ARB: What is your name?
Ans: Tola Bamidele
ARB: Where are you from?
Ans: Well am from Lagos state,but my dad is from ekiti state so I rep ekiti state in some occasions.
ARB: How old are you?
Ans: Wow! U want all those young girls to know my age...well am 23 years of age,I will be 24 March 19 2013
1989 is my date of birth
ARB: How did you get your stage name?
Ans: Everybody knows OBA means King down here in our country, and people bow to a king,so for me I decided to give myself that title cos am a King and DC means Dele Carter. The Dele is part of my surname "Bamidele" and the Carter is a Nick name given by brothers so I decided to go for it,so that is where d name Carter cums in.
ARB: Do you know how to play any instrument?
Ans: Menn,that instrument of a thing is not part of me at all but we can't say later in the future Oo I can work something out like playing the Guitar and Keyboard. I will really love to do that.
ARB: How was your childhood like?
Ans: Wow! I really love to go back in the days of my childhood cos it was really fun. I wasn't camped inside like other kids then,I was free,roll with good friends and I was really guided by my parent and I could remember then,I do write songs not my own song but superstars of then songs.
So I really had fun with dat,writing and singing their songs,its a wonderful feeling.
ARB: What is your family background like?
Ans: My father,Late Oludare Julius Bamidele hails from Ekiti state and he was a mechanical engineer and my mum hails from Ondo State and she teaches and she is aslo a good caterer always making yummy food. Am from the family of four,menn kon see 4 big boys no girl Oo (he smiles). We are neither rich nor poor but we are okay by God's grace.
ARB: What type of music do you do?
Ans: I do the afro pop n dancehall,just want to make everybody out there dance and get inspired.
I can really get people inspired through dancehall
ARB: Taking it back to your childhood,what was your first experience with music for the first time like?
Ans: It was crazy ooo cos I remember back I started with Rap music and I was taught how to put rhymes together by a friend then later I went to studio to drop some bars but I was told I wasn't good at it that I really need to work on myself so I was sad. Not long after I switched into my recent style "Afro pop",I don't jus know what happened then,the style jus came in,& I could clearly remember I went into the studio to record my first single titled "Into D Longo". Although the production was wack but people feel my style and since then I believe that I can make it.
ARB: What song do you remember most as a child?
Ans: Is it my song or some other artist song?
A.R: Other artists
Ans: Ohh,that was "You & I" by 'Plantation boiz' and "Catch Cold" by 'Maintain'.I really love those songs.
ARB: As a child back then what music do you listen to most back then?
Ans: Catch Cold by Maintain. That was my anthem.
ARB: Which type of music do you listen to now
Ans: I listen to RnB,afro pop music with a lil mix of Rap music.
ARB: What is the difference between the ones you listen to now and the ones you listened to back then?
Ans: Ahhh,even a deaf man will know. (He smiled). Just kidding. There is big difference in terms of audio production and video production. Back then productions were wack but as a child i don't really know then,all i do is just dance . Music production of this days has more quality than then,we have more talented producers in d industry and they are making hit tracks.
ARB: What was the first song that you've ever sang,& how does it make you feel?
Ans: My first song ever was titled "Larimo" & it means "Falling a victim" in English. I wrote this song myself without any help or idea from anybody & I called a good friend of mine that produces and he said I should come over and I went,I sang the song to him and he made a beat and I jumped into the booth and spit on the mic. So I went bak to him two days leta after he has done the mixing of the song and I listened to myself and I was like "Na me be dis? (He busted into laughter)...ohh shiitt and he congratulated me like "Welcome to the game am beta off than some people,nice song for now.
ARB: What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Ans: I love listening to music right from my childhood and I rolled with friends that are into music then. So all the writing of artists songs back then entered my head and became my part and parcel before I started writing my own songs and I watched them perform too.
ARB: Hum you've not said in particular what led to your music career I.e you've not answered the question
Ans: The passion I have for it cos back then i zeroed my mind that after skool am not doing any other thing than music.(He rolled his eyes)
ARB: You still haven't answered the question. What am saying is that what lured you into music,maybe because of the money in it,because of the fame or whatsoever
Ans: You are now talking.
