagrin seemed to have influenced you a great deal. What does he mean to you?
He’s more like the late Martin Luther King. I call him Barrack ‘O Grin. He is such a blessing to Nigeria. He really paved the way big time for up-and coming rappers like myself back in the day. It’s not like there has not been other people before him but his impact was awesome! Dagrin is a great artiste and I respect him; he is a legend.
Lately you have become so big. How are you filling the vacuum Dagrin left behind?
I don’t know. It is depend on people’s perspective. I just live my life the way I feel and besides, I’m not the only rapper in the industry. There are others like Lord of Ajasa. However I’m only doing my thing. Now people are comparing me to Dagrin and that feels great. I see it as a blessing from God. I can’t say I’m the best rapper; that would be ridiculous. It’s like saying Jay Z is the best rapper. However, it’s not like Jay Z is better than B.I.G but people see the love they have for B.I.G in Jay Z. B.I.G died when he started making money and people were heartbroken. And Jay Z can never open his mouth and say ‘I’m better than B.I.G.’ The same thing applies to me too. I can’t say I’m better than Dagrin.
How do you get inspiration for your music?
I discovered a long time ago that rap music is all around me so I draw a lot of inspiration from my environment. I just feel comfortable being a rapper as opposed to singing. Seeing rap icons like Dagrin and the love he had for the art just overwhelms me.
How do you handle your female fans?
(Laughter)We dey try. Behind every successful man there is a woman. For me it’s not just about a woman but women so I take advantage of it positively. I don’t sleep with my female fans; I treat them like my sisters.
What’s been your happiest moment?
God has done many things for me. I can’t tell which moment is the happiest but one I can remember was the release of my first album, Rhapsodi. I was so happy when it was released. That album registered my name in the annals of the history of rap music in Nigeria.
What was it like meeting I.D Cabasa?
I met I.D Cabasa when I went to record with a friend in a studio. We met each other and struck the right chords and the connection took off from there. That’s how I ended up having his support. And ever since, he’s been giving me that special big brotherly love.
What’s your advice for up-and-coming artistes?
My advice is that they should put God first and do less of unnecessary hard work.
If not rap what would you be doing?
For now, I don’t see myself leaving the rap world. I would rather be running a rap music label.
What is the meaning of Ilefo Illuminati?
It is slang in my neighbourhood in Bariga, Lagos. Ilefo simply means swag.
There is talk that you belong to illuminati. How true is this?
I have been correcting that impression in all my interviews and I’m not going to get tired of it. I only feel I need to keep representing my own people and communicating with them in a way that they will understand me. So, I want to tell my people that I don’t belong to illuminati or any secret society.
What has been your challenges?
Wow! It used to be an issue of finance. Right now the major one we are facing is the issue of piracy. And it’s crazy men! I feel it should stop but I also know it can never be stopped!
What are your dreams?
I want to be a global brand that is why I’m looking up to God. It is not by my power but by the grace of God. I feel honoured and great that I’m one of the top profile rappers in town.
My dance, workout videos not to seduce women –Harrysong
Stories by Halimat Ozomata
Abuja
Harrison Tare Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong, is known for his melodious songs and vibrant dance moves in his music videos. He is fond of sharing short videos of himself dancing and working out on his social media page. Some of his fans have alleged that he uses these videos to seduce his female followers. But the Reggae Blues singer noted that dancing and being happy is part of his lifestyle. He said he never had the intention to seduce any of his female fans.
“Why would I want to seduce women? If they are seduced by that, it’s their business, I am just exercising and living my life. I am just a happy guy,” he said.
The songwriter and instrumentalist shocked some of his fans when he released his latest song. The video portrayed him as a loving husband and father. Asked if it was a hint that he would soon get married, he noted that it was a conscious move to spice things up for his fans.
“My new song is a conscious move to rebrand myself; we are just trying to spice things up for the fans. It is not about whether I want to take the next big step as regards marriage; I will let the world know (when it is time). It is just a concept to talk about life, family, belief, hustle, and faith. Those are the kinds of songs I started with before I produced songs like Reggae Blues that put me in the limelight. I have always been versatile,” he said.
Last year, Harrysong came out to talk about his battle with depression. Asked how he was able to overcome the thought, he said he didn’t want to talk about it. He further explained the reason why he always shared pictures of himself dressed for church service.
I’ll marry 3 men with my money when I clock 40 –Toyin Lawani
Fashion mogul, Toyin Lawani recently questioned the double standard that allows men to marry multiple wives but frowns at women doing same.
Using pregnancy as an example, the serial entrepreneur who seem to be reacting to the increase in the rate of infidelity among married folks said that the world is changing and women can now do what men can.
She went on to say that she will marry 3 husbands when she turns 40 because if a man can do it then so can she.
“Why is it that men can have many wives and women can’t? Well, when I’m 40 I’m going to marry three different men with my money, build separate houses for them and our main mansion. I will choose who will share my bed each night and the rest will go to their rooms. If men can, why can’t I? Don’t tell me bullshit that it’s a man’s world, what a man can do a woman can do better. The world is changing so men need to sit up. If you like don’t be loyal, I will marry another one and replace you. Women should be respected worldwide. Men can never give birth to kids and I know women can’t get pregnant without men, but we can buy sperm. A woman will carry a baby for you a whole 9 months, dedicate 2 years of their life to the baby’s care, before she can even work again, you will still cheat on her. Women need to start taking the bull by its horn. See money is important, if you have money you will marry any type of man you want. When he cheats replace his ass. Ladies double up your hustle and get that money,” she wrote.
Niniola taught me how to sing –Teni
One of the raves of the moment is singer, Teni D’Entertainer. Her songs can be heard everywhere one turns to and it seems she’s not about to slow down anytime soon.
The chubby singer stated that though her music has taken her beyond her wildest imaginations, she has barely scratched the surface of what she has to offer. She said, “To be honest with you, I am amazed by how far I have come in a short while but I can also assure you that you have not seen anything yet. I still have a lot in stock. As a matter of fact, I have barely started. I am usually overjoyed when I see people singing my songs word for word with so much passion. I love to make people happy and I have been able to do that with my music. I have very big dreams as far as my career is concerned and I can only tell you to keep your fingers crossed.”
Contrary to what many may think, Teni said her eldest sister, Niniola, is one of her biggest inspirations. “I have a very wide taste in music; so, I listen to all sorts and that influences me in different ways. However, in the industry here in Nigeria, Niniola and Davido are among my biggest influences. Davido is a wonderful person and I recall the first time I met him was in Los Angeles, US. He advised me to stay focused on my music career and I would succeed. I am happy that has come to pass. As for Nini, she practically taught me how to sing and it is something I will always appreciate. My late father also loved music and he usually played songs a lot in the house. He really loved all his children and he did a lot to build our confidence and self-esteem. Many times, I wish he were here to see what we have made of our lives.”
