TheNextBigThing: Akay says “I don try na!”

Wilfred Okiche

Akinola ‘Akay’ Oshodi is a rising act with music constantly on his mind. He shares his journey and tells us why exactly he is poised to be The Next Big Thing

What kind of music do you do?

I do basically R&B, I’ve got dancehall tracks also but like I said, I think I have found my sound and I will stick to it like glue.

Describe yourself in one sentence

I am an extrovert and fun to be with.

Where does your inspiration come from?

God remains my utmost inspiration to be sincere. I do not know how it comes. My surroundings also contribute a lot.

What are your plans for going mainstream?

Sure I would love to go mainstream. I am moving at the right pace to achieve that I hope (Laughter)

When can the public share your music?

My debut single titled ‘Addicted’ featuring Ice Prince and other collaborations with Anogiri and other talented artiste are available on my reverbnation page: www.reverbnation.com/akaysings

Who are your musical influences?

Darey, Asa, Banky W, Wizkid, Samklef and Jason Derulo. You will be amazed at the different artistes and the different genres they do. I listen to them all and they all inspire me in their different ways.

I also went on to audition for the West African Idol in 2006, Nigerian Idol, Project Fame, Naija Sings and Centage.

Does your family support your music?

My family has been amazing and extremely supportive; my mum especially has been great. I remember she paid for my very first studio session and stayed all through the recording. My dad also has been great not forgetting my younger brother ‘Aywire’, you will be amazed at his strength.

How do you develop your talent?

I try to develop my talent by doing a lot of singing, practice, vocal exercises and rehearsals. My voice is my greatest asset so I keep it warm at all times, besides I just completed a three month intensive vocal and instrumental coaching with one of the most reputable music institutes in Lagos: ‘Tenstrings Music Institute’.

What do you do when you are not performing?

I am a student of the Lagos State University. I also work with ICON ENTERTAINMENT, a medium owned by my younger brother ‘Aywire’ for getting together some other young talents to discover themselves and giving them the necessary online publicity as much as we can. We are not there yet, but it is the least we can do (Laughter). I write for other artistes as well.

Does anyone else in your family sing?

My grandfather was a popular organist in his church; he had a great band. Late Elder Ibikunle Oshodi was his name, may his gentle soul rest in peace.My brothers also have some singing talents in them but they refuse to admit, and my sister (covers face).

Have you entered for any of the reality talent hunt shows?

Yes I have. As a matter of fact, I was a one time winner of the Lagos State Television music competition on Vybes Plus. I had majority of the votes from the viewers but failed promises here and there trailed the show. It lasted for about 3months. I also went on to audition for the West African Idol in 2006, Nigerian Idol, Project Fame, Naija Sings and Centage; they all went fairly well….i don try na (Laughter).

Share your plans for world domination with us

Wow! Plans for world domination….lots of plans oh! I have been fortunate to have worked with great people within a short span of time. My first official single drops sometime later and is co-written by Darey Art Alade and produced by Wayne Mcneish(a UK based Jamaican producer)and mixed by the amazing Tobi Akinbiyi from Austria Europe so that tells you where i am heading to….I give God the glory.

Comments (2)

  1. confirm. We got your back bro.

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