Well,money is one thing and the fame too is another thing. Have always want to help my family to grow financially through this music of a thing so am singing to make money to help my family,help the less privileges and inspire people too but during the process of doing this,the fames comes in too(He smiled)
ARB: How did you get yourself involved in this type of music you sing now?
Ans: I have role models which I look up to and do the kind of music I do too in the industry. I started with listening to their music b4 putting out my own style of music.
ARB: What are people expected to see at your live performance?
Ans: The crazy swag I put on on stage cos anytime am on stage is like am in my house rehearsing so I put all my energy in it and I carry my audience along be it the kids or adults.
ARB: If you have to describe your music in three or four words,what would you call it?
Ans: Hit banger
ARB: What do you like most about your profession?
Ans: The love I get from my fans and friends and families.
And the performance
ARB: How long have you been doing this?
Ans: 7 good years by God's grace
A.R: So why didn't you give up,or are you happy doing this?
Ans: Give up is not in my dictionary...I know is gon take this long so am prepared for it cos this my passion,this is what am born to do so to give up doesn't occur to me in anyways.
ARB: So you don't mind doing it for twenty years?
Ans: As far the love for it is still there and am making my doe and inspiring people. I don't mind.
ARB: Are you happy doing this?
Ans: Funny question! This what am paying my dues for so why won't I be happy doing it. Am comfortable doing this and with God by side...I dey carry go.
ARB: Should your parents have been more or less strict?
Ans: Less strict
ARB: Have you ever entered any contests to enhance your music career?
Ans: Nahhh,not at all.
ARB: Would you enter a contest in the future?
Ans: Don't know yet,anything can happen.
ARB: What are your songs about? (What specific theme do they cover)
Ans: For now my song is all about club and the street
ARB: How long have you been performing live?
Ans: For three years now,yea.
ARB: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
Ans: Nice question...I'll probably be a Dj.
ARB: If you hadn't been born in your century,when and where would you like to have lived?
Ans: I think I would have loved to live in the State.
ARB: What do you think your biggest break or greatest opportunity has been so far in your music career?
Ans: Is getting signed under a young and growing record label that caters for my needs.
ARB: If you had to categorize your music,what genre would it best fit(name up to three)
Ans: Afro pop,dancehall and hi-life
ARB: What do you think distinguishes an artist from just a musician?
ARB: Why the silence?
Ans: (He Breaks The Silence) A musician to me I tink is someone that knows how to play the instrument,knows when is off key and can cover it up without being noticed and can carry is audience along when performing live. And Artist is someone that just write his song some don't even write,go to the studio and spit on the mic and leaves,but has a lil swag on stage.
ARB: We do here "Na Wa oo',Na wa Oo" in all your songs,is that a slang or what
Ans: (He laughed) hahaha. Na wa ooo on street means something that's surprises people and they exclaim. But Na Wa Oo is a record label name. That is Na Wa Oo Entertainment.
ARB: Where & how did you meet them,& How long have you been there?
Ans: The CEO of Na Wa Oo is a friend of mine on the same street I lived in but I never knew he own a label. I actually met him officially when I was in search of a studio to record a new joint so he took me to one of his producers and when he heard the song,he decided to feature on it cos it was a good song and from there he told me about his label then I thought about this & I told him we can do this. Have been under Na Wa Oo since 3years ago.
ARB: What are your immediate music career goals?(Next 1 to 3 years.)
Ans: To achieve something great like collecting all those nice awards,collaborating with top local and international artists & to help someone out there.(Oluwa is involved).
ARB: How much creative control do you have over your own music?
Ans: When it comes to creative am always careful cos I don't want to sing something gibberish and tell people out there, am creative,nahhhh. So creative control over my music is 75%.
ARB: What has been the biggest challenge for you or your management?
Ans: The biggest challenge for me is people telling me I keep wasting my time,I should find something better to do but I neva give them a listening ears cos I know where am headed.
ARB: Who are your heroes?
Ans: My heroes, well God is my hero.
ARB: Who do you have respect for?
