Encomium
The Kool one is out with a new album, and is still finding his own level in this city he loved to call home…
Where did you live in Lagos and why?
I live in Festac. My brothers have been living there for a long time. So, when they travelled, I had to retain the house, the family house. I’ve been living there for 12 years now.
What’s your earliest experience with Lagos?
My earliest experience in Lagos was when I came to try to do a demo here. Then, I didn’t really have people around here. That was in 1985. I was still in my secondary school. I came to Lagos to meet people that can connect me to music.
When did you start living permanently in Lagos?
I went to Yaba College of Technology. From 1986 I would say I’ve lived in Lagos.
What do you like most about Lagos?
If it’s in terms of the environment, I would say the flood. The flood that gathers…from the lifestyle level, the restlessness which includes the traffic and everything.
What do you miss most when you are outside Lagos?
What I miss about Lagos is the home thing. When I’m abroad or a strange place you find out that you are a nobody. It’s in Nigeria that I can connect with my people. It’s in Nigeria that I’m Mr. Kool. It’s in Lagos that I am who I am and I feel that sense of pride that this is where I belong. When I’m outside Lagos, I feel crippled.
Where do you shop in Lagos?
It depends on what I buy. If it’s for clothes, I would not be doing adverts for anybody. I like clothes a lot. Honestly, I have a lot of people who buy clothes for me overseas or when I travel, I buy clothes myself.
How do you move around Lagos?
Most of the time, I drive. I like Toyota. I’ve moved from one Toyota to another. You can now see me in Carina E or a Toyota Rav 4.
Where is your Lagos’ favourite hangout?
I’m not much of a hangout person, but I like clubs. My favourite hangout in life is my bedroom. Because that’s where I write my songs. If there will have to be a big screen TV, good sound system, it is in my room. But as for hangout, I like the Chevron Conservation Centre.
Who is your Lagos’ favourite celebrity?
Dem plenty o. I like Aluwe a lot and then, I love Sunny Ade, I respect him a lot.
What new project are you working on?
Right now, I am working on putting together a studio, a music studio to be able to help artistes and I want to do an awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Your new album, Still Kool, if you were to capture it in a few words, how would you describe it?
I would say, Still Kool, is an album for you, me and mankind. Still Kool is about life, love and relationship. Still Kool is about issues that affect you.
(First published in 2005)
