I get alot of attention from my female fans but I know how to handle that without any qualms- JOVANI, DURABLE ARTIST
Q. Can we meet you?
A. My name is Olusope Abiodun Badejo professionally known as Jovani
Q. Relationship status?
A. I'm single
Q. Date of birth?
A. 2nd of January
Q. What style of music are you doing right now and what stirred up the passion in you?
A. My sound is eclectic. I have always been interested in music from my childhood,I listened to different kinds of music at home when I was a child. Music is not what I do,it's who I am.
Q. When did you begin your music career and how has the journey been so far?
A. I've always been involved in music,I used to be a member of the children's choir in church but I started music professionally in 2008 when I graduated from university. I delved into the music industry after the mandatory,one year NYSC service every Nigerian graduate must undergo after tertiary education. The journey has been quite interesting and challenging too,I am grateful to God for being able to surmount these challenges and having my songs heard in many countries around the world.
Q. What do you think are the problems upcoming artists are facing in the music industry, Nigeria?
A. Upcoming artists face many challenges in Nigeria. The major challenge is structure,in Nigeria the music industry is not structured thereby leading to frustration for alot of upcoming artists who can't access funds or mentors to enable them grow and fulfill their dreams. Many artists can't find platforms to express their talent. Another challenge is the negative attitude of the Nigerian society towards musicians and other creatives.
Q. What do you think can be done to solve these problems you mentioned above?
A. First of all,the Nigerian government needs to invest in the entertainment industry and also structure the industry properly to make it viable for investors to recoup their investment.
The Nigerian society needs a paradigm shift,they need to stop looking down on musicians. Not everyone is cut out to be a lawyer,doctor or engineer. Some people will be creatives,what they need is support.
Q. Mention few things upcoming artist can do to come to limelight?
A. Upcoming artists need to write good songs with good lyrics,that's the first thing. The second thing is that upcoming artists need to be unique this will enable them to create a niche for themselves. Due to the Corona pandemic,upcoming artists will need to learn how to use the internet to promote their music and brand until things get back to normal. It is important for upcoming artists to be determined and not give up,patience is critical to success in the music industry.
Q. What role can government play to support the music industry, most especially the upcoming artists?
A. The government needs to create an enabling environment for independent artists to access loans for their musical projects and sponsors/record labels need to meet viable structures on ground to safeguard their investments.
Q. Are you signed under management/label or you are pushing your music by yourself?
A. I am an independent artist which means I am the one pushing my music by myself with the help of God Almighty.
Q. In the area of promotion, what are the challenges involved?
A. Finding the right promoter for your audience is key and next to that is the financial commitment that comes with promoting a musical project.
Q. How do you fund or source for fund concerning your music?
A. I work to earn money and I use it to fund my musical projects.
Q. What has been the relationship between upcoming artists and the superstars in the area of support?
A. There's very little support from established acts. Most of these established acts feel threatened by the emergence of upcoming artists who may take over their shine.
Q. Do you think the music industry should create a platform where the upcoming artists can get financial support/fund so as to grow the music industry fast?
A. Yes,I think so. This will enable the music industry grow rapidly.
Q. Since music is a lucrative business in Nigeria and the world at large, is there no way investors can come in?
A. Investors who are serious have always found a way to come in. It is the unserious ones who keep looking for excuses not to invest in the entertainment industry.
Q. As an artistes, mention some benefits you enjoy in Nigeria?
A. As an artist,I get approached by people who have listened to my songs asking for a photograph. Some of my fans also tell me how my songs have blessed them and they appreciate me by sending gifts to me. I get alot of attention from my female fans but I know how to handle that without any qualms.
Q. What is it that upcoming artists don't get endorsement from corporate brands no matter how small the deal could be?
A. Upcoming artists don't get endorsements from corporate brands because life is in stages when they reach that stage they will definitely get their own fair share of endorsements.
Q. Who are your role model and mentor in the music industry?
A. Travis Greene,Tye Tribbet,Kirk Franklin,Asa,Darey Art Alade etc
Q.Mention five artistes that inspire you with their music?
A. Michael Jackson,Leann Rimes,Mary J Blige,Avril Lavigne,Kelly Clarkson.
Q. How often do you write songs and what gives you inspiration when writing your songs?
A. I write songs whenever I get inspiration,it's not something I have control over. I get inspiration from nature,my life experiences,books that I read etc.
Q. When a producer gives you a beat to voiceover, would you prefer to freestyle on the beat or you write your lyrics first then voice over?
A. It depends sometimes I do a freestyle but I prefer to write my own lyrics unless otherwise stated. The reason I do this is because I want to make music that's excellent and evergreen. I want my songs to outlive me.
Q. What are the challenges you are having with producers when working on a music project?
A. For me,I make sure I visit the producer and have a chat with him before working with him. I take my music seriously and I don't work with people who don't know what they are doing. The only challenge I think I have with producers is that many of them are rigid,they are not ready to experiment and try out new sounds.
Q. What is your definition of music?
A. Music is life..Music is love..Music is me.
Q. What are the qualities of good music?
A. Good music must have a good interpretation,excellent storyline and must be relatable.
Q. Do you think Nigerian artists are still producing good music?
A. Sure,I think so.
Q. Where do you see yourself in the next years, in the music industry?
A. In ten years I'll be a legend.
Q. Who do you intend to work with in the music industry?
A. Tasha Cobbs Leonard,Travis Greene,Sinach,Tim Godfrey etc
Q. What is your word of encouragement to all upcoming artists out-there?
A. Never give up,believe in yourself. Keep pushing ,with God all things are possible.
Q. Your advice to everyone reading this interview?
A. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Q. One word for your fans?
A. Thank you for the support,I appreciate it. I will continue to make you proud by making good music with lyrical content. You're more than just fans,you're family. I love you all.
Q. What's your social media handle so that your fans can connect with you?
A. Hello fans you can connect with me with my social handles below,
YouTube @real Jovani
Instagram @realjovani
Twitter @badejosope
Q. Thank you for your time?
A. You are welcome.
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