The only artiste I want to catch-up with is 2face —Phlex

 Talk of one artiste, who has remained truthful to his craft despite the myriad of challenges he has faced, then that person will be Adeniyi Ariyo, who is popularly known as Phlex. The pop music star, whose music career experienced a lull for a few years after breaking away from his defunct music group formed with his brother, with hit songs and collaborations with Olamide, Reminisce, among others, Phlex, who is planning to drop a new EP anytime from now, in this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, speaks about his music, life and plans to make a big comeback.

You are gradually working your way up as a force in the industry. The attention you have been getting since you hinted your fans about your intention to release another song has also been very loud. How would describe the feeling?

The feeling has been very great. I don’t even know how to explain how it feels. Looking back at where it started and where I am at the moment, I think I am happy with myself. I started music officially in 2010 with my immediate brother Dj Elshawn, who is currently schooling in the United States (US). We formed a group called El Phlex in 2009 and we released our first official hit single entitled Amen. I sense that something big is even about to happen when I release my new song; I want my fans to keep the support going.

From 2009 till now, you have weathered through some storm but you have managed to remain in the game. What do you think has sustained your career till today?

What else could have sustained me if not God? The motivation is God and will remain God. The source of my inspiration was and remains God.

Some people believe you are underrated. Some even see you as underdog. What are you doing to put the insinuations to bed? 

Putting in more work can definitely change that impression in no time. The answer to that is to keep working hard. I believe that a dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. I have been working tirelessly ever since I started my solo career . I must admit that it wasn’t easy to be in a group and scale through successfully in the Nigerian music industry. Those who say I am an underdog will soon sing a new song and forget they once called me an underdog.

Would you say music has really paid the bills for you?

Music has contiuned to pay the bill for me. It has opened doors of opportunities for me and I am grateful to God for the talent He has gave me.

Having been part of a music group in the past  with the amount of work you have done, is it not right to say you still have not fulfilled your music potentials?

I totally agree with that submission but that does really determine how far or how well I would go in music. It is very true that being in a group limited me; I struggled to really express myself more and show the world what I am capable of. Now that I am pursuing a solo career, the coast is clear and I can tell you that I am already taking my game to the level. I am working hard to put my career on the map. It is just a matter of time.

At what stage in your career did you make up your mind to pursue a solo career?

In 2016, my brother said he wanted to stop pushing music and I asked him why, he said he wanted to pursue his education. That was what gave birth to my solo career.

Would you say going solo has been a blessing to you; have you really done well since then?

It has been a success from the day I made up my mind till today. I am thankful to God for the grace to keep doing what I love doing most. The support from my fans as well has been of great benefit. Each time I look back and I see my fans telling me to keep going, I am always very happy to push for more. It has not been easy all through but we are getting there and I am really enjoying my time.

Your brother, who was part of your group, decided to pursue education and even relocated to the US. How did that affect your career?

That did not affect me in anyway. I just felt it was high time to established myself as a solo artiste after he relocated and that also helped me to believe and have more confidence in myself to do better.Sometimes you need to be pushed to the wall and left with no option before you know that you really have everything you need to become great in whatever you set your mind at. That’s how I would love to describe the journey.

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The music industry is fast-expanding and many acts are equally rising to the occasion. For you, do you really think you have what it takes? It is no more news that the Nigerian music is on a global map at the moment, but I am confident that I have what it takes to scale through and take over. I bet you all to listen to my first official EP entitled Undaunted By Phlex. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed

Nigerians appreciate your songs, but some of them claimed that you have not been consistent. What do you still need to get right with your music?

I will urge those people to get my new EP and have a feel of what I’ve  have been working on. However, everyone has a right to their opinion but the fact remains I’m even more consistent than some of the top music stars in the game, I never stopped dishing out beautiful contents. I really don’t know what people’s definition of consistency.

So, you feel you have worked hard enough to earn your place among the top guys?

Yes, I have earned it. I am very happy with the level I have attained while even as I hope to keep staying relevant.

If there is any artiste you feel you still need to catch up on, who could that person be?

That should be 2baba. He’s about the only artiste that has been consistent in the game for years.

The year is fast-running out and we have heard quite a number of hits from some up-and-coming acts and even the established ones. Are you not under pressure to have a hit song?

I don’t work with other people’s pace or schedule. I’m not under any pressure whatsoever. I believe anytime I release contents is the perfect time. I have learnt that one should never at any stage or height in life feel comfortable. One must continue to work hard to keep the game going. I am not giving up. I am always aiming higher.

How was it like when you were growing up and where did you grow up?

I had so much fun growing up in Ibadan, Oyo State. It was really interesting growing up in the city with my brother. We had so many unforgettable moments.

What should we be expecting from you now before the year runs out?

I will be releasing new works from audios to videos. I have a new single that was just dropped. My EP is also coming out soon.