Michael Ewulo is a musical artist with passion to use his music to give hope to the hopeless. Currently living in the United States of America, Ewulo’s goal is to preach the gospel of love and peace through his words, songs, and actions. In a recent chat with The Nation, Ewulo opened up on how he dumped biochemistry to study music and how his mother inspired his new single, ‘Emi Mimo.’
Why did you dump biochemistry for music?
Well, I had admission to study Biochemistry at the Lagos State University but I realised that my true passion lies in Music. I decided to take that path by pursuing a certificate course in music at the Peter Kings College of Music in Badagry.
So, share your journey with music?
I discovered my music calling while in university. The passion for music became so strong that I withdrew from LASU to study music at Peter Kings College of Music. For me, music is a calling.
In all of these, what was your family’s position to your decision?
When I just discovered myself musically, there was a bit of a challenge. My parents wanted me to study a professional course such as medicine, engineering and the likes. They saw music as too simple to make a living from but as time went by they began to see meaning to what I do with my music and have supported me.
How has your music journey been so far?
The journey has been good so far. Music has paved the way for me to some extent. My music journey has been a really exciting and transformative experience! I’ve had the chance to explore different styles and collaborate with some amazing artists. Each performance and project have taught me something new about myself and my craft. I love how music allows me to express myself, positively influence and connect with others.
Who are your musical influences and how have they shaped your style?
Society is my influence. I listen to songs but not often because I would not want to be influenced by the inspiration I receive from such songs. So, I let God through the society influence me.
Tell us about your past and recent works
If you go online, you will see my album titled High Life Revolution by Michael Ewulo. Right now, I am working on another album. Although I haven’t titled the album. However, ‘Emi Mimo,’ my new single, is just a song on the album. I’m currently working on an exciting new project that will address a lot of ills in our society and also encourage the hopeless ones. My forthcoming album speaks of spirituality, morals, hard work, prayers and government. We are in the process of refining the recording of two of the songs on the album and I am really excited about the quality of work I and my producer and featured artiste have committed to this forthcoming project. I also plan to take my music to live audiences soon, as performing is a big part of what I love to do. Stay tuned for updates on my upcoming shows and new releases—there’s a lot of passion and creativity going into this project, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Any challenges so far?
There are challenges in the music industry everyday but my consistency and showing up every time has helped me greatly to overcome them. I keep learning, I keep collaborating with people that I can always learn from and doing what I know how to do best repeatedly.
Memorable moment on the job?
I have had several memorable moments in my musical career and one of such moments is my performance at Nestle Open Day and Entertainment of Nestle expatriate. Watching men and women of different colours coming together to dance to my music. This gives me joy and inspires me to continue to strive for excellence. Other times are my studio sessions with Cobhams Asuquo and Wole Oni.
What was the inspiration for your new song, ‘Emi Mimo’?
How I got the Emi Mimo song is funny. It was a particular day in Badagry. My mum called me. My son came and listened to this song, I received it in my dream and she sang it and I asked her to repeat the song. I felt the impact on me. I felt the power that hit me. I told her mummy, this is nice but within me, I said one day I will do this song for her. This was about 20 years ago. My mum, Mrs Maria Olanrewaju Ewulo was the one who received the inspiration to compose the song. I am just the singer of the song.
Did you feature any music acts on your upcoming album?
Yes I did. I featured Uwana Etuk in one of my singles titled Emimimo in my forthcoming album. Uwana Etuk is a musician, he plays the trumpet. Although he played flugelhorn in Emi Mimo songs. The songs I did back then I worked with Wole Oni and Emmanuel Cobhams Asuquo on the Highlife Revolution album. I worked with them between 2006, 2007 and 2008.
