Folasade Ogunleye, popularly known as Sadeblaq, is a songwriter, recording and performing artiste. The Afropop artiste spoke to ROTIMI IGE recently about her upcoming EP, ‘Wura’, and how being a woman remains a challenge in the Nigerian music industry.
You seem to have been quiet musically for a while now. What have you been up to in the past year?
I wouldn’t say I have been quiet. I would say I have been on a bit of a low key. Sometimes, as a creative, you need to take a break to refuel,re-energise, unlearn and re-learn. So, I have to do a bit of re-branding as things are changing; an upgrade is needed in anything you do.
You have an incoming EP, ‘Wura’ coming. Tell us about that.
Yes. ‘Wura’ which means gold, is a representation of the preciousness and worth I aim to bring to my music. I want my audience to experience a journey of self discovery, growth and celebration. With each track, I want to create a vibe that is deeply personal and at the same time, universally relatable. I have previously released tracks (as a reminder) and fresh music in this EP. With ‘Wura’, I am showing different shades of Sadeblaq without losing my originality.
What track/song should fans look forward to?
Each track has its own vibe and meaning. I will leave it to my listeners to take a pick.
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What challenges do you still face in your craft?
I would say being a woman in the industry has always been a challenge because the music industry is somewhat a man’s world. But I have always seen every challenge as a feat, when others bring 100, bring 101. Although things have changed and women are breaking more boundaries these days. I mean, Tems just won a Grammy! Asides that, these days you need a huge budget to push your music and that’s a huge challenge. It takes the special grace of God and a tight fan base to push your music with minimal budget.
Any plans for videos?
Definitely. A video is already in the works.
Music is very competitive now. What are you doing to stand out in the industry?
I have always tried my best to stand out through my sound and all. I am putting in more work and originality will definitely help in standing out.
Where do you see your music in five years?
I see my music being listened to and enjoyed by billions of people. I see my music making a positive impact not just in my country but all over the world. I see my music taking me on tours and building communities.
How do you relax?
I relax by watching movies or watching clips of performances of old legends. These performances or historical events motivates and inspires me.
Tell us about your fashion. What makes you tick?
Fashion goes beyond just dressing up and looking nice, fashion or dress sense is a representation of one’s personality and sometimes mood. It’s about making a bold statement without saying a word. When it comes to fashion, sometimes I am dramatic, sometimes I am not but I always like to make a statement with my looks. So about the tick,it depends mostly on my mood and the occasion.
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