Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was born in Akure, South West Nigeria, in a close-knit family of 5 at a time when the face of the town was changing after it was made a state capital a few years earlier. My father was in the civil service and my Mum was a nurse. We lived in Oba Ile Estate, a government reserved suburb, so it was modernity trying to compete with forests and hills. My Dad is a fan of music and one of my earliest memories is waking up, walking to the sitting room and seeing my Dad on the sofa listening to the music. That is the exact time I would say my pursuit of music started.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Feyisayo Anjorin”?
A: I’ve been sharing my music through social media and the Internet generally, releasing songs and music videos and writing songs for other artistes. I want people to see themselves in a mirror and to be honest with themselves in their assessment of what they see.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I love Lighthouse Family, for now the band is the most inspiring for me. Inspiration comes in many ways, whether from books I’ve read, or a personal experience, or a story than comes with a tune, or from a synthesis of ideas. It’s a massive opening.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “There Is Somebody Here”?
A: There Is Somebody Here was inspired by the life of Judas Iscariot, and the proliferation of “churches” in Nigeria, which I believe is a sign that a lot of people who judge Judas are not different or better than him, even though they are, as the lyrics goes, “wining, dining, with the sons of God”. It was inspired by the idea that if we, as a people, do more of examining ourselves in humility we will be less judgmental.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Eclectic
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “There Is Somebody Here”
A: Nothing significant.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I think my art, in every of its expressions, tells of our humanity, and my believe in a sovereign power above all human, natural, and supernatural powers, and the fact that we must live as that sovereign power wants us to live here on earth before our time here ends. As an artist I want to make sure that someone hears my voice. That is why I wont be silent while I’m alive.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with?
A: Jessica Oyelowo.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or those trying to enter the industry?
A: It’s a big industry, so I would advise that if anyone wants to be a part of the industry there is need for in-depth knowledge of it. It’s a big industry that goes beyond just singing, there are various specialized fields, and then, it is a combination of music and business. The ignorant or foolish will be swallowed up like a piece of boiled egg.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Dude, when it comes to creativity and getting your work out there, no one is coming to save you. You’ve got to push hard and give it all.
