‘Making music is not for dropouts or the unlucky, it requires and a very high level of IQ’

Who Is Gbade Adetisola?

I am a producer/singer/songwriter and an author. I studied music technology and also teach sound and coach singers. I’m a native of Igashi Akoko, Ondo State. A Christian, married with two sons.

What’s your background?

In 1987, when I was about 10, I started with percussions in my father’s church, and later went ahead to learn the guitar in 1993; from there, I became a self-taught keyboardist. But, I was always interested in studying Geology until I found out there was a course titled Music Technology at The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 1998. That was when I made up my mind about music.

How did you develop your career?

I started out doing gigs at the Chinese Restaurant, Premier Hotel, Ikoyi Club, Lagos, played keyboards for Mama Bola Are for 8 years, followed the great Papa Jimmy to studio, that was when I started picking things about music production. I’ve been privileged to work at EMI (Ivory) Studios, Eko Reel Mix, Fodasis, Trinity and so on. But I was always like 90 per cent of my income to the studios and the musicians that was when I decided to buy a computer and carved out a room in my house until I got a loan to expand.

You seem to be quiet about yourself what are you known for?

I really love doing my works from the background! But, I have worked on radio and TV commercials soundtracks for corporate bodies such as Malta Guiness, Startimes TV, BCOS TV, featured on Benson & Hedges Golden Tones and some other road shows. I have produced live concerts in Lagos, and Ibadan, and quite a number of hit gospel songs for artistes like Sola Allyson.

What would you influence in the Nigerian Music Industry?

Mentality; most people are just packaging lies; we need to help the coming generation build something that they will bless us their prayers for. We need more music education for the young and a proper industry where everyone has equal opportunities, where songwriters can just be writers and be all right.

What prompted you into writing “1001 Singing Success Secrets”?

Everybody is now a singer but you know we’re beginning to have crisis on our radio loudspeakers and TV screens. And there’s a need to make the young people especially know there’s a better way. Most have been deceived by music videos and pop culture; throw money, get into the studio, sing whatever and make billions, buy Bugatti, party on a Yacht, make it quick.

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They come to me all the time at the studio saying I want to “bow”! Blow a trumpet? What have you got as an investment that needs harvesting? I want to help educate as many as I can that singing requires good health, good breathing, great stamina, serious rehearsals and personal practice, workouts, vocal training and thousand more. Making music is not for dropouts or the unlucky, it requires and a very high level of IQ.

Where do you get your information or ideas for this book?

20 years of directing music, school education, self-education, reading daily and regularly researching how to solve singer’s challenges

When and where will the book be available?

In May, 2019 at major bookstores, Amazon and Nigerian Online bookstores. There will also be special delivery on request

How can we find you?

@gbadeofGod

Any word of advice?

Originality is the key, whatever you do that is never done before will always sell. Find that thing that separates you, believe in it and pursue it with your last breath and do it now!