Fast Rising Nigerian act behind the hit track ‘Live Forever’, ‘Oluwakayode Oyetoro’ popularly known with the stage name, ‘Kayode’, in this exclusive chat with‘EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN’, discloses what inspired the TikTok viral sensational sound, and how his musical career is going. The native of Ogun State, released the song, ‘Live Forever’ in 2021. It was produced by ‘NINEZ’, and the video was directed and shot by ‘KEMZ’. Excerpts:
Tell us about your family and education background?
I grew up in Ikorodu, Lagos, alongside three siblings, I am the third child. I had my early education in Ikorodu. I attended Model College Igbogbo, then I went on to study Political Science at the University of Lagos.
How did music start for you?
I grew up in Ikorodu, and my major introduction to music was in the church, and the music my dad played when I was kid. That period in my life made me fall in love with music.
When did you start singing professionally, and how did you know music was the deal for you?
I would say when I dropped my first mixtape, ‘Playtime is over’ in 2020. That set things in motion for me and put me on the map as an artiste. But I have always been making music since I was about 14 years old, and I had always known music was what I wanted to do from then. Also, getting introduced to the piano in church when I was 11 made me understand music more, and the depth of it. I was fully in love and obsessed with music.
Can you share with us your relationship with Divizzion, PLATOON, Yalla Records?
I am currently not signed to any record label, these names are music distributors that I work with. I distributed my music with Divizzion during the first year of releasing my music, before moving on to Platoon, with whom I have been working to date. I have never worked with Yalla recordings, I think it is an error online or something. Divizzion and Platoon are the only music distributors I have worked with.
Your single ‘Live forever’ was a hit, what inspired the song?
Yes! A good night in Lagos. I imagined myself coming back from the club pumped and elated, cruising Third Mainland Bridge with no traffic at 2am, bliss!
What music genre are you comfortable with?
I am not comfortable with one genre, I am comfortable with music I like, music that resonates with my state of mind, and this can come in different genres. I think it’s more about the instrumentals, tempo, and melodies for me rather than genre. The mood of whatever song I am writing or recording makes me comfortable.
Aside from singing, what are your other hobbies?
I like to draw, I draw every day. I also like to play video games. I have my PS5 right in the studio with me. Whenever I’m done recording or I need a break, I just hop on Call of Duty.
What serves as your source of inspiration while making/composing music?
My life in general. The way I write songs is guided by the way I see the world. My influences and beliefs form the way I compose music because I am learning new things every day, it gives me a different perspective as times goes on and I grow older.
How do you handle attention from female fans?
Normally o. I like to be as welcoming and appreciative as much as I can, and I talk to my fans in DMs.
Which artiste in the industry do you intend to collaborate with?
I would really love to work with Burna Boy, Asake, and Rema.
Do you have any up coming project, and what can your fans look forward to?
Yes, I just put out an EP titled ‘KAY KAY’ not quite long. I’ve still got two more projects to give my people this year and I can’t wait till it’s out for everybody. My fans have always had my back from the very beginning and I am so grateful, it’s a marathon and it’s just getting started.
NB: This interview was originally published in The Independent Newspaper on 27th April, 2024
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