Ayanfe: I’m a proven firelight in a big yard

Fasae WIlliams Oluwasola, popularly known as Ayanfe, is a new name in the music industry but his quick rise and acceptance by fans has given him an edge above most of his peers. With a new single, ‘African vibe’ doing the airwaves and a forthcoming EP, Ayanfe sees  himself as the next big thing in the music industry. He shares his story with SEGUN ADEBAYO.

Going by your name ‘Ayanfe’, would you say that you have been divinely called to do music?

Music is life for me. It is something that makes me very happy and  alive. So, you are right if you say it is something that was divinely  planned by God. As I said, music makes me extremely happy. That is just the best way to put it for me because it is something that  helps me stay calm. I’ll rather sit at home and write a song than go for a party.

How would you describe your journey from being a nobody with just  talent to being a member of DMW and dining with music superstars?

I call it grace and I’m grateful for all I’ve got and the many more to come. The journey has just begun and we are putting all hands on deck to give the people, especially the fans, something to keep  talking and thinking about. Quality music must be served and that is what we are committed to.

What was the reaction of your family when you decided to drop out of school for music?

They really didn’t take it well, and it was a leave of absence I took but they always know where my heart is and what I really want to do. I am gradually doing what I feel is the best for me and I am happy this new music journey will come with a lot of blessings and appreciation.

But what prompted your decision to drop out of school?

I got an opportunity and I had to take it. It is only a matter of time before people will start seeing that I have what it takes and I am not a fluke when it comes to music. I am ready to give it all it takes.

Now that you are in the big league, would you say that you have achieved all your ambitions?

In the big league? I don’t think I am in any league yet because I believe the journey has just begun and I haven’t achieved anything yet. I can’t start feeling big when I am not. To stay humble and get the job done is key for me.

Do you have any plan to return to school?

Oh! That is non-negotiable. I will definitely go back to school and I actually see that happening very soon.

What is your advice to aspiring musicians who admire your fast rise to fame?

Fame is good and it is really nice to stay up there and be counted.  But one must keep working and stay hungry for success. One must believe in one’s self and pray. Prayer is a big part of the journey.

What should fans expect from you in terms of music project?

I have actually got a lot up my sleeve. I can’t begin to explain what we are cooking because it is huge as far as music is concerned. Let me hint you that I have got my Extended Play (EP) coming and It’s going be my debut project. I can’t wait to share it with you all. It is going to be massive.

Who are those that have had significant influence on your style of music?

I grew up listening to the likes of R Kelly, Joe, Asa, 2face, Darey and Brymo. They are all a significant part of my music journey. I am glad to have learnt one or two things from their music journeys.

What would you say has changed about you since joining DMW/Obama?

A whole lot of things have changed. I am excited about what we are bringing to music lovers. Both platforms have given my music a wider reach and a larger audience. It’s been a great opportunity to be part of the family.

Getting prominence without a label is sure to be different from operating under one. Joining a big music family of stars like DMW, do you think you have it takes to shine among several other stars?

It is no competition. Like I said, it’s a family and I am learning from all of them. They are helping me grow and the sky is big enough for everyone to shine.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Plan To Destabilise Nigeria Is Real — SSS
THE State Security Service (SSS), on Friday, insisted that there were plans by some unnamed notable personalities in the country to subvert the nation. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by its spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanaya, the service pointed out that part of the orchestrations of the plotters was to engage in divisive acts as well as use inciting statements to pit one group against another in the country…

More Heads To Roll In UNILAG •Babalakin, Ogundipe Trade Words, Resumption In Jeopardy
MORE top officials of the embattled University of Lagos (UNILAG) are to be axed for alleged financial recklessness and mismanagement which consumed the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe on Wednesday, the Governing Council, disclosed on Friday…

INEC Seeks Stakeholders Collaboration In Instituting Electoral Transparency

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders in the electoral process to join the commission in deepening the use of technology and instituting a regime of transparency in electoral process. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, made the call at a virtual…

How Bandits, Terrorists, Other Criminals Get Their Weapons —Retired Col. Majoyeogbe, Ex-Commandant, Army Intelligence School
Colonel Olanipekun Majoyeogbe retired from the Nigerian Army after holding various posts, including Commandant, Nigerian Army Intelligence School and Commandant, SSS Training School. In this interview by SUYI AYODELE, the graduate of English from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, speaks on various issues bordering on the Nigerian security situation…

National Assembly Acting Clerk Advocates E-Parliament
Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Olatunde Amos Ojo, has again restated his determination to transform the National Assembly “for better deliveries of constitutional responsibilities that is of international standard in lawmaking, representation and oversight…”