Last week it was Timi Dakolo on ‘Beautiful Noise’. This week, the hype is on New Jersey-based Nigerian singer, Rotimi. When Naija Beats first saw him on Soundcity doing ‘Beautiful Music’ (he was in College when he did dropped that), it was considered really good sound. Last week, at the NEA 2011 Awards, he took home the Best US-based Nigerian Artiste award (male category – just so you know I am not bluffing).
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‘Naija’ Boy
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Born to Nigerian parents (a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother), the singer, songwriter and actor, who considers himself a “modern day renaissance man”, had been singing since he was six years old and has performed all over the world since then, considers himself? “ A Naija boy, 100 per cent!”
A College graduate, Rotimi, who grew up listening to Fela, Lauryn Hill, Carl Thomas, Michael Jackson and Boys II Men, said though his parents were supportive, they ensured he finished college.
“They saw the music and creativity in me, so, naturally, they were supportive, as long as I finished college. My parents are 100 per cent supportive of everything positive.”
Rotimi is not a Nigerian alien. He loves home and knows some feel good music too.
“I’ve been home about 10 times. I follow Nigerian music and artistes home and abroad. My favourites are Banky W and Eva Alordiah. I like Tiny Tempa too.”
Career
When did Rotimi consider music a career worth pursuing?
“When I performed at the Apollo Theatre and won at the age of 16, it truly hit me. But talking and performing for Jay-Z at the age of 18, and him telling me that I had a powerful voice and a good future doing music clinched it for me. Also, when I dropped ‘Beautiful Music’ in college, and it went worldwide, it was a defining moment.” From then, he became music business-minded.
Rotimi had never belonged to any music label, but how did he go about making such a good video for ‘Beautiful Music’?
The power of good music is alive, it just spreads! I don’t belong to any label. It’s been all independent (work).
He thrilled the crowd on ‘BET 106 & Park’ earlier this year and it impacted greatly on his career. Where has that got him?
“Man, BET 106 & Park loved the buzz. They heard about me and loved the music. It has given me another level of respect in the game and a redefinition of what it means to be in the spotlight.
Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2011
As one of the first Nigerians making music abroad to be recognised with an award, Rotimi, who has been left ecstatic by the recognition, could only describe it as a “blessing”.
“It’s a blessing, a dream, to be accepted and respected by my home people. It’s very humbling to be considered one of the best in the United States. Performing right there for them was also incredible, a great opportunity to extend my fan base out there.”
After the single,‘Bottles’ with Southern US rapper Gucci Mane on his mix-tape ‘The Resume’, what’s on the cards for Rotimi?
“Meeting Gucci in Atlanta was another blessing! The engineer was a friend to him and he told Gucci to listen to this record I was doing. Gucci loved it and we worked it out, so that he could jump on it. It was an incredible experience, because it just made me realise that I am living my dream.
“For the album, it will be an 8-10 track EP with some of my best records, showcasing a completely new me! I am so excited.
“I am also trying new things. I am acting on a new TV show called ‘Boss’, starring Kelsey Grammer, so that’s hopefully going to open more doors. It is set to premiere on October 21, on the Starz movie network. In addition, the new music I am doing is out of this world. You just wait and see,” he gushed.
Nigerian Connection
Any plans of doing anything with any Nigeria-based artiste? Are rumours about he and Eva working on a collaboration true?
“Yeah, man! I would love to do a record with Banky W. He is like my brother, always sending me words of encouragement. But yes, Eva and I have something up our sleeves.”
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