How I managed over 20 men in my band without conflict —Oyinlomo

Abimbola Omoyemi, known by the stage name Oyinlomo, has broken barriers in the live music space, proving that gender is no obstacle to leadership and talent. In an interview with AJANAKU YETUNDE, she reveals the drive behind her unstoppable journey.

Before you started gracing the big stage, what would you say prepared you for this journey?

 Growing up was rough and tough. I didn’t come from a silver-spoon background. I had to hustle, fight my way through challenges, and build myself from the ground up. Those experiences shaped me into the strong woman I am today. These challenges helped me to become better and taught me how to stand tall in a male-dominated industry and the drive never to give up, no matter how hard things get.

 What inspired you to start your band?

My inspiration came purely from passion and my deep love for music. I didn’t want to just be a backup singer or perform under someone else’s vision. I wanted to create my sound and my own brand. But it wasn’t easy at all. Imagine a young woman trying to gather men into a band in Nigeria.

Many people didn’t take me seriously at first. Some even mocked me. But I stayed focused, and along the line, I began to earn their respect. Today, looking back, I can say it was worth every single struggle.

 Did you grow up in a music family, or was this something you discovered on your own?

Yes, I did. My father was both a great musician and a pastor. So, music was always in our home; it is in our blood. He gave me the foundation, and from there, I discovered my voice and direction.

 Starting and running a band as a woman in Nigeria is no small feat. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?

The challenges were enormous. As a woman, some fans and even colleagues can be very disrespectful, thinking you don’t deserve to lead men. Then there’s the issue of finance. Funding a live band is not child’s play. Another major challenge is dealing with pressure from the opposite gender; sometimes, people want to mix business with unnecessary personal advances. But through it all, I’ve learnt to stand firm, set boundaries, and remain professional.

How did your parents react to your decision to take music as a profession?

I was blessed to have supportive parents. They didn’t try to stop me; instead, they encouraged me and prayed for me. That support gave me confidence when I was starting out.

Let’s talk about competition. How do you relate with your competitors?

 I don’t see anyone as my competition. I am my own competition. That mindset keeps me focused on improving myself and putting my best foot forward instead of looking at what others are doing. The truth is, competition can be distracting. I’d rather channel that energy into growth.

 How would you describe your musical style or sound?

My sound is secular, but it is also unique. I draw from different influences, juju, highlife, and Afrobeat, and I blend them into something that speaks to both the old and young. My voice and delivery carry a special flavour people identify me with.

Which Nigerian artiste do you wish to feature or perform with?

 Definitely King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall. These are legends I grew up admiring. Sharing a stage with them would be a dream come true.

What has been your most memorable performance so far?

 That would be at the Thriller Concert at TBS. I competed with almost 50 live bands, and despite not having proper rehearsals ahead of the show, I emerged the runner-up. That day taught me that talent, grace, and confidence can carry you through, even when preparation isn’t perfect. It remains a highlight of my career.

 Do you think social media has added to the growth of the music industry in recent years?

 Yes, social media has opened doors that weren’t there in the past. Back then, if you didn’t have a record label, it was almost impossible to get noticed. Now, one viral video can take you global. It has levelled the playing field in many ways.

 How do you deal with stage fright or performance pressure, if at all?

Honestly, I don’t have stage fright. I started performing at a very young age, so the stage feels like home to me. Instead of fear, I feel excitement and energy when I step on stage.

 As a woman in the live music space, have you ever felt underestimated or overlooked?

 Many times. People judge you first as a woman before they recognise your talent. But I’ve learned to let my work speak louder than any doubt or stereotype.

What’s your response to those who believe women can’t lead successful bands?

 My response is simple: I am the example. I’ve managed over 20 men in my band without public conflicts or drama. That alone proves that leadership has nothing to do with gender; it’s about discipline, respect, and vision.

What kind of support do you wish female musicians get?

 Neutral and genuine support. Too often, women are offered opportunities only in exchange for something inappropriate. We need a system where female musicians can rise purely on merit, without being objectified.

Do you feel female performers are paid fairly compared to their male counterparts?

 From my experience and research, no. Women are often paid less than men, even when delivering the same quality or even better performances. This is an imbalance that needs to change.

 How do you hope your music affects or influences your audience?

Positively. I want my music to uplift, inspire, and remind people of joy, culture, and resilience.

How do you balance your career with your personal life or family commitments?

It hasn’t been easy, but to the glory of God, I’ve been able to create a balance. I give time to my family, and when I’m on stage, I give 100 percent to my craft. I don’t let one suffer for the other.

What do you do to relax outside of music?

 I sleep. It sounds simple, but for me, sleep is therapy. It restores my energy and clears my head.

What advice would you give to young women who want to start a band or pursue music full-time?

 My advice is be sure of your calling. This industry is not for the faint-hearted. You need focus, discipline, and most importantly, passion. If you chase only money or fame, you’ll burn out quickly. But if passion drives you, everything else will follow.

If you could go back and speak to yourself when you were just starting out, what would you say?

I would have told myself to embrace the Kennery style much earlier. Sometimes, delay is not denial, but starting earlier would have given me even more room to grow and dominate.

What is next for Oyinlomo? Are there any albums, tours, or exciting projects on the way?

 Right now, I’m on a musical tour across the United Kingdom, with Canada and the U.S. lined up next. I’m also working on a new album, which I’m really excited about. Fans should keep their fingers crossed because I’m bringing fresh sounds and even deeper stories through my music. The journey is only just beginning.

READ ALSO: Having a band makes you a complete musician —Seun Singer