Babajide Awoyinfa
Entertainment express
Next To Blow: I Am Pioneering A News Style - Oyinkansola
Friday, June 07, 2013Omoba
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Written By: Babajide Awoyinfa
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Her versatility makes
it easy to compare her to other talented musicians: guitar-toting like India
Arie, vocals like GT the Guitarman- that is Oyinkansola Morounfolu. Except that
her talent runs deeper than the similes. Her appeal lies in her mastery at
blending soul and folk music into an eclectic mix that is simply top class. You
only have to listen to her songs - “Hands Up” or “Sekere” - and your heart
would warm up to her.
In a recent chat with
Entertainment Express, she talked about her inspirations, her influences and
ambitions. She particularly dwelt on what set her apart from other artistes.
Excerpts.
What is unique about
you?
My style. I blend Fuji and pop- borrowing
concepts from the likes of Kollington Ayinla, Ayinde Barrister and other Fuji
artistes and then funkifying them into “new school” songs.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Oyinkansola
Morounfolu. I am from Oshogbo, Osun State. I was born to civil servant parents
in Abeokuta. My father has retired from the security services while my late
mother was an immigration officer. I am the third of five children. I attended
my primary and secondary education in Abeokuta before attending the Ibadan
Polytechnic. I started music in the choir.I started singing at a young age.
People used to say I was too young to join the choir but I was determined to sing.
Our music
director in church really took her time to groom me. She was like a mother to
me. I decided to come to Lagos to pursue my music career. I have been here
close to 15 years now, doing backup for artistes. I believe now is my time to
stand out and pursue my career. I want my face to be well known. I want
everybody to appreciate what music is all about. At the moment, I have four
songs. I sang “Cry” for my mother who is late. I have “Hands Up” featuring GT
the Guitarman. I also have “Love Wantintin” featuring Brymo and, of course, my
hit song, “Kokose” which I believe will make me blow. I am a humble person. I
learnt it from people I grew up with. I practised it and it worked for me. I
also appreciate people that believe in me; I will not let them down.
How did the struggle
start for you?
When I came to Lagos
in 2001 from Ogun State, I met with Plantashun Boyz and Black Trybe. I
started following them as a diehard fan. I asked them the way to the top and
what it takes to produce videos. At that stage, one needed a solid rock for
support, even though you can sing like an angel, you still need to struggle and
sweat for it. I later joined Black Label, my record label, four years ago but
my contract has expired with them at the moment. People are now getting to know
me gradually.
What kind of songs do
you sing?
Formerly, I used to
sing R&B, but I had to later change to what Nigerians want, which is
commercial songs. I play the guitar very well. Now I have a way of mixing a lot
of things together - my R&B skills, my Yoruba-accented vocal, my guitar -
and it works for me. I infuses Yoruba culture and folk tunes into my song.
Who will you say you
sound like?
People say I sound
like GT the Guitarman. We eventually met. He heard my song and he said he liked
it; that was how we became close. I am very close to him now. I go to his
house. I am free with him. He is like a brother to me; we go for shows
together, always in the studio together. It’s fun being around him.
How do you get your
inspiration?
Whenever I play the
guitar, or any instrumental I hear, I always have a melody of what I should
sing.
Who are the people
that inspired you?
I grew up listening to
Whitney Houston. I now listen to the likes of Brandy, Tracy Chapman and India
Arie. I was glad when Yinka Davies said I have this powerful voice. She
motivates me a lot and she is wonderful. People frequently say: why not [sing
like] Asa? After all you play the guitar too. I said no, I don’t sound like
Asa, she is a jazz singer.
Who are the people you
would like to work with?
I want to work with
Yinka Davies, Maye Hunter and Chuddy K. I don’t want to work with those who
majored in dancehall for now.
Tell us about your
latest release, the inspiration behind it and public’s response to it?
I released “Sekere” months
back. I got the inspiration while playing my guitar. I wanted something that
will appeal to both young and old, so I contracted a friend who produced it. We
decided to make it commercial, without the guitar and it was successful. I am
glad every one accepted the brand new style.
What are your album
plans?
I am dropping my album
this year by the grace of God, I was supposed to have dropped it last year but
now, I think the appropriate time will come soon.
Of the four singles,
which do you consider your hit song?
I think it is “Hands
Up”; the song has taken me to places. It brought me to where I am now. A lot of
people got into it and loved it.
What has been the
response on internet and Twitter?
Good responses so far.
Many people love me beyond the song. I was scared at first, thinking it
wouldn’t be accepted but I am glad to say that my fan base is increasing.Some
people compared me to Yetunde “Omo Ibadan” of Project Fame. I was also compared
to Asa.
Why come all the way
to Lagos?
Lagos is the thick of
the action, where you can get the main people. And it is from Lagos other
people tapped from to succeed. I can make it in Osun State though, but I still
have to come down to Lagos. P Square made it in Abuja and they came down to
Lagos. Lagos is the Centre of Excellence. You have to come down here to
struggle like others; that is how you prove that you have worked and you know
what you are doing. Coming down to Lagos is like a reward for your hard work.
What are your top five
albums of all time?
I love all Brandy’s
songs. I love India Arie and Trey Songz. I listen to Kollington Ayinla, Ayinla
Omowura, Haruna Ishola and other old school songs.
You can follow me on
twitter @oyinkansola01
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