The rap scene in
Nigeria is heating up and I am ecstatic to be the one to bring the freshest
upcoming artistes to your doorstep. A few weeks ago, I did a special interview
with one of the best upcoming artistes springing up from my school – Babcock University.
I got a lot of awesome feedback on twitter concerning the interview, so I said
hey, why not do another special and invite another hot young artiste who is
currently working on some killer tracks and a viral video. The name of this
dude is Ayoola Adeleke with his moniker as Lekside. Get to know him better in
this exclusive interview with this fast – rising music prodigy.
Can we get to know
you better?
My name is Ayoola Adeleke Joseph Hakeem, my stage name is
Lekside. Um, I’m a person that doesn't focus on one thing. I’m also a very
imaginative and humble person.
Any throwback
memories of music?
Yeah, back then in high school, it all started as a joke
with my first group called R-Rated. We used to sing and rap about things like
teachers, schoolwork and stuff like that. I started off as a rapper with my
group members Lotado, KidOsmo, MoGunna, and Sogbade. Things got interesting,
and later I decided to hit the studio and that’s how I started.
So you rap?
Yes I do. My next track titled See Me ft. Laime sort of
sounds like something a singer would do, but I actually rapped in it. It’s in
my Trap-house EP coming up soon.
When did music in
general start for you?
It started with R-Rated. Like I said, we made music about
housemasters, teachers, girls and stuff like that. I decided on my own to
record, and one day the producer had problems with the chorus of a song we were
working on at the time, so he told us all to try singing. I tried it, and it
turned out good, so I said to myself “why can’t I continue with this?”, and
since then, my love affair with music began.
Your surname is
Adeleke, is there any family ties with David Adeleke, popularly known as
Davido, If so, has it helped you in any way?
David is a cousin of
mine, but being related to him hasn’t helped me yet, I mean, I’d like to hustle
my way in on my own like he did, and you know it’s not always right to mix
family with business. That’s why I haven’t met him for assistance yet.
Is there anyone you
look up to in the Nigerian Music scene?
Right now, I’ll mention four people – Jesse Jagz, Asa,
Tuface, Davido and Wizkid. My main focus though is to be like Jesse Jagz. He’s
a really good lyricist.
Is there any one you
look up to in the foreign music scene?
Drizzy Drake.
We got exclusive gist
that you’re working on something with Laime, can you give us an insider on
what’s going on?
Yeah, the name of the track is “See me”. It’s Track 3 on my
Traphouse EP. I hope y’all like it.
What is your highest
achievement so far?
When I was still trying to move forward, I got a few of my
songs on Unilag F.M and other radio stations, I got booked for 2 or 3 shows and
things like that.
Any low moments?
Yeah, like every day, having to handle critics and those who
don’t like seeing others move forward.
“Strange cloud
activities” , the name of your mixtape isn’t the kind of name the average
Nigerian artiste gives his music, it seems pretty unique, can you explain how
you came up with that name?
A cloud for me has to do with the euphoria I experience with
my crew, and to explain the strange things that go on daily, because many
things seem strange to me.
How has mixing school
and music been working out?
It really doesn’t, that’s why I stopped music for a while,
but since I’ve reached a stage of maturity where I can handle both
responsibilities at once, I can do both.
I mean, getting a degree isn’t always certified to help you make a living these
days, so I have my music to fall back on.
Has being a student
of Babcock University helped your music in any way?
Yeah, because I met with many people like Beats by Jay,
BOND, shout out to BOND, I met with Pap Jones, Lotado, and my wonderful
roommates who tell me the truth about my work, even if it’d hurt me. I’ve
improved musically under the Babcock environment.
What do you think is
going to keep you afloat in this ever-changing entertainment scene, because as
seen in some cases, talent isn’t always the only prerequisite for success?
Other than talent, there’s hard work, take a look at people
like Davido and Wizkid. These people worked hard to get to the point they’ve
reached. There’s no time to chase time as one of my housemaster’s said. I mean
time should be chasing you instead of you changing it. Hard work combined with
the fact that I tend to be a trendsetter like Wizkid and Davido would be my
assets.
What is your viral
video about and who is directing it?
That is for me and my personal savior to know. When I’m
dropping it, I guarantee you that you’d find out. It’s gonna be big.
Your work seems
pretty good, where do you see yourself in a few years?
I’ll work hard to blow, but that is all down to my personal lord
and savior- Jesus. He’s gonna help me through it all.
Before the interview is over, what do you
have to tell your fans and prospective fans to watch out for?
Expect new things and big things
from me, I won’t disappoint. God bless y’all.
Social Media
Twitter: @LEKSIDE_III Instagram:@lekside_iii
BBM: 7F5FE2CE
Where to get your songs: Soundcloud (Ayoola
Adeleke/ Lekside)
Organized by Boluwatife Omoworare (Twenty
Two) and carried out by Jojolola Dopamu (The Jojo Blog)
