Ladipo Eso is a Nigerian musician and is popularly addressed as Ladipoe. The eloquent speaker, unique rapper and talented singer was born and raised in Lagos. He attended the University of North Carolina majoring in both Biology and Chemistry. Ladipoe is the first rapper signed to Mavin Record, and that was in 2017. He has been on the rise and his recent hit single ‘Know You’ has been mouthed on many lips making him a force to be looked out for in the Nigerian music industry. He speaks to FAVOUR BOLUWADE in this interview on his aspirations and how he is changing the rap music narrative among other issues.
When did you professionally start your music?
I would say I began to take my artistry more seriously in the year 2016.
Can you tell us how the journey has been since you joined the Mavin family?
Like all journeys, it has not been without its challenges. All these challenges have become important lessons for me. I am proud to have become an independent artist deciding how to become a better artist; how to showcase my artistry and brand before joining Mavin. Joining Mavin was a very intentional decision. We were both on crossroads; they wanted to diversify their sounds and wanted to bring on a rapper. I wanted more eyes and ears and I wanted something all of Nigeria, Africa and the world needed to see. And I felt that a platform that will make me go global, as well as be present and be a power house in Africa is the best place for me. The journey that led me to Mavin was one of brotherhood. I teamed up with people along the way that I made music with was one of the soul searching to decide what kind of artist I wanted to be or how I wanted to represent myself and it was one that showed me the importance of having a very strong support system and how to manage resources, because it is hard to be an independent artiste. You have to make do with a lot of creativity with very limited resources.
What is special about your sound and style; are you willing to explore more genres?
My whole sound and style is based on the idea of exploring more genres. I don’t believe that just because I’m a rapper, I am meant to only make hip hop music. That is like a country that is relying on one industry or commodity to have a healthy economy. For me, I explore different genres. In fact I characterise my music by the way that I put my words together, instead of the sound that my words are on. So I say, no punch lines, just life lines. Rap as everyone knows is for hard punch lines and I am good at that but I have life lines. They are good at depth, leave an impact and stick to your mind and soul. It makes you tell the other person ‘did you hear what he just said?’ That’s my music.
So what challenges are you facing being a rapper in the music industry in Nigeria?
The main challenge is changing the current narrative of rap music in Nigeria; and it says rap music does not have a place in Nigeria and it is not viable which is simply not true. It’s anachronistic and it holds no weight anymore. Artistes like Zlatan, Falz, myself has shown that it has a place, no matter the style of music. Once rap is music, it is rap music. It does not matter if it attached to hip hop music. Changing that narrative is the biggest challenge but it is happening.
Your hit song, ‘know you’ on which you featured Simi, has over one million views already on YouTube, how do you feel about this feat?
It is a combination of pride, humility and ambition. I am twice as ambitious now.
What do you want to attain in your music career?
Success, just like anybody in any career
Many musicians go on tour, have exclusive shows just to create awareness for their brands; are we going to see you do more exclusive shows?
Yes, definitely, but 2020 has shown me that no matter the plans you have, some things are more powerful. But, yes that is the plan; to have exclusive shows.
How are you carving a niche for yourself in the industry?
I am carving a niche by dropping one song at a time, keeping my fan base close and with me, at every step of the way.
Are you a songwriter, do you mind having any other person write for you?
Yes, I am a song writer, I enjoy writing my music. I am not comfortable with another person writing a whole song for me and I am just there to perform it. However, when I collaborate with people, we write together.
There are some lyrics that raise controversies in the society such as those that gratify internet fraud, drugs and others, how will your music change these narratives?
You know, the thing is my role is to create music that connects with people, impacts them and represent the things I personally stand for. That is the gift and the voice I have been given. My role is not to judge other sounds, art forms; people can create the things that they wish to create. I am just here to leave a legacy that will be ultimately positive.
Which collaborations are you looking forward to having in the future?
I would like to work with Childish Gambino AKA Donald Glover; I would like to work with Stormzy, Asa, Svajda Josy, Burna boy, Chloe and Halley, musically, they are dope and just amazing. I really want to work with Asa.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Nigeria Records 745 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Rises To 18,480
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 745 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 18,480… Read Full Story
Oyo Records 103 COVID-19 Cases In One Day As Total Rises To 18,480 In Nigeria
Oyo State, on Thursday, recorded 103 new COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 764. The NCDC disclosed this on Thursday night via its verified Twitter handle. It also said that the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria has risen to 18,480… Read Full Story
FHC’s Order Restraining Edo APC From Holding Gov Primary Set Aside By Appellate Court
The coast seems to be clear for the June 22 governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State as Justice Morenike Ogunwomiju of the Appeal Court, Benin, on Thursday, set aside the… Read Full Story
Ajimobi Is Alive ― Daughter-In-Law, Media Aide
Former Oyo State governor is alive contrary to widespread report over him last night, Tribune Online can authoritatively report. Both the daughter-in-law and media aide of the former governor who spoke following the reports about his health refuted the news about his death, saying the… Read Full Story
COVID-19: Increased Number Of Cases, Warning Signal ― Minister
The Federal Ministry of Health says the increasing number of coronavirus infections in the country should be a warning that the fatality rate could rise. Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, gave the warning at the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) briefing on COVID-19 in the country on Thursday in Abuja… Read Full Story
COVID-19: Striking Doctors Are Frustrated, Health Minister Admits • Says FG can’t dictate to states
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on Thursday, admitted that the striking doctors under the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have some things they are really frustrated about. Ehanire, who said he had a frank discussion with the young doctors in his office on Thursday morning over their… Read Full Story
COVID-19: FG Takes Measures To Reduce Fatality Rate, Signs Pact With Republic Of Korea
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF), on Thursday, announced measures to limit and reduce the COVID-19 fatality rate, which it said has hit 469 deaths as at Thursday morning. Speaking at the PTF daily briefing, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the increasing number of cases should be a warning that… Read Full Story
FG Moves To Reduce High Rate Of Illegal Gold Mining, Smuggling
In its efforts to minimise the high rate of illegal gold mining and smuggling, the Federal Government, on Thursday, said it is currently creating a gold ecosystem, which would also increase government’s revenue from the resource, create jobs, and improve environmental and social stewardship… Read Full Story
Sharif, CNG Leader, Regains Freedom
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has confirmed the release of Nastura Ashir Sharif, its chairman, Board of Trustees on Thursday. Recall that Sharif was arrested on Tuesday afternoon and moved to Abuja shortly after the peaceful protests in Katsina against the killings of helpless and defenceless citizens by bandits… Read Full Story
Rapists Will Be Hung To Death In Kaduna ― El-Rufai
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has assured the people of Kaduna State that no matter what it takes he will sign the law that recommends death penalty by hanging for rapists in the state. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, in her verified Twitter handle… Read Full Story
Kaduna’s Sultan Bello Mosque Resumes Juma’at Prayer Today
SULTAN Bello Mosque, Kaduna, has acquired three disinfectant machines as part of measures to safeguard worshippers from coronavirus infection and help in restoring the mosque to safe and beneficial use for the ummah. The Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Mohammed Suleiman Adam, who made the disclosure in an interview… Read Full Story
EDITORIAL: Reps And The Media Lockout
REPORTS in the media last week indicated a direct assault on press freedom by the House of Representatives. The assault was carried out at a public hearing on the vexatious Control of Infectious Diseases Bill organised by its joint Committee on Health Services, Health Institutions and Justice… Read Full Story