Encomium
Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru (his biological names) famously known as Reminisce (or Alaga Ibile as his fans prefer to call him) is a rapper, singer and song-writer.
The Purchasing and Supply graduate from Ogun State had a splendid 2014; not only was his album (Alaga Ibile) adjudged one of the best, he also welcomed his second child and was named one of the seven World Rappers You Should Meet by Time Magazine.
In an exclusive chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the 2 musshh crooner shared his joy on his recent endorsement deal with Orijin and why he doesn’t subscribe to the idea of an indigenous rapper…
Congratulations on your endorsement deal with Orijin. How does it feel representing such a brand?
It feels great, especially as the brand celebrates originality.
Give us some details. How much is the deal worth?
I can’t disclosed but it sure a huge one.
How long is the deal running?
It will run for a couple of years.
With an ambassadorial role comes more responsibility. How would you ensure this doesn’t affect your music?
I have gained some experience from my first role with Samsung, so it shouldn’t be a problem, and I also have a great team.
How well is the visuals for Tesojue doing on the charts?
It’s doing very well.
What’s the feedback since the video dropped?
The feedback has been mainly positive.
What else do you have now, music-wise?
I am working on my third studio album, Babahafusa which should drop within the first quarter of 2015.
How did 2014 treat you, what was the year like?
2014 was an amazing year for me. From my album selling well over a million, to the endorsements and the Time magazine recognition and also the birth of my second child.
What was your most memorable experience in 2014?
Certainly, the birth of my second child. It was quite an experience. I had to shuttle between shows and the hospital (laughs).
Would you say you are where you set out to be in your career thus far?
No, I am not there yet, but I am on my way.
You have maintained your unique indigenous rap style, despite some labeling you an illiterate at the outset. What kept you going during those times?
I think drive and determination.
Some are speculating that there is an underlying rivalry between indigenous rappers and their English colleagues. How true is this?
I don’t know about that.
Do you think indigenous rappers get the accolades they deserve when compared to their English counterparts?
They are beginning to get all they deserve. I don’t subscribe to the tag indigenous. I believe a rapper is a rapper.
What’s your assessment of the Nigerian music industry in the past year?
We don’t have an industry. We just have people who have decided to hustle their way out.
What do you think is yet to be done for the industry to reach its full potential?
Like I said, we don’t have an industry.
-MICHAEL NWOKIKE
