What’s your relationship with Teni like as we noticed you have been doing some projects together?
The fact remains that there is so much to be achieved together with Teni. She’s such a talented lady and I love to work with people like her because she makes the job easier for me. What we have been working on is quite much even beyond music as we speak. There is so much in the works that people are yet to see from us. So the relationship is about music and other good projects outside the music scope. Therefore, I think people should watch out for our projects.
What did you see in the lady that made you want to give her your all?
I see beyond music. I think more about imaging and branding for her. At the moment, we are working on merchandising deals for her. It is a lot of work. Of course, there is more music too in the works. We are releasing Simbobo and Kolesi videos this month. You will recall that we dropped almost a year ago, so the video is ready and would be dropped this month.
What do you think about her rise in the industry?
She’s fast catching up. Her work ethic is really great. She works really hard. Kolesi was a touch of magic. Teni’s work ethic made that happen and I must commend her for that.
For somebody who is rated as one of the best music producers in the country, what do you make out of today’s trend of production that seems to always follow the same pattern, hence making the sound boring?
I just feel everyone has their sound and feel at a given time. I also think the producer’s perspective to sound at that time makes it look like they sound similar. Basically, it’s their perspective to sound at that time that determines their direction. Some people can switch easily while others can’t. The best of producers can evolve and find more amusing ways to wow the audience. As long as you are doing something new and people love it, you will be fine.
So you don’t think it is the dearth of creativity that is making them sound the same all the time?
No, I don’t think so. I think it is about the hunger and drive to be at your best that is missing today. It is not that they are not creative. Nigerian music producers are very creative, and you know this. We all know this fact. In fact, I think we have more creative producers now than before.
For me, music was a way to get out my dreams. It was all I wanted to make my voice and talent heard and seen. When I look at where I was coming from; from the streets of Ikorodu to the lecture theatre of Olabisi Onabanjo Univesity (OOU), all I have wanted is to make a mark. I wanted to stand out, not just stand out but to make a big difference. So, for now, I am making a mark in music, fashion and arts. Only God knows what’s to come in the future.
For you, what do you think is missing in the music industry as we speak?
I will say the hunger, passion and true love for music is lacking. We really need to work on these things and make sure we get it right.
How has Dtunes managed to stay afloat all these years?
It is just the grace of God. We are nothing without God. We are everything and more with God.
Those days when we heard nothing from you, what were you really doing to keep soul and body together, as many feared you had dumped music totally?
Did you say you didn’t hear anything from me? I have been working non-stop for years. It is normal for people to think I have been quiet. I have been working but people don’t know and I don’t have to make noise all the time. This is my job. Why do I have to make noise about the job I am doing? I don’t think it is necessary. My jobs are out there, many just didn’t know it was me.
Why didn’t you put your name; you were not proud of your job?
I am always proud of my work, but sometimes when you do something to support your friend on a project, it is not necessary you put your name on the work. I did it to support Spinall. So much had been done in quiet and I have been calm.
Could you tell us some of the projects you had been involved in?
I was involved with DJ Spinall’s last album. If you don’t know, I think I should let you know that we recorded Ohema, which featured Mr Eazi in my studio. There was a time I needed to figure out a plan for myself and also developed artistes in the process. I produced five songs on Mr Eazi’s Accra to Lagos tape, the songwriting and making it sound right. Laced the guitars and arranged the music. I handled the music on that tape. I was involved in Becca featuring Mr Eazi; Beat by killer tunes.
But many people thought Wizkid signed Eazi..
Wizkid only gave him the boost he needed. I have been part of his project for a long time. He was once a promoter. Eazi had been pushing his trade independently for years. He’s a go getter.
Do you believe that the noise about Dtunes experienced a lull after the exit of Sean Tizzle from your label…
I don’t want to talk about the past. Maybe someday I’ll tell you the story of how mr Eazi was hesitant to record Ohema with Dj Spinall. He actually didn’t like the idea at first. I think I should still have pictures of the session. He insisted DJ Spinall should play more beats. Sometimes, I just do my bit for the industry. I don’t have to shout all the time.
Many people know your story with Sean Tizzle, but not all of them know how it ended . What is happening between you and him now. Could you tell us what your relationship with him is like now?
As I said, I don’t want to talk about the past. It would only lead to being misquoted. Sean and I still talk. If that’s what you want to hear. We have had some talks about new music. So, I would say it’s in the works.
What’s your biggest achievement today music wise?
As long as I am still doing music, it will keep changing every day. I have not even achieved half of what I wish I could get let alone what God has in store. More music coming from us on my album, which I called Grace.
From that Ikorodu boy to one of the biggest in the industry today, what’s the biggest lesson you learnt from your lowly days?
If you believe, you can achieve it as long as you are willing to work hard and sacrifice.
Have you always known music was your way? Obviously, you didn’t study music at OOU. How did you discover music was your way?
From Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Chapel of Praise to Redeemed Campus Fellowship (RCF) in OSU, I have always known what I wanted in life. I actually studied Physics, but before then, I already had a degree with NIIT, Systems and network engineering. I had degrees with the company. So, my mind was open.
and then