Adebayo Daramola is popularly known as Green Baker. He recently broke onto the music scene and is determined to make his mark in a short while. He told ROTIMI IGE about his plans for the industry and how the label he is signed to, Highlight music, and is determined to help him achieve it.
Background
I was born into the family of Mr Jacob and Mrs Blessing Daramola, as the first child of the family.
I remember when I would use two sticks of broom to beat stools and use my right foot to hit the ground as drum kick simultaneously. I was never discouraged by my parents. Back then, Vinyl was still in vogue in Nigeria and also audio cassette players. I listened to all genres of music played by my father at home back then. That was the beginning of music appreciation for me.
What influenced you to develop an interest in music.
Music for me is divine. It’s a potential I was born with. I was born to sing, no doubt. So, I would say I was divinely influenced.
What kind of music do you do and why?
I am not particular about one kind of music. I have unconsciously trained my vocals to sing any style of music. Right from my tender age, I grew up listening to different styles of music whether local or foreign genres. By the time I grew up, I had known the differences between many genres and what they sounded like. I was familiar with all kinds of sounds that came to my hearing. So, Don Williams, Christy Lane, Light House Family, Chief Ebenezer Obey Commander, King Sunny Ade, Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, Orlando Owoh, Boney M, Jim Reeves, Jimmy Cliff, Alex O, Alex Zitto, Daniel Wilson, Sunny Okosun, ABBA etc were among the first set of musicians I grew up listening to. I listened to Fuji songs passively from our neighbors and later Rock and Hip Hop music on radio stations.
Like someone said to me, my voice is meant to entertain the whole world.
I sing R&B/Hip Hop, House, Country, Disco, Blues, Trance, HighLife, Fuji, Afrobeat, Amapiano, Reggae, Synthwave e.t.c. I also chant and could produce different genres of instrumental.
Tell us about some of your songs?
I have released different tracks with different producers and Dj’s. ‘Summer Body’ with Lexxiv, ‘Starlight’ with Slalenger, ‘Kibaye’ with Watermelon Boy and a host of other songs. For now, we are working towards releasing a whole album titled ‘Green Eyeland’. It’s a collaborative album between myself and Ivory who is also an artiste and producer for HighLight music.
You are signed to a label now?
HighLight music is an international electronic and multi genre record label formed by a group of music lovers. With presence in Ukraine, Russia and soon to officially open in South Africa, the label aims to promote and develop artistes who can make real difference in the music industry with their talents, pushing them to stardom.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
I hope to achieve a lot with music. I hope to reach out to people in whatever mood they might be, I hope to put a smile on people’s faces with my music. I hope to achieve fame and influence and give back to society.
What peculiar challenges have you faced as a musician?
The peculiar challenge I had faced has been sided opportunities. Way back, it was hard for musical talents to emerge if you hadn’t gone to Lagos to ‘hustle’ your way into the music industry. Not everyone would have that financial stability of going to Lagos. Not everyone will have family or friends in Lagos that they can squat with pending the time they will find an opportunity.
Solution?
I am thankful for the internet. It turned out to be a game changer in almost all spheres of life, not only in the music industry. Now with social media platforms, it doesn’t matter where you are, you can get into the spotlight. I hope to do more in the near future. I work hard to be in a position whereby I will be able to help talents anywhere.
Has being signed to a label helped you be better? Tell us about them and how you were signed.
Yes, being signed to HighLight Music has helped me a lot and I keep improving every day. I am happy that the future is bright. Like I said, I started off as a songwriter, melody composer and vocalist for HighLight music. After writing close to 13 tracks with different vibes, melodies, lyrics and the label listening to other songs written and recorded by me, the label was amazed by my productivity after which the label decided to sign me as an official artiste.
Whats next for you in 2022?
The next thing is to keep making music and going on tours. The next thing is to keep doing what I know how to do. I am hoping and working hard to become a globally known musician and performer. I want to inspire people near and far with my music.
Hobbies?
I love tourism. I love to travel and see places which could eventually inspire me to write and create new memories.
and then