Simisola Ogunleye is one of the fast-rising artistes in the Nigerian music scene. She is signed on to the Steve Babaeko- led music label, X3M Music. Therefore, as part of efforts to announce her arrival in the music scene, the powerful vocalist, who started out as a gospel artiste, dropped two singles, Tiff and E No Go Funny, off her debut album. In this interview with some select journalists, including DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, she talks about her passion for music as well as her efforts to make a name for herself in the industry. Excerpts:
COULD you tell me a little about yourself?
I’m the last of four children from my mum and I am the only girl, which sometimes makes me feel like a tomboy. I’m from Owo in Ondo State, but I have never been there. So, somehow, I’m a ‘Lagos girl’. I graduated in Mass Communications from the Covenant University in 2008. I studied the course because of radio. I always enjoy listening to Dan Foster and others. But I don’t see how realistic it is for me to do that now.
How long have you been doing music?
I have been singing for quite a while now. I used to do gospel music and I released an album in 2008 called Ogazu. I joined X3M Music this year and I have released two singles, Tiff and E no go funny.
You started out as a gospel artiste, but why have you now changed?
I felt I needed music more as a job rather than a ministry. I was writing differently and my scope on music changed. So, it is more of work now than ministry. I was in the teenage choir then, but I was never really into it. I tried to join a couple of choirs, but I guess I wasn’t a good choir material. Though I used to do any genre in those days, I do Afro pop music today.
In the past, I would dabble into R&B, Hip pop, techno music and any other thing. But at a point, I wanted to do something different; I didn’t want people to hear me and hear everyone else. So, I tried to modify my sound; I took a little bit of everything and mix it up.
It took me a couple of years to get my eventual sound and with the help of my producer, Oscar, we finally came up with a sound, which is Afro and a little bit of Highlife. It depends on what you are doing music for. I love music and apart from singing, I also like to dabble into songwriting. Now, I’m also learning production and sound engineering. So, for me, it’s a whole package and I’m very interested in how music goes.
The industry today is dominated by dance music; so, how do you intend to sell your brand?
Definitely, there’s this notion that if you are not giving the basic club music, then, you don’t have the audience. But I can count a number of people who do soul and maybe my kind of music, which is quite different, and they have audience. It might not be regular, but it is sophisticated and classy.
But then, I’m not scared at all because if you are like everybody else, then, anyone can take your place. For me, whatever you are doing, you have to give it your best. The likes of Timi Dakolo, Onyeka Onwenu and Asa are very different people and they have covered even more base than they expected. As I said earlier, I have been singing for a while. Though I might look like a baby, I have actually been in the streets for close to eight years now.
So, it is a matter of dedication and quality. I did a song last year and I shot the video in South Africa. So far, the response has been great. I don’t have any complain because nothing good comes easy.
Seven years after, you have still stuck to your passion.
The truth is that I really love music. And even when it was not coming the way I wanted, I still held on because I believe that life is really short and you have to what you have to do. More importantly, I have always believed that I can be a successful artiste too. That is one of the things that have been pushing me every day.
We have lots of female artistes doing quite well in the industry, so how do you intend to fit in too?
Interestingly, there are lots of good artistes in the music industry, but I think what makes you different is being yourself and doing your own thing. Even if you have a million artistes, something will stand you out. So, it does not really matter the number. I don’t think I sing like anybody and I think what others do is different from mine.
Do you have a boyfriend?
I do have a boyfriend. My mum has really been supportive; she has always had my back right from school.
How did music start for you?
I didn’t really have that music influence while growing up. But for some reasons, I was just drawn to it. I have always loved to write and I discovered that they are good stories. So, that was how the whole thing started.
Did you try out any reality show along the line?
No; I am not just attracted to that institution. Though my friends used to tell me to go for it, I used to be scared. Personally, I wanted to be more of an artiste, so I have never applied for a white collar job.
You look too relaxed and I am wondering if you are in this music business to make money.
(Laughs) I am relaxed because I enjoy what I do. It is work, but when you do what you want and enjoy it, you feel comfortable. I can be in the studio from 8.00am to 11.00pm. That is the only reason I seem to look relaxed.
How do you describe your other songs?
I also have songs that you can dance to.
What are your expectations, concerning your career?
I just want my music to be accepted because I don’t think there is anybody who has my kind of music and voice. I admire a lot of people, but I don’t really think I have a role model. There are people I listen to for ideas because they inspire me.
Are you comfortable singing alternative music?
I can’t even complain. As alternative as my music is, I have upbeat music as well. But you can see that there is something really different from my music. I have a song titled Open and Close, which anyone can dance to and it still feels different. Even in the U.S., most of their songs are Pop, which people dance to. So, everything has its place and I think you just have to find yours.
How did you come in contact with X3M Music?
I met the CEO last year. I did a cover for a song and he heard the song and asked for a meeting with me for a few minutes. It didn’t exactly click then. But later that year, I met with my producer and we decided to make a hit together. I used to send him some of my materials, so he wanted us to work something out. We just used to record and after a while, they came together and decided to take me in.
Why did you decide to drop just two singles?
It is because we are experimenting with the sounds. We want to see the one that will generate the greatest reaction from the people because they are two different sounds. There were people who liked E no go funny, but more people liked Tiff, so we decided to shoot its video. Tiff is about falling in love almost like involuntarily and the video was shot in South Africa.
Could you recall your experience working with the South African crew?
It was my first time in South Africa and I had fun. The shoot took us a whole day. It was crazy cold, so a lot of the shots were outside. I really had an amazing experience. There was a time they had to put eye drops into my eyes because I was getting tired and my co-actor made the best out of me. The concept was actually that of the director, Josh Clark of CMD Productions. What is exciting is that a lot of people have given me feedback of what they would have done differently in the video and it is really exciting how peoples’ minds work. So, it shows that people are participating.
When will you drop your album?
I know that before the album comes, we are going to drop a few more singles. I can’t say for sure what the schedule is like, but the songs are definitely ready; so, it is about making sure it is the right time. There are still a lot of people who haven’t heard about me, so we have to get them to pay attention. The promo is more important than getting the music out.
Any plans for collaborations?
I honestly don’t think so. We might have a couple of collaborations because there are people I admire in the industry. I will like to work with Patoranking because his voice is amazing. However, I’m not crazy about collabos. I know that there are people who can make music come out well. So, I’m not afraid to work with anyone inasmuch as it’s the right person.
How has it been as an artiste?
It is not easy at all, especially if you have to work on your own at first. I had been signed to a label before, but it didn’t work out. Sometimes, things like that give you the experience for the next phase. In music, aside talent, you need to have the connections and money to be able to hold what you believe in and I am so grateful to have gotten this far, even though there have been difficult times.
How would you rate the industry today?
I think it is much better than what it used to be. I remember piracy was so rampant before. Though it is still an issue, it is not like it used to be. A lot of artistes sell their music online and this has been curbing piracy to a certain level. What makes me happy is that people have been so supportive of my music.
What’s your philosophy of life?
Never cry over spilt milk. So, if you hurt me, I move on; I don’t spend time regretting things.
