Encomium
Tolu Adesina was one of the last standing housemates of Project Fame Season 3. The graduate of Architecture, Kaduna State Polytechnic in an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly told us how he’s finding his feet in the music industry and the challenges of not being signed to a record label…
What has been happening to you?
I’ve been finding my footing in the industry, had a record deal that went sour, featured in some big shows, Dare’s Love LIke A Movie, had my first star collabo recently with ambassador Tillaman for a song I co-produced called Miss Africa, started producing professionally towards the launch of my production outfit Loudcry Beats, dropped five singles so far including Iam3hree which I single handedly produced, shot 2 videos. And in all of these, learning, growing and discovering the keys to being a successful artiste.
How is life after Project Fame?
It’s been a challenging journey being an outsider/novice from the backside of Kaduna. Every day I watch, learn, take correction and criticism, and go back to the drawing board and try to be commercially relevant. Being an artist or commodity worth paying for is all about discovering your identity and uniqueness and try to merge that with what is obtainable and hopefully top it. With God on your side, but also realizing that it’s being you that will pay off in the end.
How is your acceptance in the music industry?
I have been called Naija Trey Songz because of my strong RnB background but most important, I intend to prove myself as both an international and African artiste. I love Nigerian music and culture and even when I sing RnB I never lose touch of my origins and heritage. I could fairly say my acceptance has been good, though I intend to prove I am a lot more.
Has it been difficult to come out with a hit song?
What is a hit song, anyway? I believe music is about point of view, artistes are carved according to their experiences, lifestyle and beliefs. The industry has a certain way it works (I won’t go much into that) but I’ll say ask my true fans, they know I have hits. Just working on the right promo method.
What has been the challenges?
Challenges are many for an unsigned artist. But if music really lives in you, you never give up on the art. It’s always a part of you, whether you are A-list or not.
I am of the opinion that challenges are a part of this game, you just have to tough it up and face it head on. We all know that there are singers and entertainers. I intend to show that I’m a balance between both. So I will say my challenge majorly is being unsigned.
Tell us the pains and gains?
Pains and gains? My greatest gain is to see a fan look at me on stage and be connected from the soul to my art. My greatest pain is not all my fans get to hear from me which is a problem I’m working to solve.
People expect you to have come out with a hit, with your impact in Project Fame Season 3?
The expectations of my fans is what is keeping me here. I’m in the studio everyday recording because I know what I’m up against. Some songs will never see the light of day but I record them and listen to myself and challenge myself to do more. So to my fans I say ur boy dey work ooo.
How is your relationship with your girlfriend you brought to the show?
I won’t say much about this but I’ll say we all fall in love. We all find that one person who gets us, and stands by us no matter what. My music and my life only has one relationship, “me”. Not who I’m with which is personal. So about my personal relationship, I’d rather keep it out of the press.
When are you getting married?
When the time is right.
Are you signed to any record label?
For now, no. But presently in the hunt for a label with the understanding of the brand Tolu.
– AJOKE ONITOLO
