‘Why I became an internet singing sensation’

Friday Treat found musically talented ‘Esbee’ on instagram after watch some of his videos online. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about his music and plans for the future.

Background

My name is Okhiria Daabo Ayodele, 21 years of age. I am a singer, songwriter and music producer under the alias ‘Esbee’. I reside in Lagos but I am from Edo State.

Education?

I am a graduate of the University of Benin where I studied performing arts and I am currently in Ogun State completing my service year in the National Youth Service Corp scheme.

How did you discover your musical talent?

I have always loved music, from a very young age. But I must give credit to the young men I met in Saint Finbarrs College, Akoka (the secondary school I attended). We challenged ourselves to writing music and comparing to see whose was better. This propelled me to take my writings to the studio in 2011. I have been making music ever since.

You have been posting covers of popular songs on Instagram. Why?

I have been working on an EP, I call it ‘The Heartache EP’, it is almost done and I want it to reach as many people as possible. I have been posting covers of popular songs on Instagram, Twitter as well as YouTube to gather more attention to myself, keep my fans entertained and win over more fans.

Do you have original songs?

Yes, I do have original songs, I write my own music and I enjoy making it too. Like I said before, my EP is almost done and I am eager to release it.

What challenges have you faced as a budding musician?

It’s hard to say that I have had challenges; every hurdle I may have experienced has made me a better artiste. I just want to be heard though and handling the music business as well as the creative process all by myself, it is quite challenging.

In 2017, what would make your dream come true?

My dream for 2017 is to have my own concert, sell out Eko conventional centre, or a bigger hall.

Which musicians influence your music?

Different artistes have influenced my sounds in their own different ways. Banky W, 2face, M.I abaga, Dare Art Alade, Ryan Leslie, Bryson Tiller, Timbaland, Drake.

Define your kind of music?

I am a versatile artiste and I love to experiment with sound. Primarily, my kind of music is alternative Afro Soul.

If you had the opportunity to be signed by a major label, which will it be and why?

If I had the opportunity to be signed by a major label, I would pick Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). Banky W has stayed true to his style of music for a long time and has remained relevant in the Nigerian music industry. I think my style of music would work perfectly with EME.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself creating and performing music on a global scale, and creating opportunities for talents to be discovered, developed and showcased to the world.

Tell us something not many know about you?

I’m a mummy’s boy. I love my mother. She pampers me.

If you had the opportunity to change anything about you, what would it be?

I would change absolutely nothing about myself; I have been made perfect by God.

Hobbies?

My hobbies are writing poems, reading books, watching movies, listening to music.