Odunsi Bowo best known as Odunsi, The Engine, is a budding recording artiste, songwriter and producer. He was recently signed to an international music company, Universal Music, alongside two other youngsters, Tar Iwar and Lady Donli. He speaks with Newton-Ray Ukwuoma after the release of the official visual of his single, “In the Morning”.
Can you describe your kind of music?
I make music that could be described as Afro-fusion, which is a combination of genres, mixed with my roots and influences.
You are one of the three newest signees of Universal Music. When did you begin professional music?
I started my career in January 2015.
How did Universal Music find you?
It was through networking.
Did you start as a producer?
I thought I was a rapper at that time. Then I started making some beats before I transitioned to a singer in January 2015.
When did you realise you could sing?
I have always been around music since I was young. But it was during High School that I started going to the studio to watch artistes, just listening to them make music. By the time I was about to finish High School I had started making beats.
How did you learn how to produce?
I thought myself. I was watching videos on the internet. You can learn anything from the internet.
Do you mix and master as well?
I am not on a professional level of it.
Do you also want to further your studies?
I want to get professional knowledge in music production.
How old are you?
21.
You look reserved and say little, are you always like this?
I think so. Most of the time.
Is that why you are called “The Engine”?
(Laughs) When I was in High School, my friends used to call me The Engine because I used to sleep really late and we had to wake up at 5.30am. It was like a normal name for someone who works round the clock. I used to have a Blackberry Messenger, so I added the name to it. It stuck. It is very cheesy, but it is out. That’s why I still have it as my stage name. I couldn’t think of another name.
Which part of Lagos did you school?
My first school was in Ikeja, DanceHall High School, and I finished from Hallefield College, Maryland, Lagos.
Are you the Engine of Nigerian music?
(Laughs) I don’t know if I am. But I know I will be doing great music. People should expect nothing less.
Growing up did you have musical influences?
Yes. My big brother played songs. I listened to songs from early 90s and early 2000s, mostly RnB and Hip Hop from basically the world of music. Coming into music, I want to replicate these influences in my music.
Does being a producer shape the way you make music?
Yes. It kind of, because starting out as an artist, I already knew what I wanted to do. I decided to be an artist because I was loving the sounds I was creating. Now, producing my own songs, I would normally have ideas of how the production should go and I am able to assist the producer to get it right. Yes, it works hand in hand.
As a songwriter, how do you draw inspiration?
Most of what I do is from my influences. For my writing, the main influence was from earlier artists that didn’t quite claim much attention today, like the era before the Afropop, people like Paul Play, Sheyi Sodimu, Face, Trybesmen, Remedies and Yinka Ayefele. These people influence my writing.
How would you describe the Nigerian music scene?
It’s growing fast. That’s how I feel about it.I feel it is reaching a point where there will be self-sustainability, and it might be the centre of the world in terms of contents coming out here and attracting people from all over the world. I listen to everyone, from top to bottom.
Do you have like a musical mission?
I am making music. As I get better at it I will stand out. I want to be great just like everyone else. That is my mission for now. It might change later. I just want to be really great at what I am doing.
Do you think you are in the right environment for your kind of music?
Yes. I believe that music is a universal language and it is really about time and consistency. I believe if you get at it, with grace, everyone will understand your mission and what you are about. All the greats have been like that, Fela, Asa, Wizkid, Davido. They just did what they wanted to do and people eventually came to like them.
What are the challenges you face as a budding singer?
I think it’s the challenges that all artists face when they are starting out: that is, there is no much platform to express yourself. But things are getting better for me.
Looking ahead, what should your fans expect from you in the coming days?
Expansion. Being able to touch other places. I want to be an international artiste. I want to be able to tour around the world, to be able to collaborate with artists from anywhere. That is like another of my goals. Transcending my music, and creating innovative sounds with my work.
After in the morning, do you have any other works?
Yes. I am working on a new song. I will be releasing more singles and videos this year.
Is there international artiste you admire?
Yes. I love a couple. Sade Addo, Wyclef, Drake, Lil Wayne, Usher, R Kelly.
What would you have been other than a singer?
I wanted to be a fine artist, painter basically.
Do you still paint?
No. I just stopped when music became a strong part of me. I also think when I transitioned to High School, I kind of stopped.
ALSO READ: Recipe for increased sexual pleasure!
and then