Meeting Davido, my turning point in music—Yonda

From the moment he registered his name on the music scene some months back with his popular track, Bad Girl Riri, one of Nigeria’s fast-rising star, Yonda has continued to dominate the discussion with his unique style, which has earned him recognitions from within and outside the country. Signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) records in partnership with Lazy Boy Entertainment Company, Yonda, who has two new songs rocking the airwaves, shares the story of his journey to stardom and how Davido has influenced him, in this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO.

 

You have suddenly emerged as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising music stars on a big platform like Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). How do you feel about the dimension your music career has assumed at the moment?  

This question has been popping up frequently for the past six months. I am not surprised you are asking me too. But as I always tell people, I am honoured and always grateful to a man like Davido. Creating a platform is one thing; using the same platform to turn people to superstars is another thing that many people are not blessed with.

 

 What is that thing you are learning from Davido?

For me, Davido has displayed what I can call an act of father, uncle and brother to all of us under the DMW platform. This is one platform many music artistes across Africa want to be known with; they wish they are on this platform. So, this is the kind of platform my career needs at the moment, and I am grateful to God for how far we have come. This is just the beginning.

 

But, there were reports that you were never signed to DMW. Your response on the issue seems to be different. How did you seal the deal and what do you stand to benefit from it?

The fact remains that DMW is home and will remain a home for me. Having said that, I am actually in a business relationship and deal with Lazy Boy Entertainment and I won’t deny the fact that both labels have my backing always. They are a home for me. In fact, I usually call it home sweet home. This is a place I always look back and give thanks to God. I say thank you Lord for taking me through this journey and placing my career on the platform. Talking about the benefits, that’s what everybody could see now. This is one platform many people want to join forces with; so, it has been great.

 

With the huge support you are getting from the label, it is expected that you would have moved beyond this level, but something appears to be slowing you down. What could that be?

I will forever appreciate what the label has done and still doing for me. One thing I have come to understand about the music industry is to wait for the right time, which in most cases, is God’s time. There is time for everyone; so, I will wait for my time. And, when it comes, everybody would see the shining light. At this point, I am grateful. I really don’t think anything is slowing me down. We have been working day and night and dropping nice songs that people have appreciated. Apart from that, I just formed a new team that would look into some of the issues that need our attention. This time around, effectiveness is on top notch. Wait and see what we are coming out with. It will be massive..

 

 How does it feel having a successful act like Davido supporting your career?

I feel very great. It is a big privilege and I am always grateful. You don’t know what it feels like being mentored by Africa’s best music act, Davido.

 

 Do you think you have what it takes to deliver on these expectations?

Yes, I am very sure and bold enough to say I have what it takes. I may not be the best but, Davido has been a better coach as the leader and CEO of my label. With my new team, I am seeing a great change and working hard to be able to justify the confidence reposed in me. I am not worried about anything right now because I know that with God, all things are possible.

 

Some days back, you were involved in an auto accident that had you and two others on in the car; could you tell us how it happened?

That was one experience that has left me in shock till this moment. I really can’t thank God enough for saving us all. The accident would have eclipsed my dreams; it would have been the end of an era. I am saved by God’s grace. Maybe, he saved me to fulfil my purpose in life. I still don’t know how I survived an accident that claimed the car conveying us. It somersaulted about five times.

 

 What were you thinking when the car somersaulted?

It happened so fast that I couldn’t even remember anything. I was in that car with my management and project manager. We can’t thank God enough. I am yet to understand how we survived that accident.

 

How have you been dealing with issues after that accident, knowing that you could have lost your life to the crash?

 I have been praising God; I have also been careful with my dealings.

 

 Talking about your steady rise in the music scene; to what do you owe your rapid progression and what do you think has worked for you till date?

My creativity has been my staying in power secret. It has helped me to weather through the storm of life a couple of times. I know what I have got; so, I am not always bothered when things don’t go down well with me. Another thing that is working for me is hard work and dedication to my craft. 

 

Don’t you think you still have a lot of work to do?

Yes, I have a lot of work to do. I can’t deny the fact that hard work pays because no matter how good you are, always trying to be a better version of one’s self is key to steady growth.

 

Seeing you in the company of the big boys and appearing in some of projects of the DMW, one can conclude you are already living your dream. Isn’t this true?

Living my dream? That’s a joke right? Even Aliko Dangote is still working hard and dreaming big. That means he still dreams bigger. At this point, I just want to keep working hard and releasing great sounds. I know people will always love my song because I have great contents.

 

 You started your career as a guitarist; tell us more about the journey?

I started my career with guitar learning off YouTube. From that, I knew music was my calling because I have always had the burning passion for musical instruments. I have been a lover of music from the early stage of my life; the guitar just happened to be my favourite.

 

 How did you come about the name Yonda?

Yonda is from beyond, which means my music is beyond this place.

 

You have a new song, Sexellency that is doing well across the country and beyond. , tell us about the inspiration behind the song? 

It is just from the beauty of African woman around the world.

 

Why the long silence after the release of Bad Girl Riri?

 

When people say I have been silent, I really don’t know how they arrived at that conclusion. I have been working day and night, particularly on new collaborations and projects that would hit the music scene anytime from now. It is always good to take your time to prepare than to rush the process that would later burn one’s finger. One of the materials I have been working on includes featuring Davido, Fresh and Peruzzi.