Ans: Firstly I respect the talented multi award winner 2face Idibiah followed by Dbanj,Banky w and 9ice. This dudes are really good and they have taken the Nigerian music industry to the next level.
ARB: Are you political active?
Ans: Nahh,not even for a second
ARB: Do you do any volunteer work?
Ans: That was about a year ago but have stopped now.
ARB: How has Nigeria changed in the last ten years?
Ans: They've been some improvement if at all the development is not yet circulated. Right now our roads are being tied and light is being stable in some areas & when we come down to the Mega city "Lagos" a lot of things has changed compare to Lagos of then.
ARB: How have you changed?
Ans: Have Change in so many ways ooo,bak then I was stubborn (He laughed) but right now am cool headed easy lion and my life has bin simple all the way,have improved in my lyrics writing,I think that's it.
ARB: What's the side of you that the public never sees?
Ans: When my eye turn Red,that means am boiling
ARB: Hmmm you haven't answered the question
Ans: Getting angry,and havin s*x
ARB: Do you wish you had more PRIVACY?
Ans: I really wish oooo.
ARB: Do you think the PUBLIC and CRITICS expect too much from you?
Ans: Yea,they shuld.
ARB: You've heard of the term starving artists,how do you cope with some major obstacles?
Ans: Wasn't easy thou but I do pray to overcome them
ARB: How hard do you push yourself?
Ans: Not really hard for now cos due to promise and fail from people sometimes got me weak so the little I can do,I think is getting me somewhere and with my label assistant,we are good to go.
ARB: When are you completely satisfied with your work?
Ans: When I have my videos out,my album out and when am being called for gigs.
ARB: If you had the major opportunity to change something about the music industry,what would it be?
Ans: Menn,that will be playing upcoming artists jobs for free on radio
ARB: Do you have any fan comments of how your music has affected or changed them?
Ans: Yea,they comment. Like some people will tweet me that anytime they are down all they have to do is listen to my song over and over again to get them together and dance away their sorrows, cos in all my song am always putting in something that can inspire people.
ARB: Art & Music has an impact on both young & old,everyone loves a celebrity,so what advise do you have for today's youth?
Ans: All I have to say is,don't let people tell u that u can't do it,belive in yourself,have a dream of where you want to be in life,neva give up and put God first.
ARB: What does your family think of your performance,and did they support you?
Ans: Am being supported if at all not financially,my mum support me with prayers also.
ARB: Do you have your favorite type of music,& is it of any difference from what you play now
Ans: Yea,I have and is totally different from what I play now
ARB: How do you relax?
Ans: Watching movie and listening to music
ARB: What has been your strong influence to continue performing?
Ans: My role model.
ARB: Does anyone in particular influence your artistic / music talent?
Ans: Yes.
ARB: What song do you love to perform the most?
Ans: For low "Go Low" but I know there is another big one coming.
ARB: While getting ready to perform,have you ever been interrupted by fans who snuck into the dressing room/ rehearsal,and how did you handle this?
Ans: Yea,have experienced this before,all I do was to call the person back cos the person was about to run out of the rehearsal room so I jus have to sit d person to watch us do our thing. Am always cool with my fans
ARB: Tell us about your most embarrassing moment
Ans: Hahaha,(He laughed) it wasn't funny. That was the day I went for a fashion show and I was about performing so the DJ dint cue my song in immediately and I started freestyling and a man stood up and said e don do nahhh,sing wetin u won sing make u leave stage mean while the DJ was still trying to get my song so I just left the stage for other artists and I left the place.
That day wasn't funny' everybody was jus laffing.
ARB: What are your up-to-date performance plans, New Release,Tours,News.
Ans: Yea,I just got some few calls from my manager & other event planner so I will be going for shows out of Nigeria very soon for the second time, and I gats some new singles coming out soon.
ARB: Where is it going to be?
Ans: South Africa and Ghana
ARB: If you could perform with anyone in the world, either dead,alive or broke-up,who would it be and why?(Name up to three)
Ans: The Game cos I love is music right from time, Dbanj second cos he has that attitude and he do inspire me,lastly 2face cos he does inspire me too.
ARB: How do you think you would like to remembered by everyone if something were to happen to you suddenly?
