I was born in London in 80s but I'm proudly Nigerian, and very much a citizen of the world. I got my father's way with words, and voracious appetite for knowledge, social awareness (philanthropy) and political consciousness. From my mother, I got a strict upbringing instilling respect, kindness and fortitude of character.
My wonderful sisters helped me to develop a love for Music, Fashion, Literature, TV, Movies, History, Poetry and Current affairs.
I was a bright and precocious child, scoring straights As pretty much all of my life in both arts and sciences. My artistic tendencies were cast aside for the challenges of science figuring that a knowledge of arts and culture could always be cultivated in one's own leisure whereas, science could only be learnt in structured study. After getting an Meng Chemical engineering degree at Imperial college, London. I moved into Investment Banking.
In 2001, I had an epiphany that my path lay elsewhere. Insomnia fuelled a prolific prose writing habit. It was a natural progression to set free prose to melody and form rhyme and melodic patterns which turned into songs. By 2003 I was hungry to get out there, with a demo or 2 recorded and a manager representing me, I stupidly thought I was ready for the big time, in reality, I kinda sucked and even now still training. I tried to pitch myself to Sony BMG contacts and Bad Boy records. But Sean Prez at Bad boy said to me: "just take your time, build up slow, hone your craft and get ready for opportunity to knock". I'm grateful for my Aunt and Uncle in Sheffield, who advised me to “finish your degree; you can do whatever you want after ". It sounds clich'd but Education comes first, there is always a right way to do things, deep down I knew I wasn't ready and waiting was the best thing I did for my security and sanity.
I visited vocal coaches around London, devoured all available information on vocal training, and the music industry on the internet. Took a few dance classes, hit up a lot of London open mic nights, and sang at any given opportunity, at weddings of friend or family who were kind enough to let me ( Thank you!) and even random restaurants in Rome and St. Tropez. This is pretty much my life and my passion, I'll do it for free (I'm doing just that now actually!) and I'll always do it, cos I love it. I go to Hollywood parties in LA and have met a lot of celebs, that's out of my system, I just care about the work and sense of self-worth. But if possible, will want to keep going to attain this Utopian vision of a 360 degree pop product that has substance and depth but is entertaining and visually dynamic. The same people that may like Jill Scott may also like Britney Spears, music with a message, with soul and heart and music that is entertaining and popular/commercial needn't be mutually exclusive.
I attended song writing workshops in New York, singing auditions, clocked up hours of studio time, work on and some short singing courses and acting courses at RADA and Central drama colleges. I'm still quite raw in my approach to vocal arrangements and harmonies. I'm still learning, practising and trying to get better all the time. I hope to grow from this experience of hosting this site, and seek to constantly improve as there’re many miles to go in development.
Check out the MUSIC and MEDIA page for some samples, Hope the diamond is beginning to emerge from the rough :-)
Inspiration is everywhere we go, to state the obvious, even from the hum of a fridge or the sound of a car engine produce sound waves that register as notes of a certain pitch and frequency, anything can spark off an idea for a riff or a hook.
Whether you make music or not, you've probably felt that hypnotic energy of a syncopated beat or the swell of some strings at the bridge of a song or a felt an emotional reaction to a song. If you make music then you may agree that our influence are etched deep in our consciousness, and we’re guided by all the amazing music that's already been created out there, and this informs what you're trying do. Everyone who's ever made a brilliant song inspires me from whatever genre. The creative energy is out there, it can't be created or destroyed we just tap into it and borrow some.
Madonna – she practically invented the art form as it stands today, a pop artist is supposed to push boundaries, create an alternative world, inspire, generate enthusiasm, push buttons, cause controversy.
Pop doesn't have to mean philistinism, I admire how she references different cultures, is always ahead of the zeitgeist and goes off the beaten track to bring bringing hitherto unknown trends or historical references to the fore. .
Michael Jackson – ethereal star quality, stage presence and physical grace, dazzling talent, delicate vocals and perfectionism. Pop Perfection, we are not worthy. RIP!
Stevie Wonder – that's audible emotion perfected. Words can't describe the levels of musicianship. Genius!
Prince - Unique, incomparable, also a genius. Long may his purple reign continue.
Bob Dylan, Carole king, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Billie Holliday, Edith Piaff, Ophra Haza, Sade, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Kate bush, Queen, The Beatles, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Donna Summer, Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, Zap Mama, Angelique Kidjo, The Bee gees, Fleetwood Mac, Simon and Garfunkel, Minnie Ripperton, Cranberries, muse, Jeff Buckley, Norah Jones, Diana krill, U2, Coldplay, Josephine Baker, Mariah, Whitney, Janet Jackson, Tracey Chapman, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Depeche Mode, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, all artists on Motown ( Diana Ross, the Supremes, The Shirelles, Martha and the Vandellas, The Jackson 5 etc), Stax, Chess and Decca records. These are the obvious ones but there are too many too mention.
Producers are equally important, I'm a fan of lots of people from Quincy Jones, Jimmy Iovine, Brian Eno down to Timbaland , Danja, Greg Kurstin, Mark Ronson and Polow da don, will mention those at a later time.
Current Artists that I like
Beyonce - our generation can't escape this one woman entertainment machine and her monopoly on the charts. The showmanship, sublime vocals, perfectionism and consistency. Daim girl! And she's very nice, met her twice, lovely person.
Lady Gaga ( Pop music can never be lowbrow!) – I love how she understands that pop can be used as a 360 degree artistic platform, strong visuals, branding and style, Andy Warholian artistry and a respectful nods to the icons ( Queen, Bowie etc) who paved the way, as well as respect for fashion. Madonna's natural successor, and not just cos she's also Italian American.
Alicia keys - I don't think i need to expand. She disproves the theory that modern artists lack musicianship. Her music has depth, maturity and is so soulful and emotive.
Amy Winehouse, Adele, Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Erykah Badu, Jazmine Sullivan, Amel Larrieux, Goapele, Jill Scott, India Arie, Bats for Lashes, Florence and the Machine, La Roux, Natasha Bedingfield, Keri hyson, Angie Stone, Corrine Bailey Rae, Jennifer Hudson, Bic Runga, Thea Gilmore, most hip-hop,soft rock, Indie. Travis, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon,the killers, the yeah yeah yeahs, Aaliyah (RIP), Brandy, Monica, Nneka, Asa, Tuface, Dbanj, Styl Plus, P Squared, Wande Coal ( The last 7 mentioned all Representing Nigeria!) and lots more! Way too many to mention, always open to new genres, so please send me any artist you like that i can check out.