Encomium
Says, ‘Releasing songs in a hurry is not my priority’
+ How he’s spending his prize money
OLAWALE Ayodele Ojo is the winner of Nigeria’s foremost music reality show, MTN Project Fame Season 6. Not much has been heard from him since he won the reality show until last week, when he re-surfaced with a new single entitled, Is Notin.
The Ibadan, Oyo born singer spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Friday, February 14, 2014, at Zebra Stripes Networks office, Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos, on his new project, women and how he’s spending his winning prize.
We have not heard from you since you won Project Fame, what have you been doing so far?
I have been working on my career. I have left the entire level of Project Fame, now I am working on my album. I just dropped my first single and also planning a video soon.
Tell us more about your new management.
I have a record deal with MTN, and it has been working well for me. It is for a year, with the opportunity of working with any producer of my choice.
Tell us more about your new single.
After Project Fame, I released my single, Is Nothin. It was not easy because it was my first song, but after the production I loved it and that was how I came up with Is Nothin.
Who produced the song?
DJ Clem.
Why did you choose DJ Clem?
I just like him, he has been around for a while. I like his sound too. He is really a good producer.
What informed Is Nothin?
Nothing special, it was just the beat that inspired it.
Do you have a stage name or is it still Olawale?
Yes, it is still Olawale because I have always had it in mind that my real name is going to be my stage name.
What plans do you have aside this single?
I am presently working on my video. I have also met with few producers. So, before the end of this month, I should be able to drop the video and after this, I will definitely release other songs.
After emerging the winner, are you ready for the challenges in the industry?
I am ready. First, I have to relocate from Ibadan to Lagos, and I am still at the experimental stage of my career. So, rushing is not my priority, because a lot of people expected me to drop a song immediately I was through with Project Fame, but that is not it. I still need to meet with some producers first, so as to understand each other and I also have to plan well. It is God that can help one through challenges.
Why did you go into music?
I have always loved to be a musician. It is my childhood dream. I am the first musician in my family, nobody was there to advice me. I was just doing my thing at home, hostel, disturbing my friends while listening to legends like Alicia Keys, John Legend, and a lot of R n’ B artistes. One day, a friend advised me to enter for Project Fame, which I did.
Did you set your mind to winning initially?
I just came into the competition like every other contestant, putting in my best. At the end, I was announced the winner.
What would you attribute your success to?
I was just myself, the kind of music I do, and I believe people loved my sound too. I also focused on my specialty which is fuji sound. That’s why I have incorporated fuji sound into my single.
How has Project Fame helped you?
In every way, it has really helped me financially. It has made me very popular and has really been supporting my career. Before, I walked on the street without people noticing me.
How did you spend your prize money?
First, I bought myself a keyboard. I settled my family, too; and I invested.
Are you in school?
Yes, I am in school. I am a 400 level student of Agronomy department, Ladoke Akintola University. My school has really been supportive, thanks to the management.
How have you been combining school and music?
I have always balanced it, making sure they don’t clash. Though, it has not been easy, life itself is not easy.
What lessons have you learnt so far?
Whatever you believe, just keep doing it because one way or the other, you will find your way through.
How do you cope with females now that you are a celebrity?
I like them all, because my mom is also a female. They have been coming around, but I don’t let fame get into my head. So, It is Nothin as the title of my song implies. I am fresh in the industry, and all I need do is to be focused.
Are you in a relationship?
No, I don’t have a girlfriend. Though, I had one before Project Fame, we broke up and I had to focus on my career.
Which artiste would you like to work with?
I will like to work with Tiwa Savage and Sound Sultan. When I did a collaboration with Tiwa Savage at Project Fame Academy, it was mind blowing and the connection was sweet. She has got a sweet voice. Sound Sultan is another artiste that has been in the industry for a very long time. So, I really want to work with both of them.
What do you want to achieve in the industry in the next three years?
When you hear the likes of 2Face, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, there is always something that comes to your mind because they all are brands. I want to develop my brand also, so everyone will recognize me when I sing.
What are your plans for this year?
A lot of songs to be released and some videos too. I am still fresh so people want to see and hear what I have to offer.
-OREOLUWA BELLO