Ans: Hmmm,by the lives have changed and the help have done to people around me.
ARB: If you had only five minutes on eath to perform one song that could leave a great impact on your world today,what song would you perform and why did you choose this particular one?
Ans: It will be "All Over The World" cos this song truly will inspire people cos I talked about my life and I gave out a lil advice in the song.
ARB: As an artist,is there any specialty you hope to accomplish,and what is it ?
Ans: Having a brand product of my own
ARB: What did you do before you got into music?
Ans: I was partially a DJ
ARB: When things seems to go negatively at times,how do you turn things into something positive?
Ans: I pray and I read my bible Psalm,is always working for me.
ARB: What do you think makes you and your type of music unique from other artists?
Ans: My style of music and my performances on stage
ARB: As an artist,how would you define SUCCESS?
Ans: Success to me is achieving something u have always dream of achieving through hard work.
ARB: If you think you had to think on a slogan that could leave a positive impact for everyone,what would your slogan be?
Ans: No demo demo no dey (he laughed)
ARB: Do you currently have an agent,endorsement,record label,sponsor etc
Ans: Don't have an endorsement deal yet,still looking for one but I have a record label
ARB: What's the name of your label
Ans: Na Wa Oo Entertainment
ARB: Who produced your recordings
Ans: I work with two different producers like Vtek and Physical "Salt n mix" and I have some producers outside that do send in beat.
ARB: How long did it take to process current single and video
Ans: Is taking me up to two month cos of financial delays
ARB: Are there any behind the scene secrets, tips, or additional information you would like to share with our readers?
Ans: Yea,many people out there believe as an artist,u have to smoke or drink before u record a song or perform on stage but that's not true. I don't do all those things.
ARB: Have you ever had to deal with negative publicity or pushy media people? If so how did you handle it?
Ans: Nahhh,but I know is still gon happen so when it happens I will know what to do then.
ARB: Do you have any video links where people can see you?
Ans: Yea,I have a video link of my performances and studio recordings.And this the link to my videos http://www.youtube.com/
ARB: Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come through as an artist?
Ans: Yea,I would love to thank my good friend Temitope Benson,my CEO Ekele Kingsley and one of my big brother Muyiwa
ARB: Have you performed outside Nigeria before and if so how did the live shows differ?
Ans: Yes,have performed outside Nigeria and that was in Ghana. The live show is not really different like that but I was cruised in a convoy with superstars like Durella and R2bees
ARB: Where do you think your largest fan base is located and why?
Ans: Is in lagos ooo for now cos that is where I was breed and have seen some many of them appreciating my good work.
ARB: Do you have a website of any type,or social network your in? (Name all options)
Ans: www.twitter.com/Obadc1 www.Facebook.com/
ARB: What are some of the details fans can find by going to your own website or social network?
Ans: More about me sir and about my upcoming shows and upcoming singles
ARB: Will you please keep us updated with your music now that you will have a permanent link on our blog,so the fans can find out more about you and hopefully catch a live show?
(Send updates to: arikraymond19@gmail.com)
Ans: Okay.
ARB: Just for fun..........Fill in the blanks!
ARB: Without music, I would be ____________________Ans: A DJ
ARB: Music is __________________
Ans: Life
ARB: My music makes me feel __________________
Ans: High
ARB: I write the songs because _________________
Ans: I wanna inspire people out there and get every individual dancing.
ARB: Support music because. _________________
Ans: Is life and it passes out positive messages that can inspire people
ARB: Please feel free to add any other information you want to share with the public/readers. We want to extend our warm wishes for your success and thank you for the awesome interview. We hope we can attend one of your shows soon,so please be sure to keep us informed on your updates!
Ans: Thank u for taking your time Mr Arik Raymond,God bless u more.
ARB: Thanks for doing an exclusive blog interview today with Arik Raymond Blog. We sincerely appreciate your support,and we hope you will tell everyone to visit www.arikraymond.blogspot.com and read this article.
We hope you will also invite your other friends of yours who are musician to interview with us at Arik Raymond Blog soon! Thanks again.....YOU ROCK!
Ans: Yes Boss
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