R&B sensation, Seun Oni, with the stage name SAEON, recently signed a mega deal with Baseline Music. The graduate of International Studies and History at Babcock University and International Relations with focus on terrorism and counter terrorism at Warwick University, United Kingdom tells ADETUTU AUDU she has made her parents proud.
YOUR single, Boogie Down, is a smash hit. What inspired it?
When you put two talented artistes together in a room, there’s bound to be magic. And that’s what resulted in the hit that is Boogie Down.
You featured Wizkid. What is your relationship with him?
Wizkid is an amazing artist and he is one of the industry friends I’ve been privileged to meet and work with.
You rap and also sing R&B. This is unique. How do you combine the two?
I think it has to do with experience and the time I spent in nurturing my talents. I started with writing R&B songs and then stumbled on something that wasn’t R&B. I just took it up from there. I guess I am able to ride on anything I come across. I have dabbled into different genres like Afro, Hip Hop but I am originally an R&B artiste and I also rap. I sing about love as well as on any inspiring theme.
Most female acts have challenges. What are yours?
Probably the perception that the Nigerian music industry is a male-dominated industry. It’s not so much of a challenge but a misperception, because in actual fact, ratio of males to females is about 10:1. But this is definitely changing as more females are on the come up and it’s only a matter of time before that equilibrium will be the order of the day.
You studied International Studies and History at Babcock University and have a Masters Degree in International Relations from the University of Warwick in England. What is your parents’ reaction with their huge investment in your education?
Oh, my family is amazingly supportive. One of our principles is to attain a certain level of education and so when I was done with all of that, I called a meeting with my parents and siblings and told them I was ready to take up music on a professional level. They gave me their blessings because I had made them proud.
When did you come to the realisation that it would be music?
I had always known as a child that I would be a musician. I have loved music since I can remember. It has always been my ‘to go’ place whenever I needed to be alone. It was just a matter of time for me; mainly because of the kind of family I come from. I had to be done with my education first before venturing into music full time. Music for me is very interesting and exciting because it makes my blood flow well.
You did a course on terrorism at postgraduate level, what informed this decision?
I read International Studies and History at Babcock University. I did my post graduate in International Relations with focus on terrorism and counterterrorism as well as the covert activities of the CIA. I had different modules I could have focused on. Nothing was challenging or new to me, so when I came across terrorism and counterterrorism, I saw it as something that happens in contemporary times so I decided to go for it. I feel guilty because I should actually apply myself into my field of study in the best of ways that I can in Nigeria because it is a country that is actually facing terrorist attacks. I have been looking for ways to link myself up with the NIA, that is the Nigerian Intelligence Agency. Although I want to do it from the background just to contribute in my own little way, as a patriotic citizen who has specialised in this issue
Apart from Wizkid, which other artiste have you worked with?
I did a cover of Brymo’s Ara album and it gave me a jumpstart in my music career. I am not planning on releasing an album now but I have a couple of singles. I am at the stage where I have just come out from a lull. I actually took time out to study the industry. I took time out to really understand it and to know how things are done and how to push my music. I also took time out to rebrand myself and my style of music to suit the Nigerian public. I have done some collabos with some artistes in the past and I’m working on doing some with some established artistes.
No doubt music is flowing in your vein; can you share some of your experiences as an artiste?
I once took part in a competition while I was in England; it was an MTV UK Brand New Artiste competition that allowed people to compete with each other and the winner will be pushed by MTV. I had to compete with people from all over the world. I didn’t win it but it was something I was glad to have done. I got to the final stage actually. You never know who is listening to your music. You can’t say you are doing music for just Nigeria. You have to think big because at the end of the day, what determines your stardom is the clout you pull internationally. I performed at the Arise Magazine Fashion Week last year. I was nominated last year at the Nigerian Music Video Awards and I got to perform there. I performed at the Koko Concert. I have performed in Nigeria, Angola and England.
Howie T discovered P-square. You are the first artiste on the label, how do you intend to use the platform?
I’m currently one of the artists Baseline Music is focusing on, and this is a huge platform I intend to fully maximise. With Howie T’s expertise, my team, my determination and the grace of God, we’re bound to achieve great things.
Female acts are seen as sex symbols. What is your take?
I feel it depends on the mind of the individual.
Describe your style
