Long before his entry into mainstream music, Adeyemi Semilore a.k.a Semilore is a renowned Fashion Designer. He Sews His wears and Wears His Own Brand.
His follow-up single, titled “Omotayelolu and Monifere”, also earned him rave reviews. Now a household name, the talented singer tells FESTACXCLUSIVE all about his remarkable rise to stardom in this interview.
FT: What gave you the confidence to embrace a style of music that wasn’t popular at the time especially at a time when commercial music was the order of the day?
Adeyemi: I won’t even mince words, I was initially afraid. I was scared because I was skeptical that the Nigerian market was ready for it.
FT: So, why did you still go ahead?
Adeyemi: I took a huge risk my sister, I didn’t know how to do any other thing; alternative music was and is the only thing I know how to do. Starting out, I wanted to embrace a sound I was double sure of. I started out with a song, I was comfortable with irrespective of whether people were going to like it or not. I didn’t know but I was going to do ‘me’ because I have always believed that difference sells. And if am coming into an already saturated market what am I bringing that is different? Why do I want people to notice me if am doing the same thing these other guys are doing?
FT:How Was Your Growing Up?
Adeyemi: My Growing Up Wasnt Hard Like that but we give God the Glory.I remember When i used to sneak out to perform in shows and anytime i get caught my mom would beat me up but i suprised when i shut down a show near my house from then she kept supporting me.She is even my Number One Fan
FT: Did you encounter any form of discouragement at that time?
Adeyemi: A lot I tried convincing a lot of people but it didn’t work. I mean that always happens, people love to associate with stars rather than support promising acts. But today I am what I am because I have been dedicated to just seeing my dreams come true and thank God for people around me who supported me as well.
FT: When did you get your big break?
Adeyemi: It was when I released ‘Omotayelolu’. To be honest I didn’t expect it to do well, I just did it as a Love song because I have been releasing other songs And Thanks To Masta Tee Who Believed In me. In two weeks, the song was already a hit and I was surprised that people could love a song which was originally mine this much. So, I decided to churn out more songs with similar sounds and That how the story Started
FT: Unlike your peers, you didn’t have to toil for many years before becoming a super star. What will you say you did different?
Adeyemi: One thing many people do not know is that I have been doing music for a very long time. We have been trying constantly to get our music out there and I decided to do it by myself without the band Formerly I was in a Band In School Called TPT. So, I went solo. I feel like am barely three years in the game as a solo artist and I have done a lot. So, it feels good to know that in three years, I have sold out in different venues, out of the country By God's Grace. I sold out my first concert in Lagos. Its been an amazing feat and in retrospect, I can say yeah have done well for myself. I am not saying that I am accomplished now but have done well for myself.
FT: At A Time You Were Affiliated With Id Cabasa And Are You Currently Signed Under Any Label?
Adeyemi: Yea am kinda Affliated but it is a kind of mentorship stuff because he is my mentor and all. i really like his kind of person. respect to the legend. for now Am not Signed to any label and it not that am not ready but u cant fast forward your time...
FT: Your song, Omotayelolu was inspired by Who?
Adeyemi: Its no longer news that Orente was about Girlfriend.
FT: You are currently blazing the trail with your live band. How ready do you think Nigerians are for live music?
Adeyemi: We are ready now and Nigerians are embracing live music with both hands. Nigerians are tired of artists miming to songs on stage as against performing it live. My live shows as well as that of my colleagues have been sold out back to back.
FT: How difficult or how easy is it to maintain a band?
Adeyemi: This is story for plenty days because, imagine flying a seven-piece band to London and having to process their visas twice. Imagine flying the same band to Dublin and paying a band for a show that you are not even getting paid for. Paying your own band for shows that you get honorarium, it’s not easy. But, I have my eyes on the prize. It’s not easy putting a band together, it’s not easy managing a band, but I am doing it, God is helping me. Thank God I have an understanding band, they know when it is rosy and when it is not.
FT: What are projects are you currently working on?
Adeyemi: I’m working towards releasing My Next Song titled ’Wavebouy’ very soon. Wavebouy Is Energy.
FT: How can Your Fans Connect with You?
On Facebook: Adeyemi Semilore
Instagram : @Semilore
No comments:
Post a Comment