•Reveals How He Started As Back Up Singer To BABA ARA
He is popularly called BoyeBest. But his real name is Adeyinka Adeboye. He is one of the shinning stars in Juju music. He is based in Abeokuta in Ogun State. But he has become big. He now shuttles between Nigeria and other countries to perform. He just got back from Dubai where he went to play. He had his major breakthrough from Abeokuta many years ago, as a Juju musician. Right now, he has added a bit of Hip hop to his style and when you ask him to tell you his type of music, he doesn’t hesitate to say ‘I sing Hip-Hop juju music’ And that has really distinguished him from his peers. A few days back, he won an award at the 1st Ogun City People Enterpreneurship awards, held in Abeokuta. He was recognised as one of the most outstanding talents in that sector. Shortly after the award, he spoke to City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE and ISAAC ABIMBADE about his 15 year music career and how he started under the late Baba Ara. Below is his story. Read on.
Musically, how has it been for you? What has kept you going?
It’s been like 15 years now. Like I told you 4 years ago, it’s been so hectic, but as time goes on, we are getting it done and we are getting on fine. It’s been like 15 years now I started music and I give God the glory.
Recently, we’ve noticed you are always moving from one place to another, how do you cope?
We are coping. With the knowledge of our boss, Yinka Ayefele who constantly advices me. We have been coping. I can perform at 3 parties in a day. At times, we perform 24 hours.
And how do you cope with shuttling Nigeria and abroad?
We don’t only shuttle between Nigeria and Dubai, we went to UK for 2 days with Sunny Melody to perform, but the Dubai trip was hectic because we performed at 3 parties. And because we get a lot of love from our fans, that alone gives me so much joy and strength to want to do more.
When you started music, was it in Abeokuta; where was your take off base?
My take off place was here in Abeokuta, even though I started in Olodo, a place very close to Ibadan. But I would say Abeokuta was my major take off place.
Are there artistes you’ve performed with in the past or you just started singing on your own?
I was able to chorus for Baba Ara. I was like a back up singer to him, and I did about 3 shows with him before he died. If not for his death, we would have gone far. Anyway, thank God, maybe I would still be doing back up for him.
What were you doing for him at that time?
I was just like a back up singer, like I earlier said. Even then, I wasn’t close to the stage; I was far away from from him as a back up singer because we had some people ahead of me then. At a particular day, I came home from school, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro then and I didn’t know he was dead. It was when I got back to Abeokuta that I was told Baba Ara was dead. I also worked behind Solly Bright, but during that time I had started my own.
Did you start your music as a Juju artiste?
No. I started as a Gospel artiste. I happened to be a son of a Reverend. My dad died as a Reverend of African Church. I do Cross-Over music like Jazz, hip-hop, Juju. That’s why I call my own hip-hop juju.
Who is your role model?
King Sunny Ade, because ‘Baba’ is so versatile and the versatility is still there despite his age.
How did you discover your talent?
I discovered my talent right from my primary school days, at our church, The Apostolic Church. They would force talent out of you. Even if you don’t know how to sing, they would still force you to try. And that also extends to other departments in the church. When they asked me then where I would like to be in the church, I chose choir deparment. From there, I started to sing. I discovered my music talent from the church.
What would you have done if not music?
I would have been a Banker because after my U.I days, I taught for 5 years in one of the best private schools in Abeokuta. I taught them Compter Science and Music.
How do you feel winning City People awards this year?
I feel so humble and happy. I have won this type of award before with City People when City People came to Abeokuta many years ago. And that particular award helped my music career. Since that award, my life has never remained the same. The one I won now, called 1st Ogun City People Entrepreneurship, really makes me feel so proud. I’m so sure I’m going higher and I’m happy.
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