Anything ‘Afro’ will surely get world attention now — Eniade Gold

Olaniyi Eniade Dolapo, popularly known as Eniade Gold in this interview with ROTIMI IGE revealed the story behind his interest for music.

What inspired your stage name?

Well, I’d say God inspired it, my name sounds golden. I feel it is a big name for me.

Tell us about your early inspirations. What or who inspired you to pursue a career in music, and when did you realise your passion?

Drake and Banky W inspired me at the early stage of my career, but not anymore though. It’s changed now, as I’m mainly inspired by many more musicians in the industry, but I’d say Zlatan Ibile if I’m to pick one person.

Take us through your musical journey, what are key milestones that shaped your career?

It has been fun. I discovered my talent in 2010 and recorded

my first single in 2013 titled ‘Am in love’. Many people loved it while some mocked it. I was never discouraged but it’s been difficult. Fast forward to when I released my first EP which I named after myself ‘Eniade the EP’ consisting of about five songs. Making these tracks was not easy but I didn’t back down. The journey has been filled with a lot of  ups and downs, but as an artiste, we pray for the success in general. Recently, I dropped about five songs.

How would you describe your musical style. Which artistes or genres have had the most significant influence on your sound?

For me, I actually want to be unique in style, so I named mine ‘Afro Soft’. However, it is not as simple as it looks, many people make music in trendy ways, trying to sound like Asake or Wizkid. Why do that? Why not create your own sound? It takes a while for people to understand your art, and that cost me a lot of work because I have to keep explaining and pitching myself. Glory to God, my sound is being accepted in some regions and it’s going worldwide soon. Lastly, many genres and artistes inspire me as a person. It depends on how I resonate with a sound.

What is your songwriting process like? Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?

My pen game is dynamic, sometimes I vibe and sometimes I write. But mostly, vibing is just like a direct source of what I’m feeling at that very moment and there is an opportunity to voice it out. Writing, on the other hand, is me trying to write a song that has to do with a story I want to tell. But most times, I write when it’s required and at the end of the day, the mission is to make something special.

You’ve collaborated with various artists throughout your career. How do you approach collaborations and what do you enjoy most about working with other musicians?

Well, my collaborator must have very high energy, not be proud, relate with the recording or studio environment and  be friends before we collaborate. Making music with other musicians is just like exploring and networking.

How do you prepare for live performances, and what do you love most about performing in front of an audience?

I work hard when it comes to live performances. I try to  bring the best out of my craft, so my audience understand what I’m feeling.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?

Being invited to a concert and not being able to perform at the end, that’s the major challenge. I only have to keep pushing and not be distracted or discouraged.

Are there any exciting new projects or collaborations on the horizon that you can share with your fans?

I’ve got many songs coming and surely there are collaborations too. I’m very excited to release them to my fans, just get ready for GoldiePon.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are trying to break into the music industry?

Stay positive, stay focused, don’t relent and don’t regret, believe in yourself and your work, God got you.

Tell us a bit about your background?

I was born and brought up in Ibadan, Oyo State, the second out of five children. I was brought up in the ‘trenches’. I love drumming.

Afrobeats is taking over the world. How do you intend to break out in a hugely contested industry?

Afrobeats is a forever thing, the key word is ‘Afro’, so I believe no matter what type of ‘Afro’ you’re doing, you just have to be unique. With my uniqueness, I’m confident to win the industry.