His music has transcended
beyond the shore of Nigeria, selling greatly in Europe and America. Gafaru Azeez
Omogbolahan a.k.a Oyama Azeez; having toiled and labored relentlessly has
really found his feet in the world of Fuji music. With many albums recorded
without seeing the light of the day, Oyama Azeez can now boast of being heard,
love and cherish amongst music lovers both at home and in the Diaspora.
My name is Gafaru Azeez
Omogbolahan a.k.a Oyama. Oyama as a name was given to me by an Ebira man that
was living in my neighborhood then. It simply means new thing.
Taking
up fuji music, how did the journey start?
Taking up fuji music
as a profession dated back to when I was very young. I put in all I had so that
I could be at par with those that were professionals then. I took it as a serious
business right from day one and that is why I am different from many out there.
Then, it used to be passion, that passion I had in music was what really drove
me into it.
At first; my parents never
wanted it because of different tales they have heard about musicians. I was
born in Mushin in Lagos. My parents had to relocate me back to my town in Ogun
state, Omu-Eleni just to dissuade me from singing. But when I got there; the
music in me grew stronger and the struggle continued.
When I came back to
Lagos, my mother had to follow me to a show, when she saw my performance she
was dazed and the orientation people have given her about musicians as regards the
use of drugs before going on stage and other vices made her detest the
profession. But that day she went with me, she discovered I wasn’t into any of
such and that was how I won her over and the necessary support a mother would
give a child, I got all from her.
Music
then and now, how would you rate the difference?
Joblessness has made
many take up music these days as a way out; and the result is what we are all
seeing now, too many junks out there, those that sing real music are few.
That is what makes the
difference between those that got involved in music right from childhood and
people who delved into it mid-way when there was no other means of survival.
Having started very
young, that’s what made me well vast in the profession and that has earned me
the title; Professor of fuji music because I am well loaded.
How many
albums do you have to your name?
Four albums; they are Quality time, Kick off, Real Fuji,
and now Fuji School of Music. That
is my latest album. The album has become a block buster, it is sold #2500 in
Nigeria; its special edition is sold £7 in London and $10 in America,
it is powered by Golden Egg entertainment.
Who are those you believed sat on your album that
made it not to see the light of the day?
The message in the
album is simple; I want people to know those that really know their onions when
it comes to music. Late Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister gave himself the name Fuji
creator. General Kollignton Ayinla was the first person that introduced Bata
drum to fuji music and he named it Bata Fuji.
In 2015, King Saheed
Osupa did testify and made commendable remarks about my innovation in his
album. For him to have made my innovation a reference point, this shows that I have
an impact as a stakeholder. In 2018, Saheed Osupa too came up with a name,
Hip-Fuji, this is a clear evidence that branding is necessary in every trade.
Who were your contemporaries in your growing up years?
I have got a whole lot of them, amongst them were, Oladele
Yonsiyo, Tope Osibanjo and Serito band, the leader of Serito band is known as
Owolemi. He is a good dancer, we always met at the final, and it used to be a
tug of war, because he would always contest my victory, He could dance well,
while I sing very well. I always won on the premise of my versatility in
singing. Amongst those I have mentioned, only Yonsiyo still sings, he is a
gospel Act now.
Many out there said, your album Fuji School of Music was another
means of causing controversy, how true is this?
On the contrary, that album was accepted by all. People in
Nigeria even far beyond appreciated it and it sold very well.
Having carved a niche for myself by creating an identity
with a name as Real Fuji creator, many have toed the line as well. The evidence
is there for all to see and I believe a lot is still coming and this would help
to distinguish individual’s brand of music.
Taking after someone in music, what is your take on this?
I believe so much in being real. Many then who were playing
King Sunny Ade style, where are they today? There were some who took after
Ebenezer Obey and many more. These great maestros are living legend, but those
copying their styles; where are they today. Realness in everything is the best
for any reasonable person. I have my style and it wasn’t gotten from anybody. I
am who I am and that’s what makes me different from many out there. I am
blessed with great lyrics that encompasses different flavor of music.
How far have you gone taking music beyond the shore of Nigeria?
Music has taken me out of
Nigeria and there are plans to do an oversea tour soon.
What are the gains so far?
I am always grateful to my fans; their love alone has kept
me going. Their words of encouragement and the great love they have for me is
something I consider as great blessings that is greater than material thing.
Any regrets so far?
I have got no regret; I am always contented with what God
has blessed me with. Also, I make sure I don’t get myself entangled in
controversy especially when fuji world was hot with issues of titles, I stood
firm with a great focus as regards my career.
Though there were periods when I felt bad, there was an
incident I would always remember, a fellow fuji act once instructed a security
personnel to throw me out of his stage, meanwhile I was there to appreciate him
with some cash. The security man later begged me and told me he acted on
instruction. I was injured and I wept that day for being maltreated by a fellow
musician.
My music is for all irrespective of age, status and gender.
Oyama music has
become a reference point. Our intention is to make fuji music generally
accepted irrespective of colour, this is what distinguishes me from others.
Your advice for the upcoming ones
All upcoming fuji Acts should remain focus on how to promote
their own brand. Have you ever seen MTN taking up the promotion of another
brand like GLO? This can never happen.
All Young artistes should forget about seeking for titles from senior
colleagues. This title of a thing was never done in good faith. No musician
will relegate his brand for another brands, everybody should seek for a better
means for himself.
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