Olamide is one chap that has been around for a while now. He released his first album, “Rapsodi” two months ago and since then, his song has almost been the sound track of our lives. The Codedtunes rapper spoke to us on issues contained in his music and some most important aspect of his life. Excerpt…
How did Olamide got into the music industry?
It wasn’t an easy task at all but with the help of God and perseverance, it became possible.
How did you come about your hit track “Eni duro” and what message did you intend to convey when you were putting it together?
Eni Duro simply explains to people that does not see what up and coming artistes have been through. What they are presently going through and their aspirations for the future and then decides forming obstacles for them, Eni Duro. They would bend like frozen Chicken.
Where do you get your inspirations from?
I get my inspirations from God and my environment – things I see around me and things I hear; examples are my hood which is the ghetto, going out on the street and seeing people hustling, saying slang and all that.
Your debut album “RAP SO DI” is out and selling in the market, what would you tell those that are yet to get their copy?
Asides from supporting my career by buying my C.D, you are getting real value for your money because it’s unlike every other thing out there. RAP SO DI is rap music in an unusual way which is the brain behind the album name itself. I.D Cabasa was unusual on the production and my humble self pushed myself to the limit to give an unusual rap album. That’s not about rap bragging or egoism, but passing different messages across. For example Responsibility talks about coping and overcoming the challenges we encounter in our day to day life because it’s our responsibility to do so while Woman advices against the abusing of wives by husband, and lots of others without neglecting the club bangers as well. It’s basically something that has different things with everybody in mind.
A lot of albums are affected by piracy; do you fear the same for your album?
I have as well been affected and it’s a huge problem artistes are face, they have now gone a step higher by deceiving people with what is not. For example I was contacted recently with a compilation titled “The best of Olamide” that has numerous collaborations by that doesn’t exist, it’s really crazy. But some artistes do not mind and have been enjoying more publicity from it, some even pay for it. For me I take it as something destroying the industry, with or without pirate’s act what would blow would blow, it’s not the pirates that blow artistes but God’s backing and your work. If you like as an artiste take your song to Alaba and give them one million to give you publicity; if your stuff is not good then it’s not going to sell.
And after your album has been released, what is next?
More videos for the video compilation and definitely lots of tours within and outside the country.
Now that you’ve attained a celebrity status, what has changes about you?
Nothing really asides not being free to do things I normally do before like at times I’d feel like being rugged once more entering a buka to eat, but my guys would quickly caution me saying Olamide package, package. Now I can’t walk freely on the street like before without fear of people wanting to collect what I have on me though it’s a way of showing that I’m loved by them.
Were you at anytime discouraged from venturing into music?
Sure; some of my neighbors said I was wasting away rather than being in school studying like my mates then, some of my friends too called me names like I.D Cabasa’s servant because I was always at the studio, but the story has changed now. Actually it wasn’t their fault; they couldn’t see the dream then.
And your parents then?
They were not really that supportive, but they didn’t try to stop me as well. My father would always say then that I’m not stopping you from being the musician that you want to be, but you must be educated and I was doing both at the same time now.
But how did you have yourself into Codedtunes?
It’s actually a long story, but the summary is that I met I.D Cabasa about six years ago when I came down here to do a recording with a friend. I overhead him saying I’m doing a good job while doing my part. I couldn’t believe my ears and immediately resolved that I would never let him go until he assists my career. He encouraged me to keep coming around from where I started learning especially from others mistakes. To be frank he’s one of the greatest things to happen to me.
In Eni Duro, a lot of people believe you rubbished the Organizers and participants of STAR QUEST thereby taking offence by the comment you made. How true is that?
To be frank I have nothing as such in mind. What I said about not going to STAR QUEST shows my belief in talent hustling to talent showcasing. I’m not against any body going for talent hunts to showcase their talents, but personally I prefer hustling with my talent to becoming someone in life rather than being adjudged the winner in a talent hunt show and then having nothing to bring out to the world after then. Please no one should get me wrong, I was talking about myself and my belief.
You have been nominated in the Nigerian Entertainment Awards most promising act to watch alongside Brymo, Jhybo, Zara, Ketchup, Retta and Muna; which of them do you see as the strongest contender for the award?
To be frank I don’t see anyone contending with me as well I contending with anyone because my style is quite different from the rest. Though I’m not bragging that I’d clinch the award at the end of the day but I hope to win.
Which three artistes worldwide would you always doff your hat for as being genius in the game and why?
Presently I can only think of two and they are Jayz and Tuface Idibia. Jayz is my role model because his business sense is on point and he doesn’t have to jump up and down the stage for you to feel him because his lyrics are in-depth. Tuface is truly a genius because it’s not easy to be on top for over a decade, it’s not as if I’m mocking those that they started together but he’s well head above his contemporaries that they were ruling the airwaves then.
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