‘Were Lafin Wo Were’ not just a song —Taye Currency

Fuji musician, Taye Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, has established himself as one of the notable voices in the genre. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on his political affiliation, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, and inspiration behind his viral song, ‘Were Lafin Wo Were’, among other issues.

You have remained a supporter of Governor Seyi Makinde. What informed your loyalty to him?

Aside from being a musician and a proud father of a politician who is a serving member of the House of Assembly, I love politics. I am also a grassroots person.

I was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before moving with Governor Seyi Makinde to his current party, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), after efforts to resolve the crisis in the PDP proved abortive. In fact, I have been with him since his days in the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

He is the leader I have chosen to follow and when you follow someone who is achieving steady success, there must be a reason for that choice. For me, I don’t jump from one political party to another. I am not a political prostitute, as they say.

I am not the only person following him, and we all have our different reasons. I am proud to be led by a visionary leader and transformative governor. His achievements are evident to people within and beyond Oyo State.

You are very intentional about identifying with the political party. Are you a politician or a card-carrying member of the APM?

This is not a hidden fact. I am a proud Nigerian, and I believe it is important to be part of any political system that can impact the country positively while also allowing me to exercise my civic rights.

I am a proud politician and the father of a serving politician. My son, Honourable Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, was elected as a lawmaker representing Ibadan South-West 1 Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, and he is currently serving his second term under Governor Makinde’s administration.

Now that he is seeking another term, I cannot suddenly pretend that I no longer associate with the governor. That is not how I operate. I am not an ingrate.

Even if he decides not to contest for any political position again, I cannot deny him. I would rather quit politics too. But as long as my son remains in government, and considering how Governor Makinde has been good to me, I believe I should be able to reciprocate that loyalty.

He is also doing well as a governor. I am saying that his government is exceptional, and I am happy to support someone who has demonstrated commitment to his people, especially now that he has shown interest in serving Nigeria through his presidential ambition.

How would you describe your political journey, even as a musician?

I want to use this medium to let people know that I am not a greenhorn in politics, especially within the Oyo State political system. I have been involved in politics for a long time. My political journey began in 1999, during the administration of Alhaji Lam Adesina, and I remained committed through the days of Chief Lamidi Adedibu until now.

I campaigned for Lam, followed Senator Ladoja during his tenure and supported the late Alao-Akala. I also remained in the PDP throughout the eight-year tenure of the late Abiola Ajimobi.

As God would have it, Seyi Makinde left the SDP and met me in the PDP, and I followed him. I sincerely benefited from that decision. My son is in government, and I also became the governor’s and the party’s preferred musician.

Since I was introduced to him in 1999, I have remained with him. If he were not doing well, I would have left. But look at what he has done for Ibadan. The people of Oyo State can attest to Governor Makinde’s good works.

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If it were otherwise, we would withdraw our support. But this is a man who has devoted himself to being a people-oriented governor. Therefore, I believe his presidential ambition would be beneficial to Nigerians.

What are some of the governor’s achievements that have impressed you?

There have been numerous transformations across the state, including the Circular Road, which has helped to open up Ibadan. Although he was criticised, people can now benefit from the project.

I have seen similar developments in the eastern part of the country and other regions, where such projects have significantly improved road networks. I had always wondered who would bring such development to our state, but Makinde came to our rescue.

The motor parks are remarkable. The terminals in Challenge, Iwo Road, Ojoo and other areas have changed the face of the state and improved its transportation system.

Some of the things we never imagined would become possible are now happening. I have lived around the Challenge axis, and I never imagined the area could witness such development.

Considering the governor’s achievements, if we say we do not want to follow him, it simply means we do not want the state to experience further development.

Are you saying you have no regrets about your political alignment?

I do not regret being the artiste and entertainer for the APM. Governor Makinde is doing his best for his fellow politicians, and he has demonstrated that he can govern without leaving debts behind.

I am happy that the person I support is in government and is doing well. Any politician plotting against Makinde is doing so out of selfish interest. Why would you plot against a governor who has pensioners and workers at heart?

We have witnessed different governments over the past 27 years, but his administration cannot be compared with others.

How do you feel about criticism from some quarters concerning your son?

These are mere political manoeuvres. I laugh when people say my son is not making any impact. His political trajectory is very dear to me.

I have supported him and monitored his contributions to government from the beginning. I have followed his activities closely, and I have marvelled at what his constituency has witnessed so far.

A constituency that had been written off and tagged as one of the notorious parts of Oyo State has become a more serene and developing area through my son’s influence.

Before my son’s emergence, our constituency had not witnessed significant development. We lacked adequate security networks and healthcare services. There were no police stations, and schools were in a sorry state. In fact, we did not have adequate secondary schools or hospitals.

Ibadan South-West has 12 wards, and Yusuf represents wards one to six. There was relatively no government presence before he took office. The situation was particularly challenging, unlike Constituency 2 that has security presence in areas such as Apata, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Joyce B, Ayilara and Aleshinloye.

These challenges contributed to serious problems in our constituency, including crime and healthcare concerns in areas such as Beere, Idi Arere, Bode, Foko, Aladorin and Oke-Ado.

People often blame the youths, saying they are becoming notorious in those areas. This is where I grew up, but Allah helped me and picked me out. I seized the opportunity to make good use of myself.

I am also proud that I was able to raise an offspring who is committed to liberating his people and contributing to the development of his roots.

Under his administration, he has built police stations, facilitated hospitals, constructed blocks of classrooms for a secondary school and implemented various laudable projects.

I personally funded the construction of the fence of the Seventh Day School to save the academic centre from its deplorable state. All six wards now have improved security coverage.

Your song, ‘Were Lafin Wo Were’, generated significant attention. What truly inspired it?

If I actually talked about what led to the song, people might read a different meaning into it and the internet might go on fire again. However, I would say that it was inspired by certain realities, and I want people to draw their own interpretations from the song.

‘Were Lafin Wo Were’ was based on reality. If Governor Makinde had not stood his ground and remained dogged, would he have been able to achieve what he has achieved in governance?

It is also applicable to me. If I had not been resolute and done what I ought to do, would I have come this far?

The message of the song is for everyone to take responsibility and support what they believe is best for them.

You are indeed a proud father, as your other son, Samsudeen, was recently called to the Bar. How do you feel about this?

It is the joy of every parent to witness such a joyful occasion. I have always been committed to ensuring that my children receive a good and quality education and are well taken care of.

I pray for all parents that we will continue to witness the success of our children and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

I am extremely happy, and I thank Allah for this achievement.