‘I want to take my talent around the world’

Though he might be a kid, he is brave and confident to take the music industry by storm. In fact, nine-year-old Oluwademilade Adepegba is already making waves with his saxophone. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the Ogun State-born saxophonist, speaks about his passion for music and musical instruments, especially sax. Excerpts:

How did you discover your passion for sax?

It all started when I was very young, precisely when I was three years old. I fell in love with how the instrumentalists handled musical instruments, especially the sax. I used to concentrate on how they handled and played those instruments. Most times, I would find my way back to the musical instruments section whenever I was chased away. After I had mastered how musical instruments were being played through observation, a few years later, I told my dad to buy a keyboard for me. So I started with the keyboard and it became more fascinating. Afterwards, I felt it was time to upgrade and I kept pestering my dad to help me get a saxophone and I felt fulfilled when he bought it.

How has it been since you started playing sax?

It has been great, though I am still learning. It was not as if I dumped keyboard for saxophone. I like both instruments and I can play them very well. These are the two instruments I can play perfectly as of now. I would not have been able to play sax if not for the keyboard. As I said earlier, I am still learning and I know that God will see me through.

Why the love for saxophone?

I love everything about the instrument, the stage charisma and the passion I derive from it when I am performing. I love playing gospel songs with the saxophone and I enjoy the vibes. In fact, I don’t intend to hold the microphone as a musician, because I see the sax as my voice. I am nine and it is almost two years now that I have been handling the sax.

Are you trying to use gospel music to carve a niche for yourself before switching over to secular vibes?

I am not a mere gospel musician. I have a mandate to fulfill. I am a minister of God who is committed to impacting lives and propagating the gospel. I want to give people reasons to always believe in God through my talent. I want the secular artistes to know the importance and joy in worshiping God. Above all, I want to connect the world to God through my saxophone, and I am happy that I am gradually achieving the goal.

Who are your role models?

Beejay Sax and famous saxophonist, Kirk Whalum. I love listening and studying their works, because they give me inspiration and encourage me to do better. For me, I have a bigger vision with this talent; I want to take this gift around the world.

• I can make my millions through gospel music —Little Lizzy

How have you been able to combine sax with your education?

I have drawn a line between the two. I don’t think about music in school; this helps me to concentrate on my academics. I only pick my sax for practice when I get home. The experience has been fine, because I also have the support of my parents. We are in this together.

How were you able to convince your parents that you wanted to take to music professionally?

Initially, they thought I liked it for fun, but they soon noticed in the church that I was always paying attention to the instrumentalists. Most times, I was easily pacified with music when I cried. I followed my mum to choir practice in order to get close to the instrumentalists. At some point, she told the instrumentalists to allow me stay with them. So, I appreciate my parents for allowing me to follow my passion and I promise to make them proud. My parents did not only create the opportunity to follow my passion, they also registered me at a music school, MUSON in Lagos. I have passed the grade one examination at the school and I am in the next stage.

As a kid, how do you feel competing with established and adult saxophonists in the industry?

Why would I be scared? What should I be scared of since I am with God? I am 100 per cent prepared.

You sound so confident…

I am very sure that I have God’s backing. This is why I am brave, even as a child. I know my future is bright. I have discipline. I have my quiet time when I communicate with God in prayers and sometimes, I dream about the future. I also do a lot of rehearsals. My life has been divinely arranged and by this, I am sure carving a niche for myself in the industry can never be an issue.

What are some of your dreams?

I have been dreaming about what I want to become in the future; I want to become a doctor, precisely a surgeon. But, I will not dump sax if I eventually become a surgeon. My parents have even said that I have improved in my academics since I started music. I think this is as a result of my trainings.