Encomium
RnB singer and band leader, Kolawole Ogunwunmi, better known simply as KolaSoul, has opened up on his love for music and how music found him.
In an exclusive chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the vocalist and graduate of Marine Engineering and Agronomy also revealed how his music journey had evolved, his relationship status and why he chose to do music professionally despite having two degrees…
Why are you into music?
I think music found me. I grew listening to music, the classics, Boys2Men, R-Kelly, Michael Jackson and the likes. So, I already had that culture in me. Though I graduated with a 2.1 (Second Class Upper) in my degrees (Agronomy and Marine Engineering from the University of Ibadan). My parents advised that it is important to be properly educated. In case music doesn’t work out, I can have a backup plan. And in the case that music works, I can be well grounded and take informed decisions. For me, music found me, and I don’t think in 10 years I’ll do anything else other than music.
Has it always been your dream to do music from the onset?
No, for me I wanted to be a brain surgeon. But I couldn’t get into medical school for one reason or the other, so I had to look at other alternatives available to me. One was Marine Engineering. So, I went for it, wrote my professional exams and all of that. I did Agronomy as well. I wish to do my Masters in Geo-Physics, not because I want to use it, but because I already had that plan set out. Music has become an intricate part of me.
How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to do music?
They didn’t have any negative reaction. What they advised was that I should have a firm ground in education. Besides, they saw the potential. Music gave me my car, which was a Chrysler 300c. So, they were like if music is making you so much money, go for it! But have a plan B, which is getting education. My mother wanted me to tow the line of Marine Engineering, so she was really happy when I got my degree. But she also wanted me to be happy.
How did you get into music?
It wasn’t church. I’ve never been in a church choir. How it happened was just sheer luck. For me, it was school plays and listening to my mom’s music. I remember a particular time when friends came over and I was singing, they were in awe of the fact that I could sing. My mom always supported me. She was of the opinion that if it would make me happy, I should go for it. One time, I got an offer from a South African record label after I won a Karaoke competition, but I was advised not to do it because they wanted me to finish my education. I remember occasions where I would sing at events in school and people would be screaming, especially the ladies. I kind of found out that people were in awe of the fact that I could sing. I got signed on to a record label immediately after my university education. It was for two years, which was a good ride. But we parted amicably, after which I set up a record label named Alchemist Music with a partner. We have an office, built a studio. It’s my dream coming true.
How long have you been doing music professionally?
Professionally? Say, 12 years. I’ve been doing quite a lot of things, working in studios, studying people, setting up a live band named Band de la ville. Just basically perfecting the arts. It might look like I’m just coming into my own in the industry, but I’ve been around for a while.
How would you describe your professional career thus far?
It’s been hell! A lot of ups and downs. But if I were to come back in another life, I would still do music. Music has taken me to a lot of places. Last year I was at the Nottinghill Carnival, which was my first time in the U.K. It was really exciting!
What genre of music do you do?
I’m an R’n’B singer, being an R’n’B singer allows me to veer into different areas. It’s a lot more advantageous than being a rapper, though nowadays rappers sing with the help of auto-tune. I delved into what is now called Afro-pop. My new single, Oniro is actually a testament to that, where I fused fuji and dubstep. Dubstep is synonymous with people in London, it’s a pop culture. I’m an R’n’B singer and I’m able to diversify. I did a cover of Chris Brown’s Don’t Judge Me, as well as John Legend’s All of Me, which came out very well. Many people even thought it was my song.
How many singles do you have officially?
Officially, there are four singles and three videos.
How has the response been?
It’s been amazing!
What new material are you pushing?
My single, Rapid Response Love, which has a highlife and dubstep fusion. In the video, soon to be released, I played two roles.
So, when should we expect an album?
By the end of this year, I am hoping to drop an album. And I’m so excited about it. I am working with quite a number of producers; from Grey Jones, Nicole Smith(she’s an amazing producer), E-Kelly, I’ve already done stuff with Del-B; and I would like to work with Don Jazzy, I really wish I could work with him, OJB, TY Mix, Studio Magix, Quadratic Beats (I’ve done stuff with him), and D-Tunes. Really, I’m so open to producers. I feel like each song from each producer should show me in a different light, that way, people can see me in different ways. I tell my producers to use me as a tool and express what they feel.
Nigerian music industry has so many talented acts. How do you plan to carve a niche for yourself and your brand?
I think I’ve already carved a niche for myself, without sounding conceited. I feel I’ve won over an audience with the songs and covers. I’ve put out. I feel I’m one of the best R ‘n’ B singers, and I believe a lot of people feel that way too. I’m going to tattoo it on everybody’s brain that when it comes to R ‘n’ B and AfroPop, it’ll be KolaSoul at the top. I am capable of doing that. Being able to perform with a live band is what a lot of people appreciate, because it is not just singing via CD.
Where do you see the Nigerian music industry in five years?
It’s already one of the biggest in the world. It’s very untapped. For instance, musicians in say Rwanda or Angola are probably earning a lot more than our biggest artistes here, that’s because our market is so untapped. We are lacking in areas like digital distribution. Think about it, you could spend close to two million or more recording an album, doing the promotion and other stuff; then somebody somewhere puts all these songs on one CD that costs just N50 and sells for just N150. It just doesn’t make sense. There are a lot of stuffs that are messed up. You have the movie industry where you could make so much money, making movie sound tracks. Sometimes I hear soundtracks of some movies and I’m like, ‘Why did they even bother?’ We are only exploring one millionth of the industry’s potential.
Where do you see your musical career in say five years?
Wow! In five years, I’m looking at KolaSoul being the number one R’n’B artiste in Nigeria, I’m looking at gathering international recognition, working with the best of the best. I’m looking at working with the Tinie Tempahs, the Chris Browns, the Ushers; that might seem like a far cry from where I am now but it’s not impossible. I’ve seen people break barriers everytime. For instance, P-Square doing stuff with Rick Ross, that could be me. All I have to do is fight extra hard, push myself. In five years, I’m looking at being the foremost R’n’B artiste coming out of Nigeria.
A little away from music, what’s your relationship status, because the ladies want to know? Are they free to submit application letters?
For KolaSoul, yes, they can submit applications! In fact, I even have an office dedicated to that (laughs). For the brand KolaSoul, submit as many applications as possible. But for the individual Kola, I’d rather not be involved in all of that. KolaSoul is for the ladies, they can have a piece of KolaSoul.
So, should we expect wedding bells ringing soonest?
No! Don’t expect marriage plans for now. Actually, it’s a far cry from where I am now.
Finally, tell us more about the individual behind KolaSoul. Who is KolaSoul?
I’m a happy-go-lucky, fun to be with person. I was born to a Nigerian father and a Ghanaian mother, they are both deceased now. I’ve got five siblings- five boys and one girl in all, and I’m the last born. I feel privileged that I had fantastic older brothers who looked out for me. We love each other so much and nothing can keep us apart. We were brought up to have an open hand and help people. That’s one thing I’m going to do when the KolaSoul brand sets up properly. We’ll create a platform for people who have talent. I have a very good heart and that’s one thing we were brought up with.
– MICHAEL NWOKIKE
