Femi Guitar: From shy performer to highlife star

In an era where Afrobeats dominates Nigeria’s music scene, highlife musician Femi Odewole, popularly known as Femi Guitar, has carved out a space for himself, proving that originality and consistency are key ingredients for success. Since officially launching his career in 2005, he has not only built a name as a performer but also as an artist who understands the evolving demands of the industry.

Despite holding a degree in Chemical Engineering from LAUTECH, Femi Guitar’s passion for music started in childhood. With no formal training or certification, he developed his craft through experience, eventually becoming a multi-instrumentalist. “I play virtually all musical instruments, but the guitar is my major, that’s why they call me Femi Guitar,” he said.

His journey into professional performance was not without challenges. He recalls his first major show at a house party in 2005. “Being a very shy person, I was afraid for days before the event. But the moment I grabbed the mic, everything changed,” he said. That moment marked the beginning of what has now become a successful career spanning nearly two decades.

The Nigerian music industry is more than just talent, it is a business that thrives on strategy, branding, and market appeal. Femi Guitar has stayed relevant by embracing live performances, where his ability to cross over different genres sets him apart. His musical role model, Professor Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, is a testament to the power of longevity in the industry, and Guitar hopes to follow a similar path. In addition to Obey, he dreams of collaborating with contemporary artistes like Simi and Teni, showing his willingness to blend classic highlife with modern sounds.

Beyond the music itself, Femi Guitar understands the importance of investment. Last year, he dropped an EP, Rep Your School Compilation, a move that not only expanded his reach but also positioned him strategically in a market that values body-of-work projects over one-off singles. Now, he is working on another album, reinforcing his consistency as an artist.

Femi Guitar’s advice to younger musicians is straightforward: “Be consistent and be prayerful.” His life philosophy is simple: “Live and let others live, take life simple.” With his dedication and business acumen, Femi Guitar is determined to secure his legacy as a highlife maestro.

In an industry where only the smart survive, Femi Guitar’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and staying true to one’s sound. As he continues to strum his way to success, fans and industry watchers alike will be eagerly awaiting his next move.

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