Afro pop singer, Oshinlagun Abayomi Gabriel, otherwise known as Abayomi is gradually breaking into the mainstream of the music industry with his conscious music. In this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, he speaks on his career and what his fans should expect from his new single.
Despite being an up and coming artiste, people have described your new song, Gbafunmi as unique. What does this mean to you?
It means a great deal to me that people are beginning to accept me and my music. Gbafunmi is unique quite alright, but trust me, I think it’s not just about Gbafunmi but the generality of my music which would unfold gradually for all to see. I have a lot to share with my fans, so if Gbafunmi has been accepted be assured that other projects coming will blow minds. I don’t want to reveal too much now but with time, things will be made known to the public.
You seem to always pay attention to the contents of your song, how do you manage to write your songs?
Well, I’ve always believed in content and conscious music because I believe I’m not just a musician but a messenger. The goal is to reach people’s souls and not just make them move their bodies. Music should be able to appeal to the minds of the people and not just make them dance. Music is powerful and one must be careful with the kind of message we dish out to the people. I am guided by that principle.
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In a competitive industry, what is the uniqueness and edge you intend to bring?
For me, I believe no two persons are the same regardless of how hard anybody tries to imitate anybody. I also believe that nobody is an island, music, as with every other human endeavor involves learning from those ahead. So, there will always be comparison of sound. By and large, my uniqueness would be in the fact that I can do just about any type of music depending on my mood and how I feel per time.
You grew up in Bariga, which has produced many popular music icons. How did that help your career?
Well, it is no gain saying that Bariga is an abode of talents, music especially. Indeed, the likes of olamide,9ice and the rest who have gone ahead serve as great examples for people like me to believe that our dreams are valid. I am fascinated about my background but I am more excited about how I turn my dreams into reality by never giving up. It does not matter where one comes from, what matters is how one turns out.
What was it like growing up there?
Bariga is all shades of nature and character embedded. An average Bariga boy like me learns about everything from the streets. Growing up there taught me that in this life there is only permanent interest. Neither friend nor foe is permanent. In general, Bariga is a fun place where you can never complain of boredom.
How did music begin for you?
Music, for me, started in the church (I still sing in church). So, I learnt most of the things I know now in music from the church. Also, growing up in my family, my brothers and their friends had some singing and dancing groups. I learnt quite a lot from them too unconsciously.
At what point did you decide to do music professionally and what was the motivation?
I grew up in a quite humble home and all I’ve always wanted is break that ground where my back was. I decided to do music because I read from the scriptures that a man’s talent would open way for him.
What inspires your kind of music?
I am inspired by everything around me.
Which Nigerian artiste influences your music?
I love any artiste who plays good music; be it established or up and coming. Every good music and artistes influence my music.
How do you cope with the hard times?
It is true that there are many frustrating and down times where one would question and doubt one’s ability, but it is just okay to feel that way sometimes. I always try to encourage myself and put all my energy in my music. This is one thing that gives me joy and I am passionate about it because that’s where my strength and success lie. Hard times, they say, don’t last. So, the plan is to keep working hard and focus on the goal not the distractions.